Apple AirPods lead LCSO to an arrest ; over $100,000 worth of stolen items recoveredHendry County rolls out cameras for new school zone safety program
FORT MYERS Apple AirPods lead LCSO to an arrest ; over $100,000 worth of stolen items recovered Through the use of Apple Airpods, the Lee County Sheriff’s Office was able to locate nearly $100,000 worth of stolen items, leading to an arrest.
LABELLE Hendry County rolls out cameras for new school zone safety program The Hendry County Sheriff’s Office has rolled out a new way of enforcing school zone speed limits by using cameras that will target drivers traveling over a certain speed in a school zone.
CAPE CORAL Cape Coral officials approve replacement funding for hurricane-damaged stop signs The Cape Coral City Council has approved funding to replace stop signs damaged during Hurricane Milton, resulting in an emergency purchase.
Holiday events happening in Southwest Florida Southwest Florida is embracing the holiday spirit with a variety of festive events this Christmas season.
Collier man accused of supplying fentanyl-laced pills, enough to kill 531,500 people The Collier County Sheriff’s Office has arrested a man accused of supplying more than 10,000 fentanyl-laced pills disguised as prescription painkillers.
CAPE CORAL Cape Coral council supports construction of I-75 interchange into city The Cape Coral City Council has approved a resolution requesting support from Lee and Charlotte counties to prioritize state and federal funding for the Interstate 75 Interchange at Slater Road.
PUNTA GORDA Crews removing derelict boats from Gilchrist Park Crews are working to remove derelict boats from Gilchrist Park after several of them washed ashore during Hurricane Milton in October.
33rd endangered Florida panther death of 2024; killed by vehicle in Hardee County Another Florida panther has been killed by a vehicle, this time in Hardee County, increasing the death toll of the endangered species to 33 for 2024.
the weather authority Cool and breezy for your Thursday afternoon After waking up to a cold morning, the Weather Authority is tracking warming conditions to the low 70s this Thursday.
Police release 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.
FORT MYERS Apple AirPods lead LCSO to an arrest ; over $100,000 worth of stolen items recovered Through the use of Apple Airpods, the Lee County Sheriff’s Office was able to locate nearly $100,000 worth of stolen items, leading to an arrest.
LABELLE Hendry County rolls out cameras for new school zone safety program The Hendry County Sheriff’s Office has rolled out a new way of enforcing school zone speed limits by using cameras that will target drivers traveling over a certain speed in a school zone.
CAPE CORAL Cape Coral officials approve replacement funding for hurricane-damaged stop signs The Cape Coral City Council has approved funding to replace stop signs damaged during Hurricane Milton, resulting in an emergency purchase.
Holiday events happening in Southwest Florida Southwest Florida is embracing the holiday spirit with a variety of festive events this Christmas season.
Collier man accused of supplying fentanyl-laced pills, enough to kill 531,500 people The Collier County Sheriff’s Office has arrested a man accused of supplying more than 10,000 fentanyl-laced pills disguised as prescription painkillers.
CAPE CORAL Cape Coral council supports construction of I-75 interchange into city The Cape Coral City Council has approved a resolution requesting support from Lee and Charlotte counties to prioritize state and federal funding for the Interstate 75 Interchange at Slater Road.
PUNTA GORDA Crews removing derelict boats from Gilchrist Park Crews are working to remove derelict boats from Gilchrist Park after several of them washed ashore during Hurricane Milton in October.
33rd endangered Florida panther death of 2024; killed by vehicle in Hardee County Another Florida panther has been killed by a vehicle, this time in Hardee County, increasing the death toll of the endangered species to 33 for 2024.
the weather authority Cool and breezy for your Thursday afternoon After waking up to a cold morning, the Weather Authority is tracking warming conditions to the low 70s this Thursday.
Police release 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.
Lee Health holds news conference on latest coronavirus updates. (WINK News) Lee Health held a news conference Saturday afternoon at Gulf Coast Medical Center to provide the community updates on Lee County’s coronavirus (COVID-19) cases. Dr. Larry Antonucci, Lee Health president & CEO, and Dr. Stephanie Stovall, infection prevention, provided information. Lee Health says they were prepared ahead of time to fight the virus and are doing everything they can to be proactive. Since this strain of coronavirus was identified in December, Lee Health has been monitoring the spread and prepared the health system for an eventual case. The established plans and protocols being followed at this time to limit any further infection. The drills conducted with our clinical staff confirm that we have the appropriate training supplies and equipment in place. All of our plans are in effect. Coronavirus is here in our community and Lee Health is prepared to care for our community over the course of the disease. WATCH THE FULL NEWS CONFERENCE BELOW: The Florida Department of Health announced Friday night that one person in Lee County had died from the virus. The governor’s office confirmed to WINK News that the person who died was a woman in her 70s. And it’s confirmed she had returned from a trip to the Dominican Republic. She was brought to the hospital on Wednesday, March 4. Later that evening she was tested and a sample was sent to Miami on Thursday, March 5. That same day, the woman passed away. No one was notified of the death at the time. The woman’s test came back positive for COVID-19 on Friday and the governor’s office was notified at 6 p.m. Friday. Saturday morning, FDOH confirmed another presumptive positive case in the county. Lee Health says that person also came into Gulf Coast Medical Center around noon on Wednesday. They are currently isolated in the ICU and being treated. .@HealthyFla has announced a new presumptive positive Florida #COVID19 case in Lee County: The individual is isolated and being appropriately cared for. For the total case count and more important information, visit https://t.co/e1S8bGG26U @CDCgov — Florida Dept. of Health (@HealthyFla) March 7, 2020 They could not confirm whether or not those two patients had any relationship to each other. They say no one else is presumptive positive in their care at this time. Lee Health also said some of their staff that had been exposed to the virus are being isolated as a precaution and are being monitored closely. They have not shown any signs of infection. Officials said by law, they are not allowed to release the name of the deceased or the patient being treated or any further details, but did say the FDOH is investigating their travel history and opportunities for exposure. In addition, the county is taking extra steps to disinfect public areas such as RSW airport, buses, ambulances, taxis, etc. They will not be activating EOC at this time. Lee Health emphasized that the overall risk of the community is low, but asks people to take simple precautions to remain healthy such as washing your hands often and thoroughly with soap and water. A big questions health professional are looking into at Gulf Coast Medical Center are other patients who came in contact with the two individuals tested presumptive positive for COVID-19. “We have around 30 people who are potential medium or high risk exposures that have all been notified,” said Dr. Stephanie Stovall, a medical director for pediatric infection prevention/epidemiology with Lee Health. Those people are now in self-isolation and receiving daily checkups. Virus in SWFL: NCH and Lee Health implement visitor restrictions In effort to combat coronavirus (COVID-19), NCH Healthcare System and Lee Health, in a joint effort, announced Saturday both Southwest Florida health agencies will implement visitor restrictions at all of its health facilities in the region. Restrictions are as follows: Respiratory symptoms-cough, runny nose, fever will not be allowed to enter the hospitals No one under 12 years of age will be allowed to enter Visitation will be limited to no more than 2 visitors at one time Obstetric/post-partum visitors will be limited to 4 visitors at a time Per the NCH press release, the health leaders they care deeply about the health and wellbeing of everyone in our community. That’s why we are making the decision to avoid additional traffic and to ensure we are focusing on patient care. There is currently one patient confirmed presumptivley positive for COVID-19 at Lee Health facility Gulf Coast Medical Center in south Fort Myers. There are currently no cases at NCH health facilities. Gov. DeSantis directs Divison of Emergency Management to activate Level II response Governor Ron DeSantis directed the Florida Division of Emergency Management to activate to Level II to coordinate the state’s response to COVID-19 and provide critical support to the Florida Department of Health and county health departments. I have directed @FLSERT to activate to Level II to ensure Florida has all the necessary resources engaged as we respond to #COVID19. It is critical that we proactively coordinate all state resources to mitigate and contain #COVID19. — Ron DeSantis (@GovRonDeSantis) March 7, 2020 “I have directed the Division of Emergency Management to activate to Level II to ensure our state has all the necessary resources engaged as we respond to COVID-19,” DeSantis said. “It is critical that we proactively coordinate all state resources to mitigate the threat and contain COVID-19. I urge all Floridians to take necessary precautions and follow hygiene guidelines issued by the Surgeon General and Florida Department of Health.” RELATED: Gov. DeSantis requests more money to fight coronavirus in Florida IF YOU FEEL SICK: The Florida Department of Health has opened a 24-hour COVID-19 Call Center at 1-866-779-6121. Questions may also be emailed to covid-19@flhealth.gov. Email responses will be sent during call center hours. http://www.floridahealth.gov/diseases-and-conditions/COVID-19/