Sanibel islanders rally to restore beloved fishing pier after Ian damageGunfire erupts on US 41 bridge in Punta Gorda; bikers arrested
SANIBEL Sanibel islanders rally to restore beloved fishing pier after Ian damage The Sanibel Fishing Pier, a beloved spot for many, has been in disrepair since Hurricane Ian struck more than two years ago. Now, dedicated fishers are pushing to restore it using private funding.
PUNTA GORDA Gunfire erupts on US 41 bridge in Punta Gorda; bikers arrested A road rage incident escalated into gunfire on the U.S. 41 bridge connecting Punta Gorda and Port Charlotte, causing fear among drivers.
CLEWISTON Clewiston father shoots friend over alleged sexual crime against daughter There is new information about a murder in Clewiston earlier this month.
BONITA SPRINGS San Carlos Estates fights city merger proposal with Bonita Springs Residents of San Carlos Estates in Bonita Springs are fighting to maintain their neighborhood’s independence.
PUNTA GORDA New flight routes at Punta Gorda Airport The Punta Gorda Airport is expanding its offerings, adding new flight options for travelers.
LEE COUNTY Bregman’s arrival and Devers’ denial highlight Red Sox first full squad The addition of Alex Bregman and Rafael Devers’ refusal to change positions highlighted the first full squad workout for the Red Sox.
NORTH FORT MYERS March to a Million Meals: Teaming up to help feed families Feeding a quarter of a million people each month requires a lot of money and help.
Charlotte County residents voice concerns over Burnt Store Road upgrades An emergency meeting was held to address concerns from residents about the development along Burnt Store Road in Charlotte County.
PORT CHARLOTTE Local nonprofit gives back to veterans for their service A military wife has found a heartfelt way to honor veterans and first responders.
Miracle Moment: Ronald McDonald House offers hope to boy battling cancer It’s time for Miracle Moment.
PORT CHARLOTTE Tampa Bay Rays uplift Charlotte County fans post hurricanes Tampa Bay’s full squad reported on Monday and fans were out in full force, with more appreciation than the players might know.
Breakthrough for patients diagnosed with ALS Fewer than 500 people in the United States have a genetic mutation linked to their case of ALS.
EAST NAPLES 1 injured after house fire in East Naples An investigation is underway after a fire in East Naples.
Bonita Springs Council to vote on duplex project near downtown Sagamore Management Co. seeks to build 24 duplexes on 4.6 acres at the northeast corner of Dean Street and Matheson Avenue in Bonita Springs.
Minnesota Twins, Lee Health host free open house and health fair The spring training season has kicked into full gear in Southwest Florida.
SANIBEL Sanibel islanders rally to restore beloved fishing pier after Ian damage The Sanibel Fishing Pier, a beloved spot for many, has been in disrepair since Hurricane Ian struck more than two years ago. Now, dedicated fishers are pushing to restore it using private funding.
PUNTA GORDA Gunfire erupts on US 41 bridge in Punta Gorda; bikers arrested A road rage incident escalated into gunfire on the U.S. 41 bridge connecting Punta Gorda and Port Charlotte, causing fear among drivers.
CLEWISTON Clewiston father shoots friend over alleged sexual crime against daughter There is new information about a murder in Clewiston earlier this month.
BONITA SPRINGS San Carlos Estates fights city merger proposal with Bonita Springs Residents of San Carlos Estates in Bonita Springs are fighting to maintain their neighborhood’s independence.
PUNTA GORDA New flight routes at Punta Gorda Airport The Punta Gorda Airport is expanding its offerings, adding new flight options for travelers.
LEE COUNTY Bregman’s arrival and Devers’ denial highlight Red Sox first full squad The addition of Alex Bregman and Rafael Devers’ refusal to change positions highlighted the first full squad workout for the Red Sox.
NORTH FORT MYERS March to a Million Meals: Teaming up to help feed families Feeding a quarter of a million people each month requires a lot of money and help.
Charlotte County residents voice concerns over Burnt Store Road upgrades An emergency meeting was held to address concerns from residents about the development along Burnt Store Road in Charlotte County.
PORT CHARLOTTE Local nonprofit gives back to veterans for their service A military wife has found a heartfelt way to honor veterans and first responders.
Miracle Moment: Ronald McDonald House offers hope to boy battling cancer It’s time for Miracle Moment.
PORT CHARLOTTE Tampa Bay Rays uplift Charlotte County fans post hurricanes Tampa Bay’s full squad reported on Monday and fans were out in full force, with more appreciation than the players might know.
Breakthrough for patients diagnosed with ALS Fewer than 500 people in the United States have a genetic mutation linked to their case of ALS.
EAST NAPLES 1 injured after house fire in East Naples An investigation is underway after a fire in East Naples.
Bonita Springs Council to vote on duplex project near downtown Sagamore Management Co. seeks to build 24 duplexes on 4.6 acres at the northeast corner of Dean Street and Matheson Avenue in Bonita Springs.
Minnesota Twins, Lee Health host free open house and health fair The spring training season has kicked into full gear in Southwest Florida.
Interim Cape Coral charter schools Superintendent Jacquelin Collins CAPE CORAL, Fla. The city’s charter school board voted Tuesday to terminate Superintendent Nelson Stephenson, effective immediately. Stephenson let the school system know last month he would resign at the end of his contract in June. Christa McAuliffe Elementary School Principal Jacquelin Collins will serve as interim superintendent. The governing board of the Cape Coral Charter School Authority consulted with Stephenson on its decision to sever ties. “I totally support the decision,” Stephenson said. “It was wonderful that the board cut ties with me in such a calm, confident manner.” The termination was without cause, so Stephenson will receive four months of severance pay worth about $38,000. Stephenson expressed frustration with comments made by members of City Council as he explained his decision to resign, though he declined to single anyone out. He had a highly publicized run-in with Mayor Marni Sawicki during a governing board meeting in January. Sawicki has said she won’t run for re-election this year. “I’m tired, with a family, to hear and read things about myself that aren’t true, so this will allow me to step back and really allow everybody to focus on what’s important, which is the kids,” Stephenson said. Stephenson said he’s “tickled” that the board promoted Collins. “This is kind of my dream realized, which is a superintendent’s leaving and in two seconds a decision can be made and somebody awesome can be placed into the position, and we move forward,” he said. Collins said she’ll prioritize rebuilding relationships between the charter schools and city officials. “We need the city,” she said. “We need them to function. We use a lot of their services, their departments, and we’re a part of the city, and we need to work together.” Stephenson faced an April 1 deadline to either sign a contract extension or a new contract, but he declined to do so. The lifelong Southwest Florida resident said he doesn’t have another job lined up but indicated he may seek work outside the state. Board members are willing to write a letter of recommendation for him, Stephenson said. “I’ve been contacted by some people and there may be some opportunities there for me, so I’m just going to wait and see what happens,” he said.