Lee Health, South Cape pair up for blood drive

Jul 25, 2025 By CJ HADDAD 3 min read

Members of the Southwest Florida community can play a role in helping local hospitals next weekend via a blood drive.

The South Cape Hospitality Entertainment Association, in conjunction with Lee Health, will host the event where donors will receive a punch card with complimentary offers from various South Cape establishments.

A blood drive bus will be parked in front of BackStreets Sports Bar along Southeast 47th Terrace on Aug. 2 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. for those who wish to donate.

Lee Health officials say the need is always greater during the “offseason.”

“The summer season is always a difficult time for collecting blood in our region,” said Jeremy Puckett, director of the Blood Center at Lee Health. “Our friends from the north are all home, school is out and high school blood drives aren’t happening, and families are on vacation. We seem to always need successful blood drives, and they are very important during this time of year. This is an easy way for people to make an impact on their community, to help sure up the blood supply. The ready blood supply is very important to maintain so that the units are available when your family, friends or neighbors need it.”

Puckett said blood and blood products play a crucial role in surgeries and are essential for treating cancer patients, premature infants, anemia, and many other medical conditions.

“A single blood donation can save as many as two lives, and the Southwest Florida community is encouraged to make lifesaving donations all year long,” he said.

Donors will also receive a punch card with complimentary offers from the following local businesses:

• BackStreets Sports Bar: Chips and bourbon chipotle queso

• BIG* BBQ: 20% off total check

• Cape Cleaners: 10% off laundry or dry cleaning services

• The Dive: 10% off your next visit

• Dixie Roadhouse: No cover charge for two people before 11 p.m.

• Eight-Foot Brewing: Select draft

• Fish Tale Grill: 10% off total check

• Genius Computer Repair & Service: $10 off any repair or service

• Greek Spot: Piece of Baklava

• Hair Artistry: Blow out with purchase of a hair cut

• Karma and Coconuts: Pocket-size crystal heart

• Lehne Burger: Pretzel bites appetizer

• Merrick Seafood Company: 10% off total check

• Monkey Bar Steak & Seafood: 10% off total check

• Nice Guy Pizza: Order of regular or vegan garlic knots

• Penny’s Coffee Bar: Small hot or iced coffee

• Perk & Brew Coffee Shop Cafe: $5 off purchase of $15 or greater

• Rack’em Spirits & Times: One hour of billiards (up to five people)

• Rusty’s Raw Bar & Grill: Loaded tots

• Tiki Hut: Well drink, wine, or domestic draft

• Zak’s Jewelry: Watch battery replacement

All donors will also receive a limited-edition cooler tote bag and wellness checkup including blood pressure, temperature, iron count, and cholesterol screening.

All blood donated will stay local to Lee County, and appointments are available to eliminate wait times. Those interested can text Shannon at 239-900-4028 (Monday-Friday, 10 a.m to 4 p.m.) or email info@southcapeentertainment.com to secure a time slot.

BackStreets Sports Bar is at 915 Southeast 47th Terrace.

To reach CJ HADDAD, please email cjhaddad@breezenewspapers.com