Written in Heat | A Night of Poetry, Cigars & Connection in Downtown Fort Myers

On September 24th, the Creative Industry Collective brought together a community of thinkers, dreamers, and lovers of words for the debut of Written in Heat. Hosted at World Famous Cigar Bar in Downtown Fort Myers, the evening unfolded as a timeless experience where poetry, cigars, and curated cocktails converged.

“The night began not with noise, but with anticipation — smoke curling, glasses clinking, and stories waiting to be told.” - JLG

With about 35–45 guests throughout the night, the space buzzed with conversation, curiosity, and connection.

As poets stepped to the mic, the atmosphere shifted. Conversations hushed, glasses lowered, and all eyes turned toward the stage. Each voice carried its own energy — weaving stories of love, desire, vulnerability, and reflection. Some verses came sharp and raw, like confessionals spilled straight from the soul. Others unfolded soft and melodic, pulling the room into a sway. The diversity of delivery kept the audience leaning forward, never knowing what emotion would surface next.

Silence between stanzas felt as heavy as the verses themselves, the pauses stretching just long enough to let meaning sink in. In those moments, the room seemed to breathe together, as if everyone was part of the same heartbeat. It wasn’t just performance; it was communion — an exchange between poet and listener that made the night feel sacred in its simplicity.

“Every voice became its own rhythm, carrying truths only poetry dares to speak aloud.” - JLG

A live song performance created a beautiful break in rhythm, proof that the night wasn’t just about words, it was about the many ways art finds expression. As the first notes rang out, the shift was immediate. The cadence of poetry gave way to melody, and the room softened into a different kind of silence. Some guests leaned back in their chairs, closing their eyes to take it in. Others nodded along, letting the beat carry them for a moment out of time.

The song became a bridge, connecting everything spoken before and everything yet to come. It reminded the crowd that artistry isn’t confined to one form, that music and poetry share the same roots: rhythm, emotion, and truth. In those minutes, the night expanded beyond expectation, showing that Written in Heat was more than an event. It was a stage where every voice, whether spoken or sung, found its place.

“A single song bridged the silence between verses, reminding us that art has many tongues.” - JLG

A special highlight of the evening was our official cigar sponsor, Valera Reserve, who provided a large box of about 40 cigars for guests to enjoy. The presentation itself felt ceremonial, the box opening like a treasure chest, releasing the aroma of craftsmanship into the air. Guests gathered around, selecting their cigars with the same anticipation as one might choose a story, each stick becoming its own chapter of the night.

As the first flames lit and smoke began to curl, conversations deepened. The cigars were not simply accessories but invitations — pauses between poems where guests could reflect, engage, and connect. Some paired the rich draw with a glass of whiskey, others let the flavors linger quietly as they listened to the next verse on stage.

“Each cigar shared was more than smoke, it was a bond, a pause, a connection lit in the moment.” - JLG

Sharing them throughout the evening added another layer of richness to the atmosphere, weaving Valera Reserve into the experience as naturally as the words spoken. The blend of taste, aroma, and presence became part of the memory, binding the night in a way that only true craftsmanship can.

“In every glance across the room, you could see curiosity turn into conversation, strangers into community.”

- JLG

What made Written in Heat powerful was not just the art itself, but the people it brought together. The room held poets pouring their hearts out, entrepreneurs seeking inspiration, professionals winding down from the week, and guests who simply came curious and left transformed. Together they shared space, laughter, and reflection.

Between performances, conversations sparked at tables, introductions turned into exchanges of ideas, and strangers became acquaintances over cigars and cocktails. The mix of voices created a rhythm of its own, one that extended beyond the stage and into every corner of the venue. It was a reminder that community isn’t built in grand gestures, but in moments of connection — a handshake, a shared toast, a story told across the table.

The collective energy gave the night its weight. Words may have been the centerpiece, but it was the people who carried them forward, ensuring that the spirit of Written in Heat lived on after the final poem was read.

The feedback echoed this feeling and became one of the most rewarding parts of the night. Guests didn’t just attend, they engaged, reflected, and shared their experience back with us. One guest reached out and said: “Great event last night! Thank you for having us! I had a very nice time, unexpectedly. I wasn’t sure what to expect honestly but it was great thank you!” Their words captured the essence of what we hoped to create — an atmosphere that felt both surprising and memorable.

Another guest expressed how deeply they resonated with the poems performed, noting how the vulnerability on stage mirrored emotions they had carried themselves. They left feeling not only entertained but seen, connected to the art and the people around them.

Throughout the evening, similar sentiments surfaced in conversations over cigars and cocktails. Guests spoke of how refreshing it was to have a space in Southwest Florida where poetry and artistry could shine. They described the night as a blend of intimacy and community, an experience they wanted to see more of in the future.

It was these reflections, spoken and unspoken, that confirmed the heart of Written in Heat: the words may have filled the room, but it was the connections they sparked that lingered longest.

“The best nights aren’t planned in detail, they surprise you, they leave you lighter, fuller, wanting more.” - JLG

This event marks the second curated experience under the Creative Industry Collective, following the debut of Kuna Kulture. With each gathering, the CIC builds momentum, crafting intentional nights that inspire, connect, and leave a lasting imprint.

For those who were there, thank you for making the night unforgettable. And for those who missed it, the story has only just begun.

A special thank you to Valera Reserve for sponsoring the evening and sharing their craft, and to World Famous Cigar Bar for providing the perfect setting. Your support helped make Written in Heat a night worth remembering.

“Nights like these don’t end, they echo, in the smoke, the words, and the hearts they touched.” - JLG

Join the Creative Industry Collective

The Creative Industry Collective is more than events — it’s a movement built to give artists, entrepreneurs, and dreamers a stage. Each experience we curate is designed to spark connection, celebrate creativity, and leave a lasting imprint on Southwest Florida’s culture.

If Written in Heat inspired you, stay close. More nights, more voices, and more opportunities to be part of something intentional are on the horizon.

• Follow @itsjlgmedia for updates

• Follow to The District Journal for stories, recaps, and event announcements

• Connect with us to share your artistry or partner on future productions

The story of the Creative Industry Collective is still being written — and you’re invited to be part of it.