Kimmie’s Recovery Zone to host Party in the Park

Sep 11, 2025 By BY CJ HADDAD 6 min read

A local non-profit dedicated to assisting individuals with recovery, as well as educating the public, will host an annual event this Saturday in conjunction with National Recovery Month.

Kimmie’s Recovery Zone will put on its Party in the Park event on Sept. 13 at Collaboratory from 8:30 a.m. until 3 p.m.

National Recovery Month is a time to highlight the progress made in recovery from substance use disorder, and to support individuals on their journey toward a healthier, substance-free life.

Party in the Park will begin with a Circle of Love remembrance gathering at 9 a.m. Guests are invited to bring a photograph of their loved ones to share with others in the vigil circle, and speak the names of those they have lost.

“We’re excited for another year, and we get great support from Lee County,” said Kimmie’s Recovery Zone founder Al Kinkle. “Party in the Park is a big effort where be bring attention to the people that we’ve lost. That’s an important thing — to tell their story and tell our story. We want to let the community know that recovery is possible, but we have to support one another. The successes we have is a collaboration and are everyone else’s successes.”

Party in the Park will feature a day of family-friendly activities, live music, food, a line-up of industry speakers, and more than 20 information booths dedicated to mental health and addiction recovery resources. Attendees will have the opportunity to connect with local support services and engage in conversations about recovery and wellness.

Remarks will be made by Fort Myers Mayor Kevin B. Anderson, and this year’s keynote speaker is Florida State Sen. Darryl Rouson.

Kimmie’s Recovery Zone is dedicated to supporting individuals and families affected by addiction and mental health issues. Through community events, educational programs, and direct support services, the non-profit strives to foster a healthier and more informed community. Kinkle said the need is greater now than ever before.

“A lot has to do with stigma, and getting the message out there loud and clear that recovery is possible, and it’s something people look at sometimes in a different frame,” Kinkle said. “We’re trying to change that. People need help. This is not just a drug issue, it’s a mental health issue and addiction issue. If you do have an issue, we’re here to support you.”

Kinkle founded Kimmie’s Recovery Zone following the loss of his daughter Kimmie to an overdose of heroin and fentanyl in late 2015. She had been in recovery for two years but struggled with post-traumatic stress disorder and depression. She fought her substance misuse and mental health condition for 20 years before losing her battle to drugs.

“When we lost Kimmie, things were quite different than they are today,” Kinkle said. “We didn’t have all the services that we do today — of course, we don’t have enough. This is a big issue. People were colder about things back then. I think people are looking at things a little differently. Mental issues touch every family and every person that we know in some way, shape or form.

“We need to communicate with our families and openly talk about it. We need to start talking at a very young age and put up the warning signs early. We’re losing so many people, it’s an epidemic.”

Since then, Kinkle has taken his grief and championed those whose voices have not been heard. Working with law enforcement, political leaders and our healthcare systems, he has worked tirelessly to raise awareness to help individuals and families navigate mental health challenges and substance use disorder.

Party in the Park can serve as a way for parents and individuals that have lost a loved one due to substance use or mental health to grieve and play a role in helping others.

“It’s a healing moment,” Kinkle said, especially talking about the remembrance ceremony. “A big thing is that I want to hear my daughter’s name. People hesitate to do that sometimes, they hesitate to mention a loved one that was lost. I want to hear her name. Every year when I can stand and call out her name, and when others can do the same for their loved one, it’s a healing moment.”

Kinkle said the number of community organizations and entities that come out and take part in this annual event is a testament to how it takes a team and multiple points of resource to assist those dealing with addiction and mental health crisis.

“We’re stronger together, and make a bigger difference together,” he said.

Kimmie’s Recovery Zone CEO Heidi Webb echoed Kinkle’s words.

“Each year this event grows stronger for our community, and I could not be more excited about what we’ve created together,” she said. “This is a movement of hope, healing, and unity. We are honored to stand with our community to shine a light on both remembrance and recovery.”

Kimmie’s Recovery Zone aims to get individuals the help they need, and learn how they got to the path they did and how they can assist and turn the tide for others.

According to the most recent data from Florida Health Charts, in 2024 between January and June, there were 2,298 opioid overdose deaths in Florida, and 3,129 drug overdose deaths in the same period. The average age for opioid overdose deaths was 25, with the average age of drug overdose deaths at 32.

Throughout all of 2024, there were 31,016 non-fatal overdose emergency department visits.

Narcan, a life-saving tool which can be administered via a nasal spray, is available at Kimmie’s Recovery Zone and the Department of Health, and can also be purchased over-the-counter.

“We just want to do what we can do for those in the grips of addiction, so that others never need to experience the pain,” Kinkle said. “We have first-hand knowledge about the horrors, the loss, and the road to recovery. With support, we’re looking to make a positive impact in the world of addiction.

“We want families to stay strong, and support those with addiction, and to give them love. This impacts the whole circle.”

Also part of the event will be a film crew on-site doing interviews for an upcoming documentary titled “Bible of Addiction” created by PeaceVision and John Biffar, that will look at homeless camps locally.

PeaceVision created a documentary last year called “Blown Away: Spirit of Recovery” that Kimmie’s Recovery Zone was involved in looking at Hurricane Ian recovery.

In addition to battling addiction, Kinkle created Kimmie’s Angels, which works with Lee Health and provides financial support for families when a parent is unable to work due to their child’s battle with cancer.

“I loved Kimmie then, and I love her more now,” Kinkle said. “Kimmie is very successful. This is in her name. She’s finding success in heaven.”

Kinkle also has a podcast called “Rated R for Recovery” that streams on YouTube every Thursday, where those impacted by addiction share their story.

For more information on Kimmie’s Recovery Zone.

Collaboratory is at 2031 Jackson St. in Fort Myers.

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