Priority Marketing’s September 2026 Client Headlines Report recaps news stories you should read, watch or hear before the month ends.
Each month, the firm’s award-winning Public Relations Team combs through hundreds of local, national and international news headlines featuring stories about clients. This includes newspapers, magazines, television, radio, blogs, social media and websites.
Our Client Headlines Report below summarizes some of the many important stories that were published or aired in September 2026.
BOOKMARK IT: Client News Feed
Nonprofit to expand services into Lee County
Expanding on its 44-year history of providing compassionate, not-for-profit care, Avow is expanding its presence in Lee County to make high-quality hospice, palliative care, home health, and grief and loss support more accessible to the growing community. Avow acquired property in Hope Preserve to build a 40,000-square-foot facility that will expand services for patients and families in Fort Myers.
Business Observer: Naples Hospice buys Fort Myers property for $3.3M, plans new facility
Greater Fort Myers Chamber of Commerce: Avow expands the future of health care in Southwest Florida with strategic property acquisition in Lee County
Gulfshore Business: Avow buys south Fort Myers commercial site for $3.3M
Florida Weekly: Naples-based Avow hospice expands into Lee County
Food bank steps up during Hunger Action Month
September is Hunger Action Month, a time to shine a light on an issue that affects one in seven people across Southwest Florida, including one in seven children. Harry Chapin Food Bank, the region’s largest hunger-relief organization and only Feeding America partner, launched a campaign to educate the community about a variety of issues related to hunger, including the cost of food, importance of nutrition and opportunities to help neighbors experiencing hunger.
Florida Weekly: Hunger action month: Meeting today’s need, preparing for tomorrow
Lake Okeechobee News: Suncoast Credit Union announces $25,000 Hunger Action Month match for HCFB
The News-Press: One in seven people experience food insecurity
Vitamin Rush: Nutrition matters when buying, donating food
Naples Daily News: Hunger should not put SWFL residents into debt
The Cool Down: Florida grocery bills are pushing more families into credit card debt
What was that roar offshore?
The last time high-speed offshore powerboat racing came to Southwest Florida, Margaritaville Beach Resort Fort Myers Beach was just a construction site. Four years and multiple hurricanes later, and ROAR Offshore came racing back to Fort Myers Beach with Margaritaville as the title sponsor. Priority Marketing teamed with the resort and race organizers to boost publicity before, during and after the event, further solidifying Margaritaville’s reputation as the best spot on Fort Myers Beach for locals to watch boat races, parades and fireworks as well as enjoy spectacular sunset dinners and drinks.
WINK: Roar Offshore speedboat races return to Fort Myers Beach for first time since Hurricane Ian
Gulf Coast News: Fans pack Margaritaville as Roar Offshore roars back to Fort Myers Beach in free weekend
The News-Press: ROAR Offshore: What to know about this week’s free boat races
Fort Myers Beach Bulletin: ROAR Offshore powerboat races returning this weekend to Fort Myers Beach
WINK: Roar Offshore returns to Fort Myers Beach for first time since Hurricane Ian
Gulf Coast News: Roar Offshore returns to Fort Myers Beach, drawing crowds and boosting local businesses
Pooch on the loose finds forever home
A viral video of a stray dog leading Naples Airport Authority workers on a chase across the airfield – some on foot, some in golf carts and some in vehicles – ended with the pooch finding its forever home. After airport staff corralled the pup, he was taken to Collier County Domestic Animal Services. Shortly after its two-day hold ended, he was adopted by a couple who saw the video. His new name? Jet!
Gulf Coast News: Naples Airport workers wrangle stray dog running loose on the tarmac
Gulf Coast News: Dog seen running on Naples Airport tarmac adopted by local family
WFLA: Viral Naples Airport tarmac dog adopted by local family
Legacy funds protect arts and animals in SWFL
Collaboratory and its donors made a strategic investment into the future of arts and animal care in Southwest Florida through a field-of-interest grant program that is helping fund the missions of 14 purpose-driven organizations. A set of generous donors specified a desire to fund programs supporting two causes that fall outside Collaboratory’s three priorities, forming the foundation for the Arts and Animals Grants.
Lake Okeechobee News: Collaboratory announces recipients of ‘Arts and Animals’ grants
Gulfshore Business: Collaboratory awards $90K to 14 SWFL nonprofits
North Fort Myers Neighbor: Collaboratory awards grants to Cape animal shelter, others
Tunnel to Towers to touching tributes
The 25th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks brought reflections around the nation and world. Here in Southwest Florida, one event is emerging as the region’s primary Sept. 11 remembrance – the Tunnel to Towers 5K Run & Walk, which supports our nation’s fallen and catastrophically injured first responders, military heroes and their families. The 2026 event chair was Taylor Carpet One’s Lauren Taylor, who presided over a record-setting event that attracted 1,000+ participants and raised $75,000 to benefit the Tunnel to Towers Foundation.
The News-Press: 9/11: We must never forget
Florida Weekly: ‘Never forget’ – Ceremonies mark 25 years since 9/11
Southwest Florida Family: Support First Responders and Military Heroes at the Tunnel to Towers 5K on September 6
Gulfshore Business: Tunnels to Towers 5K Run & Walk to commemorate 25th anniversary of 9/11
Awards and honors: Client recognitions
Priority Marketing helps clients share the good news when they win awards, accolades or have other exciting updates to share. Below are recent items that caught our PR team’s attention:
- Gulfshore Business announced its 40 Under 40 list of the top rising leaders in Southwest Florida, spotlight talented professionals at four clients: Justin Lobb, deputy executive director at Naples Airport Authority; Brad Nickel, president and owner at Benchmark General Contractors; Brad Konert Jr., founder and president at Gamma Tech Services; and Nelson Taylor, vice president of market research at LSI Companies.
- Damien Neff, line service supervisor at Naples Airport Authority, completed the U.S. Airport Professional program through Airports Council International-North America.
New faces in new places: Promotions and appointments
Priority Marketing congratulates individuals who were recently hired, promoted or awarded additional responsibilities by its client partners, including:
- Benchmark General Contractors promoted Doug Hrabik from senior project manager to vice president of operations.
- Drake Ready Mix has hired David Berberich as its new sales manager and Matthew Harvey as its new account manager.
- Child Care of Southwest Florida promoted Kimberly Molloy to assistant director of child care operations.
- Florida Trust Wealth Management added Megan Neace to its Naples team as vice president and trust officer.
- Stevens Construction named Brian Cassell as the company’s chief financial officer.
Do you need an experienced team of industry leaders to help tell your story? Please give us a call today at 239-267-2638 or send an email to Info@PriorityMarketing.com.
