Cape Coral Animal Shelter to host Puppy Bowl 3 ahead of big gameFrom the ballpark to the beach: the Minnesota Twins are back for Spring Training
CAPE CORAL Cape Coral Animal Shelter to host Puppy Bowl 3 ahead of big game Ahead of the big game on Sunday, Cape Coral Animal Shelter will be featuring its very own Puppy Bowl III.
FORT MYERS From the ballpark to the beach: the Minnesota Twins are back for Spring Training 1700 miles later the Twins truck is here and the team from Minnesota is ready to spend the next six weeks here in Fort Myers.
the weather authority Warm stretch continues throughout this weekend The Weather Authority says if you are a fan of the warmer weather, you are going to love this weekend.
SANIBEL Sanibel’s red tide raises health alerts and wildlife concerns With great weather in the forecast, it’s shaping up to be a perfect beach weekend. However, visitors to the barrier islands should exercise caution.
NAPLES Naples Automotive Experience raises funds for St. Matthew’s House The Naples Automotive Experience brought excitement and philanthropy to the community, raising money for St. Matthew’s House.
MATLACHA Little Pine Island bridge work causes delays, FDOT promises progress Construction on the Little Pine Island Bridge has narrowed traffic to one lane, causing significant delays for drivers.
SOUTHWEST FLORIDA Support women’s heart health on National Wear Red Day The first Friday in February marks National Wear Red Day!
Ongoing repairs following Naples plane crash A deadly plane crash that occurred one year ago in Naples, Florida continues to impact lives in Southwest Florida. The tragic event involved two pilots who lost their lives on Interstate 75.
Naples jet crash, one year later: new details on emergency response Sunday marks one year since a jet crashed after its pilots attempted an emergency landing on I-75 just outside of Naples. “Your mind goes back to everything that happened that day,” said Heather Mazurkiewicz, public information officer with the North Collier Fire Rescue. “I think about the fact that there weren’t more lives lost.” At […]
LCSO cutting down law enforcement response times The Lee County Sheriff’s Office is gearing up to implement “Prepared 9-1-1,” a new tool designed to enhance emergency response times.
How Harry Chapin Food Bank supports struggling families In the heart of Dunbar, a neighborhood in Fort Myers, the STARS Complex becomes a place of hope as the Harry Chapin Food Bank supports families in need.
MOORE HAVEN African American family breaking barriers in Moore Haven politics Breaking barriers is a family tradition for Rashondra Croskey and her godmother, Gloria Reese.
Charlotte County unlicensed contractor accused of fraud The Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office said that a contractor has been arrested after he was hired to build a room in a home without a license.
Studies show that menopause is linked to heart risks Menopause is a natural part of life for middle-aged women, typically occurring between ages 45 and 55. However, it can bring serious health complications, including an increased risk of heart disease.
FORT MYERS Local band Shy Blossom to open up for ’90s rockers Sister Hazel at The Ranch A Southwest Florida-based band will be opening for the legendary ’90s rock fusion group Sister Hazel.
CAPE CORAL Cape Coral Animal Shelter to host Puppy Bowl 3 ahead of big game Ahead of the big game on Sunday, Cape Coral Animal Shelter will be featuring its very own Puppy Bowl III.
FORT MYERS From the ballpark to the beach: the Minnesota Twins are back for Spring Training 1700 miles later the Twins truck is here and the team from Minnesota is ready to spend the next six weeks here in Fort Myers.
the weather authority Warm stretch continues throughout this weekend The Weather Authority says if you are a fan of the warmer weather, you are going to love this weekend.
SANIBEL Sanibel’s red tide raises health alerts and wildlife concerns With great weather in the forecast, it’s shaping up to be a perfect beach weekend. However, visitors to the barrier islands should exercise caution.
NAPLES Naples Automotive Experience raises funds for St. Matthew’s House The Naples Automotive Experience brought excitement and philanthropy to the community, raising money for St. Matthew’s House.
MATLACHA Little Pine Island bridge work causes delays, FDOT promises progress Construction on the Little Pine Island Bridge has narrowed traffic to one lane, causing significant delays for drivers.
SOUTHWEST FLORIDA Support women’s heart health on National Wear Red Day The first Friday in February marks National Wear Red Day!
Ongoing repairs following Naples plane crash A deadly plane crash that occurred one year ago in Naples, Florida continues to impact lives in Southwest Florida. The tragic event involved two pilots who lost their lives on Interstate 75.
Naples jet crash, one year later: new details on emergency response Sunday marks one year since a jet crashed after its pilots attempted an emergency landing on I-75 just outside of Naples. “Your mind goes back to everything that happened that day,” said Heather Mazurkiewicz, public information officer with the North Collier Fire Rescue. “I think about the fact that there weren’t more lives lost.” At […]
LCSO cutting down law enforcement response times The Lee County Sheriff’s Office is gearing up to implement “Prepared 9-1-1,” a new tool designed to enhance emergency response times.
How Harry Chapin Food Bank supports struggling families In the heart of Dunbar, a neighborhood in Fort Myers, the STARS Complex becomes a place of hope as the Harry Chapin Food Bank supports families in need.
MOORE HAVEN African American family breaking barriers in Moore Haven politics Breaking barriers is a family tradition for Rashondra Croskey and her godmother, Gloria Reese.
Charlotte County unlicensed contractor accused of fraud The Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office said that a contractor has been arrested after he was hired to build a room in a home without a license.
Studies show that menopause is linked to heart risks Menopause is a natural part of life for middle-aged women, typically occurring between ages 45 and 55. However, it can bring serious health complications, including an increased risk of heart disease.
FORT MYERS Local band Shy Blossom to open up for ’90s rockers Sister Hazel at The Ranch A Southwest Florida-based band will be opening for the legendary ’90s rock fusion group Sister Hazel.
Former Florida Panthers goalie Roberto Luongo, left, and his family watch as his jersey is hoisted to the rafters during a ceremony before an NHL hockey game against the Montreal Canadiens, Saturday, March 7, 2020, in Sunrise, Fla. (AP Photo/Wilfredo Lee) Roberto Luongo wore the No. 1 jersey primarily because he thought the number signified being the best at everything. For the Florida Panthers, there was never anyone better. “No. 1 in your programs, No. 1 in your hearts,” Luongo said. And now, his No. 1 is the first to hang in the Panthers’ rafters. Luongo’s jersey was officially retired by the Panthers on Saturday night, the first player in team history to get that distinction. It happened in a pregame ceremony before Florida took on the Montreal Canadiens, the team from Luongo’s hometown and a most fitting visitor for the event. “I think he is somebody that represented all of the positive values of our game,” NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman said. “Perhaps, as importantly, besides excellence on the ice being an important member of whatever community he was living in — this community in particular, which he’s made his permanent home.” Luongo spoke for about 12 minutes — showing off English, French and Italian skills — and choked up when talking to wife Gina, who he met after initially coming to the Panthers. Their family has made their home in Parkland, Florida for years and Luongo, now an executive with the Panthers and advocate for those affected by the shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High in Parkland two years ago, says he hopes they never leave. “Last but not least, I just want to thank the fans,” Luongo said. “Thank you, everybody. It’s been a great ride. It’s been amazing. It still is amazing when I walk in the community and talk to you guys and see you in the grocery stores. You guys have been behind me from Day One and I’m truly humbled to have been through this journey with you guys and thank you for the support over the years. “Some times were great. Some times were not so great. But you always stuck behind me and I truly appreciate that.” Luongo wanted a Stanley Cup banner to be hoisted in Florida during his playing days. That never happened, so now he’s vowed to see it occur as a member of the front office. “We will do that together,” Panthers owner Vincent Viola said. Luongo walked onto the ice as Frank Sinatra’s “My Way” blared — fitting for many reasons, one being Luongo’s Italian roots, another being that he truly went out on his own terms with three years left on a contract that would have paid him more than $9 million. There were several speakers during the ceremony, including longtime Panthers goaltender coach Robb Tallas. He had been alongside Luongo for many of his biggest moments — and was 200 feet away from him for another, when he was the opposing goalie for Boston when Luongo and the New York Islanders beat the Bruins 3-0 on Dec. 27, 1999. That was the first of Luongo’s 82 career shutouts, including playoffs. “Over the past 20 years Lu was relentless in his pursuit of being the best,” Tallas said. Another speaker was former goalie Jamie McLennan, who appeared in 17 games for Florida as Luongo’s backup in the 2005-06 season. McLennan spoke before Luongo, saying it would be the only time he would be ahead of his former teammate. “You’re one of the greatest goaltenders in the game of hockey. … You’re a great man, a lifelong friend and you deserve this amazing recognition,” McLennan said. Luongo now becomes officially part of South Florida sports lore, like Dwyane Wade with the Miami Heat and Dan Marino with the Miami Dolphins. He said that’s humbling. “South Florida’s my home,” Luongo said. “I’m going to be here a long time. I did what I could not only on the ice, but off the ice and I look forward to keep doing that.”