Around Southwest Florida, she’s known as Kristin Cartwright. But in the late 1990s, she was recognized throughout the world as “Buster Lutgert,” one of the first women professional wakeboarders.
“I had a lot of fun with wakeboarding,” Ms. Cartwright, age 35, recalls. “I traveled all over the world, sponsored by all sorts of companies.”
After five years in the sport, she and husband Dayle settled down and began a family that includes daughter Ella, 6, who attends Community School of Naples, and son Noah, 5. But the water is never far away. The Cartwrights, along with partner Nick Demasi, own Revolution Cable Park in North Fort Myers, where riders can wakeboard, kneeboard, waterski or wakeskate.
Ms. Cartwright also uses her degree — a bachelor of arts in business administration from the University of Florida — as director of shopping center marketing for the Lutgert Companies, the family business. She also oversees marketing for three of the company’s real estate projects: The Highrises at Bonita Bay, Estuary at Grey Oaks and The Strada at Mercato).
“I like that it’s always changing, with many events going on” she shares of her work promoting the Village on Venetian Bay, Promenade at Bonita Bay, and Mercato.
If work and family aren’t enough, Ms. Cartwright carries on the family legacy of volunteerism and philanthropy. Grandfather Ray Lutgert was a major supporter of various community projects, including Naples Community Hospital, and father Scott Lutgert is a founder of the Naples Winter Wine Festival. The Lutgert family also gave Florida Gulf Coast University $5 million for its business school.
Having young children helps Ms. Cartwright focus her volunteer activities on providing opportunities for the youth in Collier County. She is active with the Golisano Children’s Museum of Naples, two years a ago co-chairing the Yabba Island Pirate Ball that raised more than $ 4 400,000. She also helped run the Great Venetian Duck Race at The Village to benefit C’MON, has served on the board of the Education Found Foundation of Collier County and is involved with the foundation’s “If the Shoe Fits” fundraiser. She helps out at Community School as well.
She grew up in Naples, moving to Ocala in fifth grade but returning to graduate from Barron Collier High School in 1993. She considers the Lutgert family name and legacy an opportunity more than a pressure.
“I’m very proud of what my family established here in this community,” she says. “I see a lot of people giving back so generously to this community, and I hope that my generation will continue to do that and see the value it brings.”
Click here for more on 2010 Power Women in Collier
Bonita Springs, Florida – Rev them up! Save the date for the Car Showcase December 20 from 11 am to 4 pm at The Promenade at Bonita Bay. Enjoy the nostalgia of classic antique cars as well as exciting new models. The cars exhibited are courtesy of West Coast Muscle Car Club, AutoQuest, Naples Motorsports and Antique Car Club.
Also, enjoy live entertainment by Cahlua and Cream from 1-4 pm in the center courtyard of The Promenade, and DJ Nightrain from 11:30 am – 3:30 pm next to Silver Spoon Café. While you are here, take advantage of the wide selections and many merchant specials, just in time for the holidays!
The Promenade at Bonita Bay is located off U.S. 41. For more information, call 239.403.2204 or visit promenadeshops.com.
Posted by briank | Promenade, SWFL News | Posted on February 5th, 2009
To celebrate its recognition recently as an official chapter of the Michigan State University Alumni Association, the MSU Alumni Club of Southwest Florida will be co-sponsoring a “tailgate party” with The Promenade at Bonita Bay. The party will include a special appearance by “Sparty,” the University’s popular mascot.
The event will be a great opportunity to meet and have pictures taken with Sparty, along with enjoying music and registering for prizes.
According to his official MSU web page, “Sparty is a three time national champion mascot competing at the Universal Cheer Association Nationals Competition in Orlando, Florida. He also participates in events across the country including the NCAA Hall of Champions: Mascot Mania.”
When: Sunday, February 15th, 1 – 4 p.m.
Cost: Free Admission
Where: The Promenade at Bonita Bay, 26811 S. Bay Drive, Bonita Springs, FL 34134
Information: 337-4749
The Lutgert Companies today announced the launch of its newly redesigned web site for The Promenade at Bonita Bay at www.promenadeshops.com. The web site provides more detailed information and links to the more than 25 retail shops and restaurants at The Promenade. It also features the latest news about special events and promotions as well as a search engine for directions.
“We found that our customers were craving more information about the many shopping and dining opportunities at The Promenade,” said Dougall McCorkle, Senior Vice President of Commercial Real Estate for The Lutgert Companies. “This easy-to-navigate site will enable us to better cater to our seasonal visitors as well as year-round residents.”
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The Lutgert Companies today announced the grand reopening of Bennigan’s Grill & Tavern at The Promenade at Bonita Bay in Bonita Springs, Florida. Under new ownership, the tavern-themed casual dining restaurant occupies approximately 7,000 square feet and has seating to accommodate 200 guests.
“We are very pleased to announce the return of Bennigan’s to The Promenade,” said Dougall McCorkle, Senior Vice President of Commercial Real Estate for The Lutgert Companies. “This restaurant has always been a popular draw for our shopping center but was unfortunately forced to close when the national parent company filed for bankruptcy last year. Bennigan’s is now under a new franchisee but it offers the same popular menu.”
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The Lutgert Companies today announced the opening of The Coffee Mill at The Promenade at Bonita Bay in Bonita Springs, Florida. The locally owned coffee shop occupies 1,100 square feet previously occupied by Starbucks.
“We are delighted to announce the opening of The Coffee Mill at The Promenade,” said Dougall McCorkle, Senior Vice President of Commercial Real Estate for The Lutgert Companies. “Our goal with The Promenade is to provide first-class shopping and dining opportunities to the residents of southern Lee County. We are committed to preserving and maintaining the unique character and charm of this premier shopping destination.”
Owned by Lou and Marcia Seiden, The Coffee Mill offers a wide variety of lattés, cappuccinos, fresh roasted coffee, iced teas, ice blended drinks, cold beverages and juices. It also offers an assortment of pastries as well as free Wi-Fi service for customers.
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Fresh produce and upscale shopping are taking up partnership at The Promenade at Bonita Bay.
It kicks off Saturday when the Bonita Springs Lions Club farmers market makes its debut at The Promenade.
The idea came from Lisa Paul, director of commercial properties for the shopping center owner, The Lutgert Cos. in Naples.
“I called them up and asked them if they would be interested,” Paul said.
“We felt it would be better exposure for them and good for The Promenade.”
John Elliff, past president of the Lions Club and coordinator of the market, said Paul was looking to draw more people to The Promenade.
“We bring in about 2,000 to 3,000 people every Saturday morning,” Elliff said.
The market’s focus will shift somewhat to put more emphasis on fresh produce. The name will change from the farmers market to Farm Fresh Market.
Click here for more information.
