The Fort Myers housing market is shifting as home prices decline and sales pick up, driven by an oversupply of homes and condos. FortMyersAgent.com offers real-time access to more than 17,000 listings across Fort Myers and neighboring areas, providing buyers with insight into this changing landscape.

Market Trends and Pricing

• After a decade of steady price increases, including a pandemic-fueled double-digit surge, Fort Myers is experiencing a notable price correction.

• Home sales surged nearly 50% from February to April, marking two consecutive months of growth.

• The median home price dropped from a peak of $359,500 in October 2022 to $339,000 in April 2025.

• Fort Myers Beach saw some homes sell at 40-50% below original asking prices.

Condo Market Insights

• South Florida’s condo market remains challenged, offering a unique opportunity for buyers despite higher association fees.

• Potential buyers should research condo fees and market conditions carefully; FortMyersAgent.com provides updated news and analysis on this segment.

Factors Impacting the Market

• Historic low mortgage rates during the pandemic fueled demand, but rising inflation and Federal Reserve rate hikes pushed mortgage costs to 20-year highs.

• Recently stabilized mortgage rates are improving buyer purchasing power and encouraging renewed interest.

• Fort Myers continues to attract new residents, including resort and vacation buyers drawn to its scenic waterfronts and growing local economy.

Resources for Buyers and Sellers

• FortMyersAgent.com updates listings hourly, covering Fort Myers, Fort Myers Beach, Cape Coral, North Fort Myers, and Naples.

• The site also publishes a monthly newsletter with the latest real estate market news and trends.

Berklee Online will host its annual Berklee Onsite conference on May 30–31, 2025, at the Berklee College of Music campus in Boston. This two-day event invites students and music professionals to engage in workshops, panels, performances, and networking opportunities focused on various music industry disciplines.

Conference Overview and Keynote

• Opening keynote by Kamilah Marshall, 2024 Berklee Online graduate, singer-songwriter, Broadway star, and Taylor Swift’s longtime backing vocalist and dancer.

• The conference strengthens the Berklee community, fostering lasting connections among students, faculty, and industry professionals worldwide.

Growth and Participation

• Past events attracted hundreds of attendees from nearly 30 countries and 40 U.S. states.

• Originally designed for Berklee Online students to meet instructors and advisors in person.

• Now open to all music enthusiasts, professionals, and educators.

Featured Sessions and Workshops

• The Art and Practice of Playback with Timo Preece, sound designer for Ariana Grande and Charli XCX.
  Explores playback’s role in live music production, combining technology and performance.

• The Billboard Hot 100 Is Your Toolbox with Prince Charles Alexander, recording engineer for artists like Mary J. Blige and Destiny’s Child.
  Analyzes evolving music production styles through Hot 100 hits.

• The F Word (Feminism): Sex & Equity in Songwriting with Valerie Orth, songwriter and Warner Chappell Music Publishing artist.
  Interactive workshop exploring feminism’s influence on songwriting and self-expression.

Registration and Additional Information

• Registration remains open until May 30, the conference’s first day.

• Visit www.berkleeonsite.com for session details and to register.

Maine Media College, a leader in visual and media arts education, has posthumously honored renowned photographer Paul Caponigro with its 2025 Visionary Award. The award recognizes his extraordinary contributions to photography and the evolution of Maine Media College’s artistic community.

Highlights of the 2025 Visionary Award

• Award Recipient: Paul Caponigro, acclaimed photographer known for ethereal imagery of nature and ancient sites.

• Posthumous Recognition: Award will be accepted by his son, John Paul Caponigro.

• Legacy Impact: Celebrates Paul’s profound influence on photography and Maine Media since its inception.

Paul Caponigro’s Artistic Journey

• Began as a young artist blending photography and music.

• Known for work reflecting rhythm, harmony, light, form, and spiritual depth.

• Passed away on November 10, 2024, at age 91.

Event Details

• Exhibit: Paul Caponigro’s work on display at Haas Gallery, Maine Media campus (Sept 12–Nov 30, 2025).

• Reception: September 18, 5–6 PM.

• Public Celebration: September 19 at Union Hall, Rockport, ME.

• Visionary Awards Dinner: September 20 at Primo Restaurant, Rockland, ME, featuring the award presentation and Arnold Newman Prize announcement.

Quotes from Maine Media Leadership

• Michael Mansfield, Maine Media President:
  "Paul was a towering figure here at Maine Media... His presence will be felt for generations to come."

• Kari Wehrs, Photography Program Chair:
  "Paul’s photographs invite us to worlds within worlds... a profound emotional and intellectual journey."

Visionary Award

• Established in 2019 to honor extraordinary contributions to visual, media, and literary arts.

• Past recipients include Joyce Tenneson (2019), Teju Cole (2021), and Cig Harvey (2023).

For more information on the Visionary Award, sponsorships, and tickets, contact Beth Storey at bstorey@mainemedia.edu.

Fresh Technology, creator of Fresh KDS, has launched "On The Fly," a mobile app that provides restaurant operators with a real-time kitchen score using actual KDS performance data. Debuting at the National Restaurant Association Show in Chicago, this innovative app aims to transform how kitchens monitor and improve operational efficiency.

Features of "On The Fly"

• Real-Time Kitchen Score: Tracks speed of service, consistency, and kitchen activity to generate a clear, dynamic performance score.

• Accessible Data: Moves crucial kitchen insights from complex dashboards and spreadsheets directly to operators' mobile devices.

• Designed for All Operators:

  • Independent Operators: Quick, actionable insights without needing a data analyst.

  • Multi-Unit Operators: Enables performance visibility and accountability down to individual stores, bridging analytics teams with front-line managers.

How "On The Fly" Redefines KDS

• Goes beyond basic ticket routing by unlocking deeper operational insights.

• Helps restaurants improve operational performance using accessible, understandable, and actionable data.

• Part of Fresh Technology’s vision to evolve KDS capabilities for greater operational impact.

Availability and Demo

• The app is available now for all Fresh KDS users on iOS and Android.

• NRA Show attendees can demo "On The Fly" at Booth 8331 in the tech pavilion, Chicago.

Shaun Shankel, CEO of Fresh Technology, highlights that "On The Fly" puts vital kitchen data in the hands of operators where it’s needed most, offering a competitive edge regardless of restaurant size.

Public education faces increasing challenges like voucher expansion, declining enrollment, and reputational risks. To address these issues, Rosica Communications is hosting a free, action-oriented webinar titled "Public Education in Crisis: Strategies to Help Your District Succeed in Turbulent Times". The session will provide school leaders with practical tools to strengthen district visibility, build trust, and prepare for crises.

Webinar Details and Target Audience

• Date & Time: Wednesday, May 21, 12:00–1:00 PM EST

• Audience: Superintendents, school board leaders, and school administrators

• Format: One-hour expert panel discussion

Expert Panelists

• Chris Rosica: Education PR and crisis communications expert

• Dr. Shari Camhi: Superintendent, Baldwin Union Free School District; former AASA national president

• Deron Stender: Superintendent, Creston Community Schools, Iowa

• Lee Ann Wentzel: Superintendent, Ridley School District, Pennsylvania

Strategies Covered

• Launching Career-Focused Academies: Compete effectively with charter, private, and parochial schools by offering specialized programs.

• Building Advocacy Coalitions: Unite communities beyond politics to rally widespread support for public education.

• Using Student-Led Content: Leverage podcasts, videos, and social media to increase public engagement and shape perception.

• Managing Online Reputation: Optimize local search presence to remain visible against competing schools.

• Rethinking School Facilities: Innovate with partnerships and revenue opportunities through facility use.

• Structured Career Exploration: Start career guidance early to boost student engagement and outcomes.

• Refreshing District Brand: Update branding to reflect modern values and competitive positioning.

• Strengthening Internal Communications: Improve staff unity, morale, and talent retention.

Dr. Camhi emphasizes, “Public schools can’t afford to sit back—we must lead with clarity, transparency, and innovation.” This webinar offers actionable insights to help districts protect enrollment, enhance reputation, and secure the future of their students.

Madhive continues to enhance its Data Marketplace by introducing new audience segments, empowering advertisers with more precise and cost-efficient ways to target customers. This expansion, combined with a commitment to sustainability through its partner Datonics, is set to transform local and national advertising in the connected TV (CTV) space.

New Audience Segments in Madhive’s Data Marketplace

• Diverse Audience Data: Advertisers can now access curated segments covering behavioral, demographic, transactional data, and more.

• Top-Tier Partnerships: Collaborations with leading data providers ensure high-quality, reliable audience data.

• Cost Efficiency: The marketplace offers these premium audiences at efficient costs, maximizing advertiser ROI.

• Broad Reach & High Match Rates: Access to nearly every CTV household increases campaign reach and match accuracy.

• Hyperlocal Targeting: Enables precise targeting down to the zip code and congressional district levels for localized campaigns.

Sustainability Commitment with Datonics

• CarbonNeutral® Certification: Datonics is the first audience data company certified as a CarbonNeutral® Enterprise.

• Verified Carbon Projects: Investment in verified carbon removal, avoidance, and reduction initiatives through Climate Impact Partners.

• Climate Registry Membership: Active participation in The Climate Registry, promoting transparency of greenhouse gas emissions.

• Ad Net Zero Support: Advocates for reduced carbon emissions in advertising by supporting the US chapter of Ad Net Zero.

Industry Impact and Leadership

• CTV Market Potential: The expanding local CTV market offers significant opportunities for targeted advertising at both local and national levels.

• Enhanced Partnership: Madhive and Datonics’ collaboration leverages audience data and sustainability to improve campaign effectiveness.

• Strategic Advantage: Advertisers gain a competitive edge by reaching highly relevant audiences while reducing the environmental impact of their advertising efforts.

Madhive’s expanded Data Marketplace, supported by Datonics’ sustainable practices, exemplifies the future of advertising—where precision, scale, and responsibility converge. Advertisers benefit from richer audience insights and eco-friendly solutions, driving better business outcomes in the evolving CTV landscape.

Rally® Recruitment Marketing today revealed the winners of the prestigious 2025 Rally® Awards™, recognizing outstanding achievements in Recruitment Marketing and Employer Branding worldwide. This year’s competition broke records with an unprecedented number of entries, highlighting the strategic role these disciplines play in today’s competitive talent market.

The Rally Awards celebrate professionals and teams transforming talent acquisition through data-driven storytelling, innovative strategies, and impactful employer branding that goes beyond recruitment to shape organizational culture and long-term success.

Highlights from the 2025 Rally Awards:

• Recruitment Marketing Rising Stars: Sherri Hamilton (Baylor Scott & White Health), Raven Hazlett (Eaton)

• Recruitment Marketer of the Year: Kristin Oravec (Eaton)

• Best Employer Brand Video: ATB Financial’s "More Than Work Campaign"

• Best Use of Employee Generated Content: ADT’s "Heroes Behind the Octagon"

• Best Recruitment Marketing Campaign (Large Team): AS Watson / Kruidvat’s "Apply with Your Bestie!"

• Best Agency Partner: exaqueo

• Best Technology Partner: Phenom

Lori Sylvia, Founder & CEO of Rally, emphasized:

"The professionals recognized this year are elevating employer brands through data and storytelling, connecting meaningfully with talent and driving measurable results that support business success."

Judging Panel and Criteria

A panel of 22 expert judges from across the industry evaluated submissions based on strategy, creativity, execution, and business impact. Many judges are past Rally Award winners, bringing deep expertise in employer branding, recruitment marketing analytics, and content strategy.

Rally® Recruitment Marketing

Rally® Recruitment Marketing is a global community and platform dedicated to advancing recruitment marketing and employer branding strategies that help organizations attract and engage top talent.

Merlot Marketing (Merlot), a creative agency dedicated to impactful storytelling, has been appointed as the Agency of Record for CAHP Credit Union, a trusted financial services provider serving California peace officers and their families. Merlot will spearhead creative and social media strategies, delivering branding, messaging, and design support across print, digital, direct mail, and email campaigns.

Supporting CAHP Credit Union’s Mission to Empower Officers and Families

Founded by California Highway Patrol officers, CAHP Credit Union offers a comprehensive range of financial services including home, auto, and personal loans, investment and wealth management solutions, and financial education resources. Tools such as Zelle® and Money Market accounts enable members to confidently manage their finances.

Jill Alves, VP of Account Management at CAHP Credit Union, stated:

“Our mission at CAHP Credit Union is to provide officers and their families with the financial resources they need to succeed, and we're grateful for Merlot's support in amplifying our message and showcasing our full-service offerings as we continue to build on this momentum.”

Merlot Marketing: Elevating the Brand with Purpose and Impact

Debi Hammond, CEO and Founder of Merlot Marketing, added:

“CAHP Credit Union's dedication to its members, officers and their families is truly inspiring. Their mission aligns with our agency's values, and we're honored to help elevate their brand and expand their impact.”

Merlot’s partnership began with key projects including the launch of Zelle®, wildfire assistance materials, and efforts to raise awareness about the credit union’s Money Market account. Moving forward, Merlot will lead the development of CAHP Credit Union’s social media presence to increase brand awareness and strengthen member engagement.

Merlot Marketing

Merlot Marketing is a full-service agency specializing in creative strategies, digital marketing, and brand storytelling designed to deliver measurable impact and meaningful connections.

CAHP Credit Union

CAHP Credit Union is a full-service financial cooperative committed to supporting California peace officers and their families with personalized financial products and educational resources to enhance their financial wellbeing.