Lee, Collier welcome first babies of 2017

Isabella Alvarez is Lee County’s first baby of 2017. Isabella’s mother, Nathalie, gave birth at 12:56 a.m. at HealthPark Medical Center in south Fort Myers. Isabella weighs 7.7 lbs and is 21 inches long. Nathalie and Isabella are are in good health. (Photo via Kinfay Moroti / The News-Press)

SOUTH FORT MYERS, Fla. — Another year, another Isabella.

Isabella Alvarez became the first baby born in 2017 in Lee County shortly after midnight Sunday morning at Healthpark Medical Center, The News-Press reports. She came into the world precisely a year after Isabella Albuquerque became 2016’s first Lee County baby.

The Isabellas also share the same birth weight — 7 pounds, 7 ounces.

Evanka Lazarre is the first baby of 2017 for Collier County, checking in at 7 pounds and 9 ounces.

Local Headlines

Lehigh Acres man arrested after allegedly shooting his dog in the face

The Lee County Sheriff’s Office has arrested a man for allegedly shooting his pitbull inside his home in Lehigh Acres.

New DNA results help close 36-year-old murder cold case

Thanks to technology, a family has closure on a 36-year-old murder cold case that dates back from November of 1988.

Man accused of fatal crash at That BBQ makes first court appearance

The man accused of driving drunk and plowing into people at a Matlacha restaurant made his first appearance in court.

Gov. DeSantis discusses Wildlife Corridor success during Naples news conference

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis discussed the successful efforts made by the Wildlife Corridor and the construction of new wildlife crossings to protect Florida’s wildlife.