Students react to threat made at Florida Gulf Coast UniversityMissing and endangered boy found in Lehigh Acres
Students react to threat made at Florida Gulf Coast University Students at Florida Gulf Coast University said they don’t know the specifics of a threat made last week, but they do know it was taken care of.
Missing and endangered boy found in Lehigh Acres Authorities have found a missing and endangered boy in Lehigh Acres. Police asked for the public’s help in locating Zachariah McKelvin.
School District denies bus service to student despite mother’s measurements When we think of the bus stop, we typically think of it as a safe place for our children, but one mother says the Lee County School District told her they live too close to the school to get a bus route.
MATLACHA 2 stranded dolphins rescued from mangroves near Matlacha Two stranded dolphins were pulled from mangroves near Matlacha.
CAPE CORAL NAACP honors Cape Coral Police Chief after acknowledging hate crime NAACP President, James Muwakkil, was so impressed with Cape Coral Police Chief Anthony Sizemore that he wanted the entire city to know.
NAPLES Jingled Elves trolley tour underway Breaking out your best dance moves and spreading Christmas cheer. These ‘jingled elves’ are breaking it down with a purpose.
BONITA SPRINGS Bonita Springs Elementary School’s demolition plans There’s a new lesson plan at Bonita Springs Elementary School: Demolition 101. The school is set to be knocked down, and there’s good reason.
MARCO ISLAND Marco Island Councilmember’s dogs allegedly attack 13-year-old girl Councilor Tamara Goehler is coming under fire after her dogs allegedly attacked a 13-year-old girl and the girl’s five-month-old puppy.
PUNTA GORDA Gilchrist Park’s future brightens as boat cleanup commences The boats blocking Gilchrist Park are ready to be moved two years after Hurricane Ian.
Lee County Department of Health issues red tide alert for Bowman’s Beach The Florida Department of Health in Lee County has issued a health alert for the presence of red tide near Bowman’s Beach.
CAPE CORAL City of Cape Coral working on project to address canal safety An older Cape Coral couple drove into a canal last year. Neighbors are now saying something needs to be done about canal safety.
NAPLES Collier County mental health center receives $4 million donation A giant donation is dedicated to providing people with better mental health care in southwest Florida.
LABELLE City of LaBelle under precautionary boil water notice A water main break has the City of Labelle under a precautionary boil water notice.
ESTERO FGCU student wins ice dancing national championship FGCU sophomore Lucas Appel wins his second US Senior Solo Dance National Championship in three years.
Lee County Sheriff’s Office: Parent brings weapon to Lehigh Acres school According to a Lee County Sheriff’s Office report, there is probable cause to believe a woman unintentionally brought a firearm to school.
Students react to threat made at Florida Gulf Coast University Students at Florida Gulf Coast University said they don’t know the specifics of a threat made last week, but they do know it was taken care of.
Missing and endangered boy found in Lehigh Acres Authorities have found a missing and endangered boy in Lehigh Acres. Police asked for the public’s help in locating Zachariah McKelvin.
School District denies bus service to student despite mother’s measurements When we think of the bus stop, we typically think of it as a safe place for our children, but one mother says the Lee County School District told her they live too close to the school to get a bus route.
MATLACHA 2 stranded dolphins rescued from mangroves near Matlacha Two stranded dolphins were pulled from mangroves near Matlacha.
CAPE CORAL NAACP honors Cape Coral Police Chief after acknowledging hate crime NAACP President, James Muwakkil, was so impressed with Cape Coral Police Chief Anthony Sizemore that he wanted the entire city to know.
NAPLES Jingled Elves trolley tour underway Breaking out your best dance moves and spreading Christmas cheer. These ‘jingled elves’ are breaking it down with a purpose.
BONITA SPRINGS Bonita Springs Elementary School’s demolition plans There’s a new lesson plan at Bonita Springs Elementary School: Demolition 101. The school is set to be knocked down, and there’s good reason.
MARCO ISLAND Marco Island Councilmember’s dogs allegedly attack 13-year-old girl Councilor Tamara Goehler is coming under fire after her dogs allegedly attacked a 13-year-old girl and the girl’s five-month-old puppy.
PUNTA GORDA Gilchrist Park’s future brightens as boat cleanup commences The boats blocking Gilchrist Park are ready to be moved two years after Hurricane Ian.
Lee County Department of Health issues red tide alert for Bowman’s Beach The Florida Department of Health in Lee County has issued a health alert for the presence of red tide near Bowman’s Beach.
CAPE CORAL City of Cape Coral working on project to address canal safety An older Cape Coral couple drove into a canal last year. Neighbors are now saying something needs to be done about canal safety.
NAPLES Collier County mental health center receives $4 million donation A giant donation is dedicated to providing people with better mental health care in southwest Florida.
LABELLE City of LaBelle under precautionary boil water notice A water main break has the City of Labelle under a precautionary boil water notice.
ESTERO FGCU student wins ice dancing national championship FGCU sophomore Lucas Appel wins his second US Senior Solo Dance National Championship in three years.
Lee County Sheriff’s Office: Parent brings weapon to Lehigh Acres school According to a Lee County Sheriff’s Office report, there is probable cause to believe a woman unintentionally brought a firearm to school.
Credit: WINK News. A run-in with a coyote might not be on the forefront of most folks minds in Southwest Florida, but that’s exactly what happened to a woman walking her dog. Sanibel Police Department reports a woman had a coyote encounter on Sanibel Island Friday morning. “We rent a house during the summer, bring my five grandchildren, and I just learned about coyotes,” said Karen Flaacke from Tampa. “I felt like a little uneasy about it. I didn’t even know they were around this area.” Locals and vacationers are concerned after hearing about a woman and her dog’s encounter with a coyote. “It’s a little bit scary,” Flaacke said. “We have a dog that comes.” The police department said two coyotes aggressively surrounded a woman and her 50-pound dog on Anchor Drive. “He’s an English bulldog,” said Flaacke about her own pet. “He’s got a big head, big teeth. But if we saw coyotes, don’t know what I would do. If I was with him, I would run.” But FWC said not to run away. “I heard that you’re supposed to scare them off,” said John Bevilacqua from Pennsylvania. “Act like you’re like bigger.” And that’s exactly what FWC recommends people do if they come in close contact with a coyote. “That’s good advice,” Flaacke said. “And I’m glad that you told me because I don’t know how I would react without any advice at all.” Official said the woman was able to safely seek shelter in the closest house until the coyotes left the area. “Since I have teenage grand kids here,” Flaacke said. “I’m going to advise them to be careful.” Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission says coyotes are not leaving Florida anytime soon. So we looked at what people need to do if they find themselves face-to-face with a coyote. Coyotes are not generally a threat to human safety, but they can and do prey on domestic cats and small dogs. Credit: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. Tips if you encounter a coyote: Immediately act aggressively toward the coyote. Wave your arms, throw things like stones, and shout at the coyote Make yourself appear larger by standing up or stepping onto a rock, stump, or stair. Convince the coyote you are a potential danger to be avoided Where coyote encounters occur regularly, walk pets at other times besides nighttime hours, dusk and dawn Carry something that will make noise or scare the animal, such as a small air horn, solid walking stick, or golf club. These things may deter the coyote at close range Make a “coyote shaker” by putting a few washers, pebbles or pennies into an empty soft drink can. Wrap the can in foil and tape closed Continue to make sufficient noise until the coyote leaves; otherwise the coyote will learn to wait to leave until the activity stops Other ways to protect yourself and your pets: Do not allow pets to roam freely Most coyote attacks on pets occur either at night or at dusk or dawn. During these times especially, avoid walking your pet in heavily wooded or vegetated areas where coyotes could hide Keep your dog close, on a short leash Keep cats indoors Coyotes may be attracted by food and garbage More tips: Although most of us wouldn’t think of feeding a coyote directly, indirect feeding can be just as troublesome. Don’t place food outdoors that will attract wild animals. This includes pet food, bird seed, and even water Store your trash in a secure area until the morning of pickup or use animal-proof containers “I think I’m going to be more cautious,” Bevilacqua said. “Going to make sure that I am more aware of my surroundings.” Sanibel Police Department wants anyone who sees a coyote on the island to report it using its non-emergency hotline, 239-472-3111. For emergencies, dial 911. For more information, see FWC’s “Living with Coyotes” guidelines.