Priority Marketing’s monthly Client Headlines Report recaps news stories that you should read, watch or hear before the month ends. Here is a look back at some of the top stories of 2024.
The firm’s award-winning Public Relations Team helps clients and partners earn media coverage in newspapers and magazines, on television and radio, and on blogs, social media and websites. At the end of each month, the PR Team combs through hundreds of local, national and international news headlines to create its informative Client Headlines Report.
Below are just some of the many important stories that were published or aired in 2024.
BOOKMARK IT: Client News Feed
January 2024
Chico’s hosted a grand reopening celebration for its original location at Periwinkle Place on Sanibel Island. The brand’s iconic original store was severely damaged by Hurricane Ian in September 2022, and its reopening provided a jolt of economic confidence as the island continues its recovery.
Also in the news: Tim and Demi-Leigh Tebow were announced as keynote speakers for the Southwest Florida Community Prayer Breakfast.
READ MORE: January Client Headlines Report
February 2024
Margaritaville Beach Resort Fort Myers Beach made a splash by opening its Fins Up! Beach Club to hotel guests and the public. The action-packed oasis features a 15,000-square-foot lagoon pool surrounded by chaise lounge chairs and private cabanas, all overlooking the Gulf of Mexico with direct access to the beach.
Also in the news: Habitat for Humanity of Lee and Hendry Counties reopened its North Fort Myers ReStore following extensive renovations after Hurricane Ian.
READ MORE: February Client Headlines Report
March 2024
A sold-out crowd of 1,200+ attendees at the 2024 Market Trends event heard the latest news and statistics from the region’s leading voices in real estate. The trio of Justin Thibaut, Denny Grimes and Matt Simmons provided updates on data, research and fact-based analysis to help homeowners, homebuyers, real estate professionals and Southwest Florida understand the latest trends in the real estate market.
Also in the news: The owners of the iconic Island Cow and Mad Hatter restaurants opened The Magic Bus Ice Cream and Caffeine on Sanibel Island.
READ MORE: March Client Headlines Report
April 2024
Texas-based theater chain Alamo Drafthouse Cinema opened its first Florida location, Alamo Drafthouse Cinema Naples. The venue also includes Alamo’s first mini golf course with the opening of HappyLand Movie Miniature Golf.
Also in the news: The City of Bonita Springs approved a renewable public-private partnership operating agreement for the historic Wonder Gardens.
READ MORE: April Client Headlines Report
May 2024
Downtown Fort Myers welcomed a new destination for live entertainment, craft beers, artisan beverages and food trucks. Bay Street Yard is a casual, yet upscale, outdoor entertainment venue with seating for over 300 people, two full-service bars and three unique food truck concepts serving up tailored menu options.
Also in the news: Lee BIA Builders Care, Stevens Construction and additional partners demolished and rebuilt a home for a deserving family in just 48 days.
READ MORE: May Client Headlines Report
June 2024
United Way of Lee, Hendry, and Glades met its $11 million annual campaign goal, marking the 31st consecutive year that supporters have rallied to support United Way and its partner agencies. This year’s superhero-themed campaign – Uniting Heroes, Inspiring Hope – raised money through pledges from employees of local pacesetter companies, businesses and generous individuals.
Also in the news: Lee County Government launched a campaign reminding homeowners and landscapers to stop fertilizing from June 1 through Sept. 30 to protect our waterways.
READ MORE: June Client Headlines Report
July 2024
810 Billiards & Bowling opened in Estero and offers bowling, billiards, sports simulators, darts, axe throwing and arcade games. Its menu includes appetizers, chicken wings and tenders, burgers, sandwiches, nachos, pizza, salads and sides. The location also features Mean Mugs Milkshake Bar.
Also in the news: Warrior Homes of Collier received a $500,000 anonymous donation, the largest single contribution in its history, to provide supportive housing for local veterans.
READ MORE: July Client Headlines Report
August 2024
Immokalee Fair Housing Alliance marked completion of its first affordable apartment building with a community-wide Move-in Celebration. Project and community leaders delivered poignant remarks before families and future residents toured the new building, which includes 16 two- and three-bedroom units. Seven more apartment buildings are in the planning stages.
Also in the news: A collaborative community partnership between The School District of Lee County, the Early Learning Coalition of Southwest Florida and Child Care of Southwest Florida brought a new state-of-the-art learning center to Lehigh Acres.
READ MORE: August Client Headlines Report
September 2024
Lee Health Foundation’s signature Clips for Cancer shaving event highlighted a monthlong recognition of Childhood Cancer Awareness Month across Southwest Florida. Fundraising events included restaurants, attractions, breweries, fitness centers and other businesses partnering to raise money for Barbara’s Friends – Golisano Children’s Hospital’s cancer fund.
Also in the news: Collier County’s inaugural Emergency Readiness Summit equipped residents with critically important information and supplies to better prepare for natural emergencies.
READ MORE: September Client Headlines Report
October 2024
Priority Marketing clients sprang into action after hurricanes Helene and Milton to support the community. Among those jumping up to help were United Way of Lee, Hendry, and Glades, Better Together, Sunshine Ace Hardware, Artichoke & Company, Premier Mobile Health Services, Sage Communities and more.
Also in the news: The Horizon Foundation hosted the 2024 Industry Appreciation Awards, which honored three Priority Marketing clients as winners (LSI Companies, MY Shower Door and Drake Ready Mix) and two as finalists (Custom Packaging & Products and D3 Glass).
READ MORE: October Client Headlines Report
November 2024
The season of giving kicked off in a big way for a multitude of clients, including Lee Health and Lee Health Foundation, Warrior Homes of Collier, Immokalee Fair Housing Alliance, Conservancy of Southwest Florida, Premier Mobile Health Serviceds, Community Cooperative, Boys & Girls Clubs of Lee County, Housing Authority of the City of Fort Myers and The Heights Foundation, courtesy of Edison National Bank.
Also in the news: Sizzle Dining announced a record fundraising total of $62,529 to support Blessings in a Backpack of Southwest Florida.
READ MORE: November Client Headlines Report
December 2024
Southwest Florida Proton took a giant step in its development with the delivery and initial installation of its IBA ProteusONE, widely considered the best proton therapy machine in the world. Once it’s fully operational in nine to 12 months, the center will provide lifesaving treatment to 30-40 cancer patients every day. In the meantime, Advocate Radiation Oncology and Lee Health have opened locations inside the building.
Gulfshore Business: Cancer-treating machinery arrives at Southwest Florida Proton in Lee County
FOX4: New cancer-fighting proton machine arrives in Fort Myers
WINK: New cancer fighting machinery arrives at Southwest Florida Proton
WGCU: Proton therapy machine arrives in Southwest Florida
The News-Press: Massive cancer-fighting machine is installed; becomes first proton therapy center on Florida’s west coast
Florida Trend: New cancer-fighting proton machine arrives in Fort Myers
WINK: Top 5 influential medical stories of 2024
Gulfshore Business: Cutting-edge cancer treatment coming to SWFL
Also in the news: Multiple clients earned awards and accolades, including these honors:
- The Community Foundation in Cape Coral announced its annual ENPY Awards (Excellence in Nonprofit Performance Yearly Awards). Client winners and finalists included:
- Nonprofit Executive of the Year: Nadine Singh from Premier Mobile Health Services, Jamie Ulmer from Healthcare Network, Marcia Davis from The Housing Authority of the City of Fort Myers
- Nonprofit Organization of the Year: Conservancy of Southwest Florida and Lee County Legal Aid Society
- Nonprofit Employee of the Year: Vanessa Estrada from Better Together
- Volunteer of the Year: Herman Kaufman from Warrior Homes of Collier
- Nonprofit Publicity Award: Ryan Uhler from Harry Chapin Food Bank
- Joe Smith, general manager and COO at Countryside Golf & Country Club, earned the Certified Club Manager designation by the Club Management Association of America.
- Del Mar in Naples was recognized by Open Table for having the Best Ambiance in Naples through its Diners’ Choice Award.
- Carolyn “Cat” Tieger, vice chair for Harry Chapin Food Bank’s Board of Directors, was recognized by the Women’s Foundation of Collier County as a Women Rock Philanthropy honoree.
Do you need a Public Relations Team to help tell your story? Please give us a call today at 239-267-2638 or send an email to LetsTalk@PriorityMarketing.com.
