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Want to learn more about
Florida Gardening?
The Charlotte County Extension Service and the Master Gardener's are presenting
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Saturday, October 18
9am to 2pmPre-Registration by 10/15 is required. For more information about the agenda and registration click HERE
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Subcontractors Spotlight
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Residential Elevators, Inc. (REI) headquarters is located in Tallahassee, Florida, and has been in existence for 25 years.
Bill Key is the local Sales Representative, serving properties from Apollo Beach to Punta Gorda. Bill has been with REI for 12 years.
If you are interested in more information or a personal site visit, contact Bill by phone at 813-714-8044.
Their website shows a variety of cab designs and options that are available.
residentialelevators.com
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Towles Family History
W. H."Wild Bill" Towles
My great, great grandfather
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See the Newsletter Archives (above- "Quick Links") for more on this series that started with the July issue
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Fort Myers was originally located in Monroe County and was expanding rapidly. In 1885 the citizens voted to incorporate and the pineapple (which was grown locally) was chosen as it's town seal. Because Monroe County was derelict in creating infrastructure and replacing or rebuilding structures (including the school house that was lost in a fire) in Fort Myers, the influential cattlemen and other constituents took their complaints to Tallahassee and a bill to create Lee County was passed. Various men were selected for the first Board of County Commissioners (each to represent their area) and Capt FA Hendry and William H Towles represented Fort Myers. Soon after, they started planning to build an elaborate brick courthouse. It was to be financed by a bond issue, but times were tight and the bonds did not sell. In 1894, a frame courthouse was built much to the dismay of Towles who wanted a more impressive structure. By 1914 the economy prospered and the commissioners agreed that the old courthouse needed to be replaced...and this one would have restrooms! There was opposition to the plan. The opposing forces were going to Arcadia to obtain an injunction to fortify the court order stopping the building of the new structure. Unbeknownst to them, a special meeting was held giving Towles the authority to take action. As soon as the delegation left on the train, Towles and a group of supporters started demolition of the old courthouse. By time the opposition returned the next day, the wood frame courthouse was gone. A modern, yellow brick courthouse was built in its place. To soothe hurt feelings, the wood from the original courthouse was donated to build Fort Myers' first hospital. ******
William Towles led an interesting life (and demise), that shaped the area we know as Fort Myers today.
Tune in next month to find out more about the life and times of Captain William Henry Towles!
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Keith
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We Proudly Support and are Members of:
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Many people who move to Florida from "up North" say that they can't tell the change of seasons here. I agree that we don't have the beautiful fall colors of the Northern climates, but there are noticeable, subtle changes that residents who have lived here for a while can see or feel. The first thing I always notice is the days are shorter. It was just a few weeks ago that it was daylight till nine o'clock. Now by 8pm it's dark. A drop in humidity is probably the second sign of Fall. Soon after, temperatures will fall and while it doesn't really get cold for long, it is nice to feel the change. A light jacket will feel really good for morning or evening walks, and the ladies enjoy changing their wardrobes, too. Some of our trees do lose their foliage, but luckily, most are green year round. It is a good time to plant a vegetable garden (quite a difference from the Northern planting guides). Our mild winters give us two distinct planting seasons, with Fall being the longer. This is great for plants that like cooler weather. And of course, there's the explosion of holiday decor in every store we visit. I remember, when Fall, Thanksgiving and Christmas were all separate events and stores changed their merchandise at appropriate times. Now, you can see all three at once! Well, I hope you enjoy the wonderful weather that is on it's way and don't forget, it's a great time to work outdoors. Check your home for projects that need repairs to be sure to keep it in tip-top shape!
Keith B. Towles President |
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Hot News from TowlesCorp...
Our signs are up and we'll be breaking ground this week!
We're building a New Model!
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Where? Corner of Bal Harbor & Marion Ave,
Punta Gorda
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This new model will be a luxurious home with interesting design features!
Single Story, 3 Bedrooms, 2 1/2 Baths and 3 Car Garage
Completion - late 2015
Keep an eye on our progress either in person or in upcoming issues of our newsletter! Progress photos will be published monthly!
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Anatomy of a Million Dollar Home...
Residential ElevatorsAs a homeowner, you get caught up on what's happening "today," but as you get older, your home may not fit your personal needs. A residential elevator can eliminate the need to find a new home if your needs change. It allows a multi-level home to be accessible by everyone. Our subcontractor, Residential Elevators, Inc. (REI), features two models of elevators. To help you decide which model is best for you, Bill Key, the Sales Representative for this area, will work with you and I to plan the space and installation. The Luxury Lift LLT-950 is a variable speed traction machine room less (MRL) elevator. This elevator requires less space and you may have more options in locating it in the your home. It has the same technology as 10-50 story commercial buildings. This model also has an auto lowering emergency exit feature, which allows the elevator to lower automatically to the next landing. The Luxury Lift LLH-950 is a large size hydraulic elevator with lifting capacity normally found in commercial elevators. Both models are custom built to fit your home's size specifications, have a 950 lb. capacity, travel up to 50 feet, and travel at a speed of 40 feet per minute. They also have many custom features and finishes available to choose from. Ninety percent of elevators are installed in new construction. Whether in a new construction or an existing home, TowlesCorp would work with the rep or ask for a site visit. The desired location would be reviewed and they would determine which model best fits. Because each elevator cab is custom designed to fit the home's specifications, as well as inclusion of the preselected finishes, the design process can take six to eight weeks. Your builder would prepare the home for the elevator's installation by building the elevator shaft. Many times, within the shaft, we will create a closet above a closet (one on each of the two floors) for future installation if the homeowner is not ready for the elevator at the time of construction. The actual installation only takes approximately three days. Choosing to install an elevator in your home will not only allow you to enjoy your home for many years to come, but it will also increase your home's resale value by insuring a broad appeal to potential buyers. Today's residential elevators are extremely safe, durable, and virtually maintenance free. For more information about the Luxury Lift LLT 950 - Traction Home Elevator view this specification sheet: Residential Elevators
TowlesCorp Building
Extraordinary Homes for Extraordinary People!
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Even "Back in the Day"
a Towles Home was Extraordinary!
This is my Great, Great Grandfather's (Capt. W.H. Towles)
home in Fort Myers which was added to the U.S. National Register of Historic Places on May 29, 2008
 The house was built in 1900 and still stands today!
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Please visit our website
www.TowlesCorp.com
The floor plans & photo gallery on our site show a variety of ideas to get you thinking about what you've always wanted in your home. They are a beginning in the thought process of designing
YOUR perfect Custom home! 
TowlesCorp Will Go Beyond
Your Wildest Dreams!
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I hope you've enjoyed our TowlesCorp newsletter. If you have any questions or would like to speak with us about building a custom home, please call me at
941-575-1515
or email us
Regards,
Keith B. Towles
President
TowlesCorp of SW FL
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