PUNTA GORDA, Fla. – The Charlotte Behavioral Health Care Children Crisis Unit serves two counties and is constantly over capacity, forcing the youngest and most vulnerable patients to be transferred to other facilities as far as Naples. But staff members hope that will soon change, as the center will break ground on a $2.2 million expansion of the Children’s Crisis Unit in September.
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Florida police dogs get added protections under DeSantis bill
Penalties will get stiffer for committing crimes against police dogs under a bill signed Tuesday by Gov. Ron DeSantis.

New three-story storage facility proposed on Collier Boulevard near Golden Gate City
Last week, Collier County Planning Commission discussed a proposed three-story, 174,000-square-foot CubeSmart self-storage facility at the intersection of 13th Avenue Southwest and Collier Boulevard, near Golden Gate City. The board was unable to bring a recommendation of approval or denial to the Board of County Commissioners for the 5.5-acre property. Although the land is zoned […]

Mental Health Monday: Pediatric mental health care shortage
Children who need to see a mental health professional in Southwest Florida can face a weeks- to monthlong wait for help. But the group Kids Minds Matter is working to lower that wait and is calling on you to help.

Emergency C-section after 25 weeks leads to smallest baby born at HealthPark Medical Center
Darionna, a newborn baby weighing just 9 1/2 ounces, less than a Coke can, is the smallest baby ever born at HealthPark Medical Center.
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Push to get evidence thrown out in Jorge Guerrero trial
The man accused of a disturbing crime is trying to get evidence thrown out, but investigators said there is enough cell phone evidence gathered against Jorge Guerrero when it comes to the kidnapping and death of 9-year-old Diana Alvarez.

Cypress Lake High school bathroom fire causes evacuation
Students at Cypress Lake High School had to be evacuated after someone started a fire in the bathroom.

Pregnant woman allegedly stabbed in Lehigh Acres
A woman was arrested after deputies said she stabbed a woman who is seven months pregnant in Lehigh Acres on Tuesday.

‘Maximum results with minimal treatment’: new disc sealant for chronic back pain
A controversial approach has been found for chronic back pain without involving surgery. A Naples doctor uses new disc sealant on patients.