The Rotary Club of Bonita Springs
Rotarians are a diverse group of business, professional, and civic leaders who take an active role in the communities they serve. Chartered in 1978, The Rotary Club of Bonita Springs has 97 members that continuously build upon our club’s rich history as the preeminent business networking and service organization in Bonita Springs. Our members support a number of local community and civic projects, as well as international projects that bring needed capital improvements to some of the most impoverished parts of the world.
Our club is composed of business, community and professional leaders reflecting a wide cross-section of our community. We Rotarians desire to improve the lives of those less fortunate, make the world a better place, and we are committed to fulfilling Rotary’s motto of “Service Above Self.” If you do business in the greater Bonita Springs area, our club offers you an opportunity to network with people who operate their business affairs on the highest level of integrity and ethics.
100% of all profits from this event will be provided to Rotary Charities and the Friends of Lovers Key State Park.
Friends of Lovers Key State Park
FOLKS is a non-profit citizen support organization (CSO) established to protect, preserve and support Lovers Key State Park.
We raise money to help the park, and volunteer time to repair fences, take out invasive plants, drive the tram, give lectures, work the gate and create podcasts.
We encourage you to join us in supporting our favorite state park. Get involved by becoming a member, volunteer or donor and bring your friends and family to our special events. Together, we can preserve our Florida coastal legacy and ensure that it is available for future generations.
FOLKS is a driver behind the new $5 1/2 million “Welcome and Discovery Center” whose construction, financing and furnishing were done with FOLKS and State Parks Department involvement. FOLKS will join the Park in manning the Center on a daily basis and is working with the Park on plans to hold classes and join with local K-12 schools as well as partnering with Florida Gulf Coast University with classes and research opportunities.
100% of all profits from this event will be provided to Rotary Charities and the Friends of Lovers Key State Park.
Lovers Key State Park
For years, Lovers Key was accessible only by boat and it was said that only lovers traveled to the island to enjoy its remote and solitary beach. Today, it is one of four barrier islands that make up this state park. A haven for wildlife, the islands and their waters are home to West Indian manatees, bottlenose dolphins, roseate spoonbills, marsh rabbits, and bald eagles. The two mile long beach is accessible by boardwalk or tram and is popular for shelling, swimming, picnicking and sunbathing. Black Island has over five miles of multiuse trails for hiking and bicycling. Anglers and boaters can launch their vessels from the park’s boat ramp. The park’s concession offers kayak tours, as well as bicycle, canoe, kayak, paddleboard, beach chair and umbrella rentals.
The Welcome Center at Lovers Key State Park
Friends of Lovers Key State Park and the Florida Park Service are have joined forces to build the first visitor center in a state park in over 20 years!
The Florida Park Service is constructing the Welcome & Discovery Center in the heart of Lovers Key State Park. Set on the banks of an inland waterway, the design pays homage to this beautiful backdrop, with columns designed to model mangrove roots, and glass walls that open to large observation decks. It is the perfect setting for listening to music, attending a lecture or to just enjoy the natural beauty of Lovers Key State Park.
Friends of Lovers Key has spent several years designing an interior space that befits the State of Florida’s iconic building. Support from Rotary will help to furnish the facility with tables, chairs, A/C, exhibits and more.
This space will include:
An Exhibition Hall
- State-of-the-art interactive environmental exhibit designed by Split Rock Studios of Minnesota.
- Bookstore
- Ranger Station
A 1500 square foot community room with:
- Flex space for classroom & meeting activities, lectures or community events.
- Catering kitchen
- Cabinetry for classroom and lab equipment
- Mobile exhibit walls
- The latest audio and video presentation technology
- Teleconferencing equipment.
Construction progress on the Welcome & Discovery Center at Lovers Key State Park, Fort Myers Beach.
