12-year-old collecting donations for the needy during the holidaysFort Myers man facing homelessness before the holidays
NAPLES 12-year-old collecting donations for the needy during the holidays A 12-year-old Naples boy isn’t worried about what he’s getting for Christmas. Instead, he’s working on his 6th annual “Holiday Sock Drive.”
Fort Myers man facing homelessness before the holidays A 75-year-old man is on the brink of homelessness despite working over 80 hours a week.
NAPLES Adoptee uses non-profit to provide suitcases for foster children This holiday season, a Naples woman is on a mission to bring foster children something many take for granted: a suitcase filled with dignity.
MARCO ISLAND City of Marco Island discusses lead awareness during city council meeting The city of Marco Island sent out 4900 letters to residents warning them that their pipes could contain plastic or lead.
NAPLES The future of electric planes in Southwest Florida Features of living near an airport include persistent headache-inducing engine rumbles and foul-smelling jet fuel, but electric planes could play a part in the solution.
PORT CHARLOTTE Neighbors awaiting answers on Port Charlotte Beach Park repairs Neighbors said a contractor hired by the Florida Division of Emergency Management mishandled the boats at Port Charlotte Beach Park.
FGCU introduces new technology for cognitive health screenings Ten minutes. That’s all it takes for doctors to assess how well you remember, how quickly you learn things, and how your brain is working overall.
WINK Investigates: Disgraced contractor faces new lawsuits and allegations Paul Beattie, a disgraced home builder is back doing business but legal challenges continue as another one of his businesses gets sued. Former employees of Beattie speak out, only to WINK.
SWFL reacts to UNC hiring Bill Belichick Southwest Florida reacts to North Carolina hiring Bill Belichick as its new head football coach and how that could impact the decisions of local recruits.
SOUTHWEST FLORIDA Some Floridians want more alone time during the holidays The holidays are all about spending time with family and friends, but nearly half of Americans say they really want more alone time during the holiday.
LABELLE Hendry County rolls out cameras for school speed zones 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.
Aggressive driving concerns on the rise in Southwest Florida The arrest of a man who, the Lee County Sheriff’s Office said, killed a motorcyclist after crashing into him on purpose is raising concerns over aggressive driving in Southwest Florida.
SANIBEL Sanibel School students prepare for community Christmas performance The school that has had to claw and fight its way back more than once to reopen is getting the chance to celebrate.
FORT MYERS Rock For Equality: SWFL music scene to hold benefit concert for Palestine A two-venue, eight-band benefit concert is coming to Southwest Florida.
NAPLES Naples man sentenced in deadly bar shooting A man has been sentenced for a deadly shooting that took place at a Naples bar in March 2021.
NAPLES 12-year-old collecting donations for the needy during the holidays A 12-year-old Naples boy isn’t worried about what he’s getting for Christmas. Instead, he’s working on his 6th annual “Holiday Sock Drive.”
Fort Myers man facing homelessness before the holidays A 75-year-old man is on the brink of homelessness despite working over 80 hours a week.
NAPLES Adoptee uses non-profit to provide suitcases for foster children This holiday season, a Naples woman is on a mission to bring foster children something many take for granted: a suitcase filled with dignity.
MARCO ISLAND City of Marco Island discusses lead awareness during city council meeting The city of Marco Island sent out 4900 letters to residents warning them that their pipes could contain plastic or lead.
NAPLES The future of electric planes in Southwest Florida Features of living near an airport include persistent headache-inducing engine rumbles and foul-smelling jet fuel, but electric planes could play a part in the solution.
PORT CHARLOTTE Neighbors awaiting answers on Port Charlotte Beach Park repairs Neighbors said a contractor hired by the Florida Division of Emergency Management mishandled the boats at Port Charlotte Beach Park.
FGCU introduces new technology for cognitive health screenings Ten minutes. That’s all it takes for doctors to assess how well you remember, how quickly you learn things, and how your brain is working overall.
WINK Investigates: Disgraced contractor faces new lawsuits and allegations Paul Beattie, a disgraced home builder is back doing business but legal challenges continue as another one of his businesses gets sued. Former employees of Beattie speak out, only to WINK.
SWFL reacts to UNC hiring Bill Belichick Southwest Florida reacts to North Carolina hiring Bill Belichick as its new head football coach and how that could impact the decisions of local recruits.
SOUTHWEST FLORIDA Some Floridians want more alone time during the holidays The holidays are all about spending time with family and friends, but nearly half of Americans say they really want more alone time during the holiday.
LABELLE Hendry County rolls out cameras for school speed zones 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.
Aggressive driving concerns on the rise in Southwest Florida The arrest of a man who, the Lee County Sheriff’s Office said, killed a motorcyclist after crashing into him on purpose is raising concerns over aggressive driving in Southwest Florida.
SANIBEL Sanibel School students prepare for community Christmas performance The school that has had to claw and fight its way back more than once to reopen is getting the chance to celebrate.
FORT MYERS Rock For Equality: SWFL music scene to hold benefit concert for Palestine A two-venue, eight-band benefit concert is coming to Southwest Florida.
NAPLES Naples man sentenced in deadly bar shooting A man has been sentenced for a deadly shooting that took place at a Naples bar in March 2021.
George Miller and Vicki Godfrey (Photos courtesy of School District of Lee County) Two Lee County school volunteers have won state honors. Vicki Godrey and George Miller are the first school volunteers within the School District of Lee County to win the Outstanding School Volunteer Award from the Florida Department of Education. Godfrey is the Region IV Adult Volunteer of the Year. Region IV covers the west coast of Florida from Tampa to Naples. Miller is the Region IV Senior Volunteer of the Year. Both were honored as Lee County 2019-2020 Adult and Senior Volunteer of the Year at the January 28 school board meeting before their nominations were submitted to the state. Godfrey started volunteering at Orange River Elementary School more than 10 years ago when her children attended classes there. Even though her kids have moved on, Godfrey continues to take the bus to spend 30 hours a week in the school library. Vicki Godfrey (Photo courtesy of School District of Lee County) “She is part of our team, and we work together to help students develop a sense of self and an interest in reading for pleasure,” said Principal Cayce Staruk. “She helps students find books that interest them and that will enrich and enhance their learning experiences. Students will seek her out for her assistance and her praise when they share their accomplishments with her.” Godfrey also volunteers with first grade students in need of extra support, and is part of the PTO, SAC, and school fundraisers at Orange River. “It is fun,” Godfrey said. “I enjoy volunteering so the teachers can have one less thing they have to do.” Miller has been a volunteer at Pine Island Elementary for 16 years and his impact is seen in student test scores. His involvement in STEM class helped the school reach its science goal last year and see 82% of students score proficient on the Statewide Science Test. Miller volunteers about six hours a week and his biggest contribution is in math. George Miller (Photo courtesy of School District of Lee County) “Mr. Miller directly influences all 51 of our fifth grade students in math class,” said Principal Steven Hook. “He tirelessly works with them one-on-one and in small groups to reteach math concepts and skills. Students actually request time with Mr. Miller because they know of his direct impact on their math progress and his passion for math.” Miller often continues to tutor students in middle and high school after they’ve left Pine Island Elementary. He also teaches GED classes at Pine Island’s Beacon of Hope. “I volunteer because I missed interacting with young people,” Miller said. “It keeps me young!” Division of Public Schools Chancellor Jacob Oliva will be sending both Godfrey and Miller an official letter and a trophy to congratulate them for being named a 2019-2020 Volunteer of the Year. The Lee County School Board will also recognize their accomplishment at a future meeting.