3 law officers killed, 5 others wounded trying to serve warrant in North Carolina, authorities sayMultiple units fighting structure fire in Cape Coral
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) 3 law officers killed, 5 others wounded trying to serve warrant in North Carolina, authorities say Three law enforcement officers serving a warrant for a felon wanted for possessing a firearm were killed and five other officers were wounded Monday in a shootout at a Charlotte, North Carolina, home, police said.
CAPE CORAL Multiple units fighting structure fire in Cape Coral Several fire rescue trucks are responding to a structure fire at a commercial building in Cape Coral.
North Fort Myers residents concerned over abandoned boat A day out in the water turned into an alarming discovery for one North Fort Myers family. “We came out one day, this boat was here, there was someone living on it,” said Joanne Kreise. “For a short period of time, he had the boat tied up to the channel marker and an anchor. He […]
FORT MYERS Fort Myers first responders stress safety after rollover crash Fort Myers fire department officials are pointing to safety and awareness following a recent rollover crash on Palm Beach Blvd. and Oasis Way.
NAPLES FSU pitcher Jacob Marlowe’s determined heart is on the mound Former Barron Collier ace, now FSU pitcher Jacob Marlowe is recovering from two open heart surgeries in five days.
Contrasting Lee, Collier and Charlotte homicide rates to nationwide numbers The Wall Street Journal says nationwide homicide rates have dropped by 20% compared to the numbers from 2023.
New program to make life more manageable for Parkinson’s patients A new program, backed by research, was created using the power of spin cycling to redefine the fight against Parkinson’s.
Medicaid class action gets go-ahead A federal judge has cleared the way for a class-action lawsuit that alleges Florida did not properly inform people before dropping them from the Medicaid program after a COVID-19 public health emergency ended.
FORT MYERS New downtown Fort Myers parking options coming soon Two new spots are coming for you to park on nights and weekends in downtown Fort Myers, but you’ll still have to pay.
LEHIGH ACRES Caught on Camera: Family ‘sucker-punched’ in Lehigh Acres brawl A woman is speaking out about a conflict she was involved in at Barefoot Lake.
Miracle Moment: Christina Soriero Doctors diagnosed 22-year-old Christina Soriero with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma when she was just 18. A time in her life when the only thing she should have been dealing with was senioritis and getting ready for life after high school.
DeSantis signs bill impacting new mothers and jury duty Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis has signed a bill that will impact new mothers and their eligibility to serve on jury duty.
Genesis of Naples breaking ground on new car dealership A genesis—or new beginning—is under way for Genesis of Naples. The local franchise plans to break ground this summer on a new and expanded luxury auto dealership in North Naples.
Emails show beginnings, contradictions of South Seas resort amendment South Seas resort ownership group’s engineer proposed a land-use amendment for Lee County’s government at least six months before the first public discussions and at least seven weeks before the county’s official timeline began, emails between the resort’s representatives and county show.
CAPE CORAL 13-year-old arrested for allegedly getting involved in hit-and-run with stolen car, fleeing from Cape Coral police A teen was arrested on multiple charges after allegedly getting involved in a hit-and-run with a stolen car and then fleeing from police.
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) 3 law officers killed, 5 others wounded trying to serve warrant in North Carolina, authorities say Three law enforcement officers serving a warrant for a felon wanted for possessing a firearm were killed and five other officers were wounded Monday in a shootout at a Charlotte, North Carolina, home, police said.
CAPE CORAL Multiple units fighting structure fire in Cape Coral Several fire rescue trucks are responding to a structure fire at a commercial building in Cape Coral.
North Fort Myers residents concerned over abandoned boat A day out in the water turned into an alarming discovery for one North Fort Myers family. “We came out one day, this boat was here, there was someone living on it,” said Joanne Kreise. “For a short period of time, he had the boat tied up to the channel marker and an anchor. He […]
FORT MYERS Fort Myers first responders stress safety after rollover crash Fort Myers fire department officials are pointing to safety and awareness following a recent rollover crash on Palm Beach Blvd. and Oasis Way.
NAPLES FSU pitcher Jacob Marlowe’s determined heart is on the mound Former Barron Collier ace, now FSU pitcher Jacob Marlowe is recovering from two open heart surgeries in five days.
Contrasting Lee, Collier and Charlotte homicide rates to nationwide numbers The Wall Street Journal says nationwide homicide rates have dropped by 20% compared to the numbers from 2023.
New program to make life more manageable for Parkinson’s patients A new program, backed by research, was created using the power of spin cycling to redefine the fight against Parkinson’s.
Medicaid class action gets go-ahead A federal judge has cleared the way for a class-action lawsuit that alleges Florida did not properly inform people before dropping them from the Medicaid program after a COVID-19 public health emergency ended.
FORT MYERS New downtown Fort Myers parking options coming soon Two new spots are coming for you to park on nights and weekends in downtown Fort Myers, but you’ll still have to pay.
LEHIGH ACRES Caught on Camera: Family ‘sucker-punched’ in Lehigh Acres brawl A woman is speaking out about a conflict she was involved in at Barefoot Lake.
Miracle Moment: Christina Soriero Doctors diagnosed 22-year-old Christina Soriero with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma when she was just 18. A time in her life when the only thing she should have been dealing with was senioritis and getting ready for life after high school.
DeSantis signs bill impacting new mothers and jury duty Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis has signed a bill that will impact new mothers and their eligibility to serve on jury duty.
Genesis of Naples breaking ground on new car dealership A genesis—or new beginning—is under way for Genesis of Naples. The local franchise plans to break ground this summer on a new and expanded luxury auto dealership in North Naples.
Emails show beginnings, contradictions of South Seas resort amendment South Seas resort ownership group’s engineer proposed a land-use amendment for Lee County’s government at least six months before the first public discussions and at least seven weeks before the county’s official timeline began, emails between the resort’s representatives and county show.
CAPE CORAL 13-year-old arrested for allegedly getting involved in hit-and-run with stolen car, fleeing from Cape Coral police A teen was arrested on multiple charges after allegedly getting involved in a hit-and-run with a stolen car and then fleeing from police.
FORT MYERS, Fla.- The Florida Department of Law Enforcement, along with the Collier, Charlotte, Hillsborough, Hendry and Lee County Sheriff’s Offices, arrested 15 suspects after an investigation revealed a human trafficking network involving multiple victims operating from Central to South Florida. Authorities say two suspects remain at large. “Today’s arrests demonstrate that human trafficking will not be tolerated in Florida,” said Attorney General Pam Bondi. “I applaud my Office of Statewide Prosecution and FDLE for shutting down this huge sex trafficking ring. We will aggressively prosecute these defendants and anyone else looking to profit off the enslavement and misery of others.” The investigation began in 2013 after the Collier County Sheriff’s Office discovered a human trafficking victim during a traffic stop. Investigators subsequently identified six women who were illegally smuggled into the United States after being promised legal jobs and to be reunited with family. However, once in the country, the women were forced to work as commercial sex slaves performing sex acts on 25 to 45 men a day, six days a week. Victims ranged in age from 25 to 35. “Some of these victims were forced into prostitution when they were just 18 years old,” said FDLE Commissioner Rick Swearingen. The human trafficking ring operated in Collier, Lee, Hendry, Polk and Miami-Dade counties. The victims earned between $190,000 and $320,000 a year for their captors while they received a pittance and were forced to reimburse the suspects for food and rent while being subjected to substandard and restricted living conditions. “This case has many victims and involves a criminal organization that has committed some of the most heinous crimes relating to a sex trafficking case that we have seen in our area,” Collier County Sheriff Kevin Rambosk said. “These arrests should send a strong message that human trafficking will not be tolerated in Collier County and offenders will be arrested and put in jail.” “These girls are being lured, tricked and coerced,” said Sally Senitz. Senitz runs a global organization that opens safe houses for human trafficking victims. Senitz says many times once victims are lured in, they are raped. “A bunch of men will gang rape them, really quick, really fast to an endurable state and then often times immediately put on drugs,” said Senitz. Some girls are just ten years old and forced to live in deplorable conditions and many times not given any medical treatment. “This is a money driven crime, so the trafficker is going to recruit the next person who he will profit from,” said Yaroslaba Garcia with the Abuse Counseling and Treatment center. Agents believe there are additional victims. Anyone with information is urged to contact FDLE’s Fort Myers Regional Operations Center at 239-278-7170. The following suspects were arrested: ·Victor Pantoja, 37, 2927 Lunar Circle, Lakeland, one count-conspiracy to commit human trafficking; three counts-human trafficking using coercion for commercial sexual activity; three counts- deriving support from the proceeds of prostitution. · Anahi Bengoechea, 59, 27566 Dortch Ave., Bonita Springs, one count-conspiracy to commit human trafficking; three counts-human trafficking using coercion for commercial sexual activity; three counts- deriving support from the proceeds of prostitution. · Delia Majano, 39, 1960 Sunshine Blvd., Naples, one count-conspiracy to commit human trafficking; two counts-human trafficking using coercion for commercial sexual activity; two counts- deriving support from the proceeds of prostitution. · Ilario Gonzales, 33, 123 Hancock St., Immokalee, one count-conspiracy to commit human trafficking; three counts-human trafficking using coercion for commercial sexual activity; three counts- deriving support from the proceeds of prostitution. · Jose Bonilla, 43, 1960 Sunshine Blvd., Naples, one count-conspiracy to commit human trafficking; two counts-human trafficking using coercion for commercial sexual activity; two counts- deriving support from the proceeds of prostitution. · Alberto Sierra, 55, 5236 Summerlin Rd., Fort Myers, one count-conspiracy to commit human trafficking; one count-human trafficking using coercion for commercial sexual activity; one count- deriving support from the proceeds of prostitution. · Dalia Torres, 54, 484 Thigpen Road, LaBelle, one count-conspiracy to commit human trafficking; one count-human trafficking using coercion for commercial sexual activity; one count- deriving support from the proceeds of prostitution. · Armando Hernandez, 30, 1057 Old South Drive., Lakeland, one count-conspiracy to commit human trafficking; one count-human trafficking using coercion for commercial sexual activity; one count- deriving support from the proceeds of prostitution. · Moises Rodriguez, 66, 1059 Old South Dr., Lakeland, one count-conspiracy to commit human trafficking; one count-human trafficking using coercion for commercial sexual activity; one count- deriving support from the proceeds of prostitution. · Gladys Torres, 65, 10830 SW 147th Court, Miami, one count-conspiracy to commit human trafficking; one count-human trafficking using coercion for commercial sexual activity; one count- deriving support from the proceeds of prostitution. · Martin Ortiz, 33, 1400 Apache Circle, LaBelle, one count-conspiracy to commit human trafficking; two counts-human trafficking using coercion for commercial sexual activity; two counts- deriving support from the proceeds of prostitution. · Baldomero Delatorre, 66, 608 New Market Road, Immokalee, one count-conspiracy to commit human trafficking; one count-human trafficking using coercion for commercial sexual activity; one count- deriving support from the proceeds of prostitution. · Aurora Del Rosario Barrientos Pirir, 31, 123 Hancock St. Immokalee, one count-conspiracy to commit human trafficking; one count-human trafficking using coercion for commercial sexual activity; one count- deriving support from the proceeds of prostitution. · Juan Perez, 37, 217 N. Second Street, Immokalee, one count-deriving support from the proceeds of prostitution. · Alvia Velascia, 28, 217 N. Second Street, Immokalee, one count-deriving support from the proceeds of prostitution. Two suspects remain at large: · Jose Senteno, 43, 26197 Milagro Lane, Bonita Springs, one count-conspiracy to commit human trafficking; one count-human trafficking using coercion for commercial sexual activity; one count- deriving support from the proceeds of prostitution. · Alba Guzman, 57, LaBelle, one count-conspiracy to commit human trafficking; one count-human trafficking using coercion for commercial sexual activity; one count- deriving support from the proceeds of prostitution.