FORT MYERS, Fla. – Even though the new academic school year already started, school districts across Southwest Florida are still aggressively looking to hire new teachers: Lee County is looking for 33 teachers while Collier County needs 10 more hires.
Stories you need to know

Port Charlotte High School teacher on leave after photo of beer can in classroom spreads online
A Port Charlotte High School teacher is on paid administrative leave and under investigation after a picture of a White Claw can in his classroom began to circulate online.

Policy could let Lee County school teachers search student’s phones
This issue is at the forefront of the new student-code-of-conduct policy draft under consideration in Lee County schools.

Penguin Random House sues Florida school district over book bans
Publisher Penguin Random House and PEN America sued a Florida school district Wednesday over its removal of books about race and LGBTQ+ identities, the latest opposition to a policy central to Gov. Ron DeSantis’ agenda as he prepares to run for president.

Collier County School District disagrees over superintendent’s new contract
Disagreements arise in the Collier County School District on the decision of the new superintendent’s contract and salary.
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Berm project reaches Marco Island in time for hurricane season
The emergency berm project in Collier County is nearly wrapped up, reaching the beaches of Marco Island just in time for hurricane season.

Isolated storms roll in Monday afternoon
The majority of Southwest Florida will enjoy a mix of sun and clouds until a few showers form well inland around 1 p.m., eventually developing into isolated storms near the coast and I-75 throughout the afternoon and evening.

Lee County deputy named law enforcement officer of the year
During the Law and Order Ball Saturday night, deputy Michelle Wilson of the Lee County Sheriff’s Office won officer of the year.

Shed fire spreads to pool house in Alva
A house fire is now out after sending smoke pouring into the sky for hours in Alva Sunday morning.