by Randy Kambic

As a fairly recent transplant yet with lots of roots in the area, this “In Bloom” issue seems an apt time to introduce myself.

More years ago than I’d like to admit (okay, if you really want to know, about 25), my relationship with the Fort Myers area began. First in a mobile home with my parents and then in my dad’s former home after Mom passed, I made annual weekend and/or holiday visits, missing some years due to a hectic life up North. The trips were low-key: sitting on the lanai talking, visiting friends, hitting the tennis ball, taking in a fruit stand or the Edison & Ford Winter Estates, or a trip to the closest beaches, Bunche and Bowditch Pointe Park. I knew there was more to the area but we were happy to relax during those short stays.

A little more than two years ago, I moved here to help in the care for Dad, but also to escape the work rat race and bitter winters of the New York City area. I was fortunate to quickly land a position with another publication and received a crash course in learning much more about the area.

I could hardly believe how much growth had taken place and what I had previously missed, especially in fine restaurants, the arts, and nature. Yet, it was some island experiences that were the most enthralling: strolling the colorful art galleries on a Friday night in Matlacha and, after taking in the “Ding” Darling refuge, seeing a memorable sunset outside the Mucky Ducky on Captiva.

When the economic slowdown began early last year, I was let go by my employer but, as the saying goes, “When one door closes, another opens.” One thing has led to another at Times of the Islands and RSW Living. After starting with copyediting and proofreading, editing became one of my duties, and focusing on the best that the islands and the mainland offer has also been a joyful education. The staff and contributing writers’ knowledge of our slice of paradise is astounding, and publisher Friedrich Jaeger’s unbridled enthusiasm and optimism for the region is manifest on every page. He displays both openness to new ideas and an uncanny sense of what interests readers the most. Like actor Kevin Bacon, there aren’t many degrees of separation between Friedrich and most key people and institutions. Also, I’d match the wizardry of creative director Brian Stromlund any day against the best of what I’ve seen on Madison Avenue.

There is so much to cover. Themed issues provide a great way to centralize a wide variety of content and “In Bloom” is a great example: gardening tips; helping others less fortunate via agriculture; buying the freshest fruits and vegetables; visiting some of the loveliest gardens and nurseries down the street or within an hour or two drive…these are just some of the many ways to experience the season of growth and rebirth that you’ll find out about.

Live music and kayaking are also passions of mine, so it’ll be gratifying to have a hand in their presence in some upcoming issues.

As I look back on my last six months’ whirlwind and look forward, there’s one question I ask myself: Why did I wait so long to “plant” myself here?