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The Conservancy was a key player in the Deltona Corporation settlement with federal and state agencies in 1981. Under the agreement, Deltona relinquished its development rights to 15,000 acres of pristine mangrove wetlands south of Naples and surrounding Marco Island. In return, the company was provided the right to concentrate density in less environmentally sensitive areas.

Brown has nearly 30 years of local real estate experience, specializing in residential development sales and rentals. Prior to joining Fiddler’s Creek, he was Managing Broker for VIP Realty Group, Inc., and Miromar Realty of Southwest Florida. Originally from Fort Wayne, Indiana, Brown attended Ball State University and has earned several professional designations, including the CRB, CRS, ABR, RSPS, CIPS and GRI.

Brown is a Past President of the Naples Area Board of Realtors (NABOR). He has served on most of NABOR’s committees, including Governmental Issues, RPAC, Leadership Development, Functions and Community Development. Brown was a graduate of the first Leadership Development Class in 2004 and served on the Board of Directors from 2007 through 2009. He also is a multiple year member of the NABOR Honor Society.

The South Florida division of D.R. Horton, Inc., America’s Builder plans to initiate construction on the sites soon in the Veneta section of Fiddler’s Creek. The purchase represents the company’s entrance into the community.

“We are delighted to welcome such a well-known and well-respected national homebuilder to Fiddler’s Creek,” said Aubrey J. Ferrao, President and CEO of Fiddler’s Creek, LLC. “The homes to be constructed by D.R. Horton will complement the residential offerings currently available and will provide buyers with a high-quality product in a distinctive neighborhood.”

An anonymous friend or colleague from the Naples Chamber volunteered Mary Jane a.k.a “MJ” to be placed “behind bars” to raise money for Jerry’s Kids. Not knowing who volunteered her, MJ’s decision was not only an easy one when asked to help raise money for the kids in the community, but an honor as well. The tricky part was getting the donations, especially since things are still tight for most people and asking for money from others is not her forte.

Well after sending out emails to family, friends and neighbors and putting the information on facebook, she had this great idea. Maybe her coworkers at Fiddler’s Creek and Fiddler’s Creek homeowners would like to help — all the while not being too pushy. So emails were sent and guess what? Yes, some even made a donation! In a few days MJ was going to get picked up by the local authorities and brought to “Lock Up” at Naples Grande. Will she make bail?

It’s 10:30am on July 13th and she is ready for pickup. Fiddler’s Creek employees gather to say farewell in hopes she makes bail and returns to work. Collier County Deputy John Lambley arrives and proceeds to place handcuffs on the “jailbird” as he gets ready to transport MJ to lockup. Upon arrival she gets dressed in the traditional stripes and a mug shot is taken.

Now it’s the moment of truth as all the jailbirds are calling and emailing everyone they can think of to help bail them out. With the “behind bars” photo on MJ’s iPhone, she starts sending it to people hoping to get more donations. More calls were made in an attempt to raise a few more dollars.

At the event was Dalton, a teenager in the community who lives with the challenges of MD. He is one of the kids who will benefit from everyone’s hard work. His mom, Ginger with all her family’s challenges appears upbeat and smiles as her photo was taken with her son and Patrick Nolan of Fox News.

After a few hours, MJ was able to get a few more donations which got her over her personal goal of raising $1000. With the help of friends, coworkers from The Club & Spa at Fiddler’s Creek, Gulf Bay, The Golf Club, The Tarpon Club, The Tarpon Club Marina, Marco Beach Ocean Resort and Fiddler’s Creek homeowners, her goal was accomplished! What a great feeling. Now it was time to get back to work. The ride back to Fiddler’s Creek was quite comfortable in the limousine. Not a bad way to end the day.

By the time MJ left the event, Jerry’s Kids / MDA had raised over $161,000, exceeding their goal of $150,000. Now it’s MJ’s turn to nominate potential jailbirds for next year!

Although MJ is no longer in lockup, donations for Jerry’s Kids are still being accepted through August by visiting https://www.joinmda.org/naplestelu2011/chappymj

Jim began speaking with his usual humorous tone and then continued with the seriousness of potential hurricanes to our area. “Water temperatures are warmer than average this summer indicating the potential for hurricanes… a busier than average season is expected with 11 anticipated storms,” says Jim.

“If there is a mandatory evacuation, the big question is, will you stay or will you leave? A decision you won’t want to make at the last minute. If you stay, you are on your own. Authorities are not obligated to help you, meaning they may not respond to a 911 call. If you seek shelter, remember space may be restrictive so calling a friend or staying at a hotel may be your best option. Pets are also a consideration wherever you choose to go. Just remember, don’t seek shelter in an area where the hurricane may move towards. You may end up evacuating from that area as well,” another consideration Jim points out.

What would happen if a hurricane did hit landfall in Naples or somewhere in Southwest Florida? “A storm surge would be the concern,” according to Jim. “So are we going to get hit,” a homeowner asks? Jim replies, “I don’t know, but a storm surge would be greater in our area than the Eastcoast because the Gulf water is much shallower here.” “The good news is that Florida has the best building code for wind,” continued Jim.

Being prepared, whether you are asked to evacuate or not, your family’s safety should be your number one priority. If you don’t have to evacuate, you still need to be prepared in case there is a power outage. Storms and hurricanes…. something you accept when choosing to live in beautiful Southwest Florida.

Following the presentation, homeowners were given the opportunity to ask questions.

On Tuesday mornings, Fiddler’s Creek homeowners can join the fun on the “Ride to Riches” bus trip to the Seminole Casino in Immokalee departing bright and early at 8:30am and returning at 3:15pm.

The “Dine Around” events in the summer are a hit with Fiddler’s Creek residents. A few of the restaurants residents will be exploring include Le Lafayette in the Third Street South District, M Waterfront Grille on Venetian Bay and Café Lurcat located on 5th Ave.

This summer a “Summer Cooking Class and Tasting” has been added to the mix, where Chef Eric and his team guide you through the preparations of several summertime favorites. Attendees need to bring their appetites as there will be plenty of food!

Jewelry making has become a popular art and craft with Fiddler’s Creek homeowners as they create their very own one-of-a-kind piece including a Lotus Necklaces using glass Japanese Seed beads in a variety of colors along with silver charm beads in various shapes accented with Swarovski Crystals.

Another new event this summer is the “Movie Day and Lunch at Mercato”. The first of this classic combo includes lunch at McCormick’s & Schmick’s followed by the hit movie hit “Larry Crowne” at the Silverspot Cinema at Mercato. “Crazy, Stupid, Love” starring Steve Carell and Julianne Moore will be the next movie on the list to see later in the summer.

What would the summer be without a few special nights at Caxambas? Starting with a Fiddler’s Creek homeowner favorite “Wine Tasting at Caxambas” then shortly thereafter with “Bring Your Own Wine” night. Later in the summer you can witness Fiddler’s Creek bartenders concoct an assortment of refreshing summer cocktails.

Discover the Naples Botanical Gardens with a guided tour of the Lea Asian Garden and the Scott Florida Garden and learn all about the creation, vision and design of the gardens. Shortly after the tour, lunch will be served at Bone Fish Grille.

And finally let’s not forget shopping at the Waterfront on Venetian Bay after a fabulous lunch at Bayside Seafood Grille & Bar. After a great meal, what could be better than shopping to burn off a few calories?

Before you know it, the summer is over and season arrives. The 2011-2012 Club event calendars have been completed so Fiddler’s Creek residents can begin planning for another exciting season!