From the ballpark to the beach: the Minnesota Twins are back for Spring TrainingWarm stretch continues throughout this weekend
FORT MYERS From the ballpark to the beach: the Minnesota Twins are back for Spring Training 1700 miles later the Twins truck is here and the team from Minnesota is ready to spend the next six weeks here in Fort Myers.
the weather authority Warm stretch continues throughout this weekend The Weather Authority says if you are a fan of the warmer weather, you are going to love this weekend.
SANIBEL Sanibel’s red tide raises health alerts and wildlife concerns With great weather in the forecast, it’s shaping up to be a perfect beach weekend. However, visitors to the barrier islands should exercise caution.
NAPLES Naples Automotive Experience raises funds for St. Matthew’s House The Naples Automotive Experience brought excitement and philanthropy to the community, raising money for St. Matthew’s House.
MATLACHA Little Pine Island bridge work causes delays, FDOT promises progress Construction on the Little Pine Island Bridge has narrowed traffic to one lane, causing significant delays for drivers.
SOUTHWEST FLORIDA Support women’s heart health on National Wear Red Day The first Friday in February marks National Wear Red Day!
Ongoing repairs following Naples plane crash A deadly plane crash that occurred one year ago in Naples, Florida continues to impact lives in Southwest Florida. The tragic event involved two pilots who lost their lives on Interstate 75.
Naples jet crash, one year later: new details on emergency response Sunday marks one year since a jet crashed after its pilots attempted an emergency landing on I-75 just outside of Naples. “Your mind goes back to everything that happened that day,” said Heather Mazurkiewicz, public information officer with the North Collier Fire Rescue. “I think about the fact that there weren’t more lives lost.” At […]
LCSO cutting down law enforcement response times The Lee County Sheriff’s Office is gearing up to implement “Prepared 9-1-1,” a new tool designed to enhance emergency response times.
How Harry Chapin Food Bank supports struggling families In the heart of Dunbar, a neighborhood in Fort Myers, the STARS Complex becomes a place of hope as the Harry Chapin Food Bank supports families in need.
MOORE HAVEN African American family breaking barriers in Moore Haven politics Breaking barriers is a family tradition for Rashondra Croskey and her godmother, Gloria Reese.
Charlotte County unlicensed contractor accused of fraud The Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office said that a contractor has been arrested after he was hired to build a room in a home without a license.
Studies show that menopause is linked to heart risks Menopause is a natural part of life for middle-aged women, typically occurring between ages 45 and 55. However, it can bring serious health complications, including an increased risk of heart disease.
FORT MYERS Local band Shy Blossom to open up for ’90s rockers Sister Hazel at The Ranch A Southwest Florida-based band will be opening for the legendary ’90s rock fusion group Sister Hazel.
golden gate Bear Brawl: Black bears duke it out in Golden Gate backyard Two black bears were caught on camera tussling for garbage in the backyard of a Golden Gate home.
FORT MYERS From the ballpark to the beach: the Minnesota Twins are back for Spring Training 1700 miles later the Twins truck is here and the team from Minnesota is ready to spend the next six weeks here in Fort Myers.
the weather authority Warm stretch continues throughout this weekend The Weather Authority says if you are a fan of the warmer weather, you are going to love this weekend.
SANIBEL Sanibel’s red tide raises health alerts and wildlife concerns With great weather in the forecast, it’s shaping up to be a perfect beach weekend. However, visitors to the barrier islands should exercise caution.
NAPLES Naples Automotive Experience raises funds for St. Matthew’s House The Naples Automotive Experience brought excitement and philanthropy to the community, raising money for St. Matthew’s House.
MATLACHA Little Pine Island bridge work causes delays, FDOT promises progress Construction on the Little Pine Island Bridge has narrowed traffic to one lane, causing significant delays for drivers.
SOUTHWEST FLORIDA Support women’s heart health on National Wear Red Day The first Friday in February marks National Wear Red Day!
Ongoing repairs following Naples plane crash A deadly plane crash that occurred one year ago in Naples, Florida continues to impact lives in Southwest Florida. The tragic event involved two pilots who lost their lives on Interstate 75.
Naples jet crash, one year later: new details on emergency response Sunday marks one year since a jet crashed after its pilots attempted an emergency landing on I-75 just outside of Naples. “Your mind goes back to everything that happened that day,” said Heather Mazurkiewicz, public information officer with the North Collier Fire Rescue. “I think about the fact that there weren’t more lives lost.” At […]
LCSO cutting down law enforcement response times The Lee County Sheriff’s Office is gearing up to implement “Prepared 9-1-1,” a new tool designed to enhance emergency response times.
How Harry Chapin Food Bank supports struggling families In the heart of Dunbar, a neighborhood in Fort Myers, the STARS Complex becomes a place of hope as the Harry Chapin Food Bank supports families in need.
MOORE HAVEN African American family breaking barriers in Moore Haven politics Breaking barriers is a family tradition for Rashondra Croskey and her godmother, Gloria Reese.
Charlotte County unlicensed contractor accused of fraud The Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office said that a contractor has been arrested after he was hired to build a room in a home without a license.
Studies show that menopause is linked to heart risks Menopause is a natural part of life for middle-aged women, typically occurring between ages 45 and 55. However, it can bring serious health complications, including an increased risk of heart disease.
FORT MYERS Local band Shy Blossom to open up for ’90s rockers Sister Hazel at The Ranch A Southwest Florida-based band will be opening for the legendary ’90s rock fusion group Sister Hazel.
golden gate Bear Brawl: Black bears duke it out in Golden Gate backyard Two black bears were caught on camera tussling for garbage in the backyard of a Golden Gate home.
MGN FORT MYERS, Fla. (AP) – Hanley Ramirez showed the kind of power the Boston Red Sox are hoping for. Ramirez hit a loud 400-foot RBI double in the fifth inning of Friday’s 5-3 loss to the Miami Marlins, which marked Justin Masterson’s first appearance for the Red Sox in six years. Signed to an $88 million, four-year contract, Ramirez made his spring training debut in left field for the Red Sox. He hit a two-out double in the fifth off Andre Rienzo that scored Brock Holt from first. The drive rattled the triangle near the 420-foot sign in JetBlue Park, which is a replica of Fenway Park. “He’s certainly a threat,” Red Sox manager John Farrell said. Before a sellout crowd of 9,830, Masterson pitched two innings and allowed one unearned run, one hit and one walk. Miami scored when Jordany Valdespin reached leading off on a throwing error by shortstop Brock Holt, stole second, advanced on a flyout and scored on Michael Morse’s groundout. Masterson also allowed a single to Marcell Ozuna. “It was good. I didn’t hit anybody,” Masterson said. “I threw through somebody’s legs but didn’t hit anybody. That’s always a plus at this point in time. Four-seamers, sinkers. Lots of movement. Lot of ground balls. That’s exactly what I’m looking for.” Boston selected Masterson in the second round of the 2006 amateur draft and he was 9-8 in 15 starts and 52 relief appearances for the Red Sox before he was traded to Cleveland in 2009. He became a free agent after last season and signed a $9.5 million, one-year contract with Boston. Ramirez has never played left field in pro ball but the Red Sox plan to use him as their everyday left fielder. “We feel confident that by April 4 he’s going to be adequate in left field and will continue to improve throughout the (spring training) season,” Farrell said. Masterson is penciled into the Red Sox five-man rotation somewhere behind Clay Buchholz, Rick Porcello and perhaps Wade Miley. “I’m one of them,” Masterson said. “I got the shirt and everything. Clay Buchholz gave me the shirt. I was the ace today. I will not be the ace tomorrow. Someone else will be the ace so we’re right in there. The five of us are having a good old time. I think we’re all progressing just the way we want to.” First baseman Daniel Nava was 2-for-3 and was the only Red Sox first baseman with more than one hit. “I think it was a good day for a lot of guys to get used to our new teammates,” Nava said. It was the Red Sox first home game of the spring. The season opens April 6 when the Red Sox visit the Philadelphia Phillies. STARTING TIME Masterson pitched two innings in his first appearance with the Red Sox in six years. He allowed one unearned run, one hit and one walk. TRAINER’S ROOM Rookie outfielder Rusney Castillo is recovering from an oblique strain. Farrell said he worked out in a pool and on an elliptical machine on Friday. “The next step is light throwing,” Farrell said. UP NEXT Marlins: plays at home against Mets split squad in Jupiter, Florida (1:05 p.m.) Red Sox: split squads plays at home against Twins (1:05 p.m.); split squad at Orioles in Sarasota, Florida (1:05 p.m.)