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Welcome to our boardroom

Scroll below to meet our board members as well as view our current agenda 

Our board members

Derrick Botana

President

Jacque James

Vice President

Chris Griffith

2nd Vice President

Randi Newbery

Treasurer

Mike Long

Secretary

Ashley Piper

Director

Suzanne Masters

Director

Carol Leone

Director

Bob Newbery

Director

Carla Worth

Director

Elizabeth Gores    Director

Barbara Bachman    Director

Jerry Sanford

Director

Current Agenda

Latest Board of Directors meeting took place on July 29th, 2024. Last updated 09/013/2024​​

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All board meetings are scheduled on the last Monday of the month.  

Public comments:

  • No public comments were made. 

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General Meeting​:

Preservation Efforts for Bonita Springs Elementary School:

  • Dr. Adam Molly (Lee County School District), Derrick Botana (Chairman, Bonita Springs Historical Society), and Alan Glazier (Chairman, COBS Preservation Board) met on May 23rd and June 12th to discuss collaborative solutions for preserving at-risk buildings.

  • Following acknowledgment of its historic significance, Dr. Malloy presented the school district's plan to assess restoration costs for buildings one and two. A report is expected soon.

  • Future meetings will focus on strategies to preserve the heritage, architecture, and community spirit of Bonita Springs Elementary School.

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Best of Bonita Springs Cookbook:

  • Our Best of Bonita Springs Cookbook is complete. We'd like to thank the following sponsors for their incredible support: Jacque James Interiors, Garage Lifestyle & Closets, The Griffith Group Downing Frye Realty, Bay Water Boat Club, Wintrust Banking Center,  Finemark National Bank & Trust, Coconut Jacks Waterfront Grille, Restore Health Center, TLC Marketing & Creative Services, Rooftop at Riverside, as well as our supporting members Col. USAF Retired Jack & Mrs. Barbara Spitler. Thanks also to Local artist Lynne Raimondo for contributing two of her artwork for both the front and back covers.

 

McSwain Home:

  • McSwain Home's interior is currently being redesigned, with a strong focus on highlighting exhibit pieces from Bonita Springs' past. 

 

Events:

  • We are partnering with a local artist to introduce Art Classes in the Garden. Schedule will be released via our social media and newsletter. 

  • A proposal to partner with a local fitness coach to introduce Fitness Classes under the Chickee Hut was introduced. More information is pending.

  • Local restaurant, Bonita Balloon will start hosting regular Bingo Nights, with a portion of the proceeds benefiting the society. 

  • The "Unveiling the History of Bonita Springs" event in collaboration with Hodges Life Celebration Center, scheduled for October (date TBD), will highlight the rich history of Bonita Springs. The celebration center will feature exhibits covering various periods, from the region's Native American heritage through the town's founding and into contemporary times.

  • Members’ appreciation 4th of July Parade viewing picnic begins at 9:00 AM on July 4th, with grilling starting at 10:15 AM.

 

Mayor of Survey:

  • The Mayor of Survey terms will be updated. This fundraiser will start in July. Candidates will present their campaigns at the "Unveiling Bonita Springs’ History" event in October, with the next mayor announced during the Gala on November 15th.

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Become a member, help support our local history 

The Bonita Springs Historical Society was formed in 1984 by a small and dedicated group of individuals who shared an interest in discovering and preserving the unique heritage of the area. The Society strives to build enthusiasm about Bonita Springs, and to share historical knowledge with the community. 

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