Cape Coral, Fla. — Family Initiative will host its next Parent Group Speaker Series on Saturday, June 13, 2026, focused on hurricane and emergency preparedness for families throughout Southwest Florida. The informational event will take place from 1:30 to 3 p.m. at the Family Initiative Golisano Autism Community Hub, located at 3221 Chiquita Blvd. S. in Cape Coral.
The free event will bring together local emergency management and weather experts to provide practical guidance on storm preparation, evacuation planning, shelter expectations, flood zones, and emergency resources available to families ahead of hurricane season.
Featured speakers include:
• Andrew Shipotofsky, meteorologist at WINK News
• John Schultz, Ph.D., CPM, chief of emergency management for Lee County Department of Public Safety
• Ruth Rodrigues, emergency management specialist and owner of Petran Consulting LLC
Shipotofsky will discuss the 2026 WINK News Hurricane Preparedness Guide and provide insight into this year’s hurricane forecast. Chief Schultz will highlight individual preparedness, shelter expectations, evacuation zones, and flood zones. Rodrigues will focus on inclusive emergency preparedness strategies for autistic individuals and their caregivers, combining professional expertise with lived experience.
“Preparing for hurricane season can feel overwhelming for many families, especially those caring for individuals diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder,” said David Brown, president and co-founder of Family Initiative. “This speaker series is designed to provide families with trusted information, practical tools, and local resources so they can feel more confident and prepared before a storm approaches.”
Families may attend in person or watch the event live on Family Initiative’s Facebook page. Skilled clinicians will provide onsite childcare during the event, allowing parents and caregivers the opportunity to fully participate in the discussion. Attendees will also have the chance to participate in giveaways and prizes throughout the program.
The event is free to attend, but registration is encouraged.
For more information, call 239-910-0712 or email info@fi-florida.org
