Fresh off the drawing board, the next phase of Wonder Gardens in Bonita Springs. Dr. Wendy Arsenault, a semi-retired veterinary cardiologist, says she’s excited to help plan improvements and enhancements as chairperson of the board of directors.

Arsenault has served on the nonprofit Wonder Gardens’ board since November 2022 before becoming chairperson early this year to help negotiate a public-private partnership operating agreement with the City of Bonita Springs that was approved in April.

“I wanted to do anything I could to move the partnership forward,” she said. “I’m glad I could be a part of that, and now we have a clear path for the future.”

The agreement helped pave the way for the next phase of improvements and fundraising for Wonder Gardens through its master plan. The plan includes fundraising and building a new Animal Care Center that will help with accreditation with the Association of Zoos & Aquariums. Other plans include an elevated canopy, an event building, amphitheater, discovery zone, enhanced alligator exhibit and more. A long-planned otter exhibit is hoped to be completed later this year.

Arsenault moved to Bonita Springs from upstate New York about 20 years ago. She established Southwest Florida Veterinary Specialists in Bonita Springs, a practice she ran from 2003-2019. Arsenault is also a member of the Rotary Club of Bonita Springs, where she serves on the board.

Other volunteer members of the Wonder Gardens board of directors include Eileen Tasso, secretary; Larry Vars, treasurer; Donna M. Flammang, immediate past president; Diane Ewing, Dr. Damien Lin, VMD; Angela Swanepoel; Dr. Alan White and Marjo White.

For more information about the master plan and how to support it, visit wondergardens.org/strategic-and-master-plans/.

The Hub at SWFL Inc. opens

SWFL Inc. recently announced that their new workspace, The Hub is now open.

But it’s more than just a workspace, the developers say, “it is a vibrant community dedicated to supporting, promoting, and protecting businesses across Lee, Collier and Charlotte counties.”

The public is invited to the new office, located at 20041 South Tamiami Trail, Unit #3, Estero. It’s open to the public between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., Monday through Thursday.

“If you are looking for a space to host your next meeting, workshop or presentation, The Hub is available for full-day rental at a cost of $250. Those interested in using our coworking space should check our online calendar in advance to ensure the Hub is not closed for a private event or room rental.”

More at swflinc.com.

Harry Chapin Food Bank named ‘Business of the Quarter’

Harry Chapin Food Bank, the largest food bank in Southwest Florida, has been named the “Business of the Quarter” by the Greater Naples Chamber and the Collier Board of County Commissioners.

The award recognizes organizations that enhance Collier County through financial, volunteer and active involvement in the community and assist in creating a better quality of life for all citizens. Harry Chapin Food Bank CEO Richard LeBer accepted the award during the June 11 Collier Board of County Commissioners meeting.

“We are deeply honored to be recognized by the Greater Naples Chamber and the Collier Board of County Commissioners,” said LeBer. “As the largest hunger relief organization in Southwest Florida, we are committed to working with community partners to ensure that no one in Collier County goes hungry. This recognition is not only an important opportunity to increase awareness about Harry Chapin Food Bank’s work in Collier County, but also a chance to inform more community members about the work the food bank does to end hunger throughout Southwest Florida.”

Harry Chapin Food Bank has been serving Collier County community members for more than 30 years. In 2023, the food bank distributed nearly 12 million pounds of food in Collier County.

Audubon Florida releases ‘State of the Everglades’

Twice each year, Audubon Florida Everglades, creates a report on “restoration, research, and policy issues” impacting the River of Grass.

“We are celebrating successes,” said Kelly Cox, Esq., director of Everglades policy. “New projects are in line for congressional authorization this year, including the critically important Western Everglades Restoration Project.”

Cox explains that historic levels of funding continue to pour in from the state and federal government to support restoration work. Additionally, a new national wildlife refuge unit will connect four million acres of habitat across the Everglades footprint and ground has been broken on the Everglades Agricultural Area Stormwater Treatment Area.

“The ecosystem is responding. Our iconic American Flamingos blown in from Hurricane Idalia in 2023 continue to remain in Everglades National Park thanks to available forage and quality habitat—a bright pink indicator of the success of our Everglades conservation efforts.”

Topics in the report include:

• Storage Solutions North of Lake Okeechobee Needed to Reduce Discharges

• New Everglades to Gulf Conservation Area Will Stretch Across Four Million Acres

• Audubon Celebrates EAA Stormwater Treatment Area Ribbon-cutting

• What to Know about Cape Sable Seaside Sparrows

• Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary Celebrates 70 Years by Looking Back and Preparing for the Next 70

• State of the Slough

• More than 100 Flamingos Counted in February Florida Census

• Wood Stork Update

• Everglades Coalition Conference Features Audubon Science and Policy Leadership

• Audubon Leads Big Cypress Basin Tour

• State Budget Delivers High Levels of Funding for Everglades

You can find out more at fl.audubon.org. Download a copy of the report at https://url.us.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/o7mUCZ6G2ViQBymB2Sz9wu1?domain=fl.audubon.org.

Naples Trust Company Celebrates 15 Years

Billie Ann Porter, president of The Naples Trust Company recently announced they are celebrating the company’s 15th anniversary serving the Naples-Marco Island and Bonita Springs communities.

Naples Trust, a division of The Sanibel Captiva Trust Company, opened its doors in June 2009.

“Our entire team is very grateful for the confidence our clients, professional advisors and community organizations have demonstrated through the close relationships we’ve formed and the work we’ve accomplished together over these last 15 years,” said Porter. “We have exciting plans ahead. It has been our honor to serve this community and we will continue to do so for years to come.”

Naples Trust helps families and business owners throughout the sale of their businesses and works with multiple generations of family members on their financial planning and wealth transfer strategies. They also partner with local professionals for the benefit of their clients and support the community through sponsorship and engagement.

More Now You Know: Estero’s response to FEMA, Sunshine Ace block party; Bonita’s Fourth plans

And ‘With a heavy heart’: Iconic waterfront Fort Myers Beach bar and restaurant for sale

This article originally appeared on Naples Daily News: Now You Know: Wonder Gardens, the next phase