Royal Palm Coast Realtor Association breaks ground on new Fort Myers headquartersCharlotte County drug trafficker sentenced to 10 years
Royal Palm Coast Realtor Association breaks ground on new Fort Myers headquarters As Royal Palm Coast Realtor Association’s president pointed out, about 1,000 people are still moving to Florida every day, and many of them are finding their way to Southwest Florida.
PUNTA GORDA Charlotte County drug trafficker sentenced to 10 years A Charlotte County man has been sentenced to 10 years in prison for drug trafficking.
lehigh acres ‘How to sign away parental rights?’; Lehigh Acres woman accused of killing her 4-month-old baby The Lee County Sheriff’s Office has arrested a woman accused of killing her 4-month-old baby.
Punta Gorda Man accused of indecent exposure at school bus stop in Punta Gorda The Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office has arrested a man accused of indecent exposure at a school bus stop in Punta Gorda.
estero Firefighters to perform 76-acre prescribed burn at Koreshan State Park San Carlos Park Fire Protection & Rescue Service District performs a 76-acre prescribed burn at Koreshan State Park today.
Tim Aten Knows: 2 new eateries coming to East Naples After operating La Rosa Pizzeria for more than 15 years, owners Bill and Alda Rosa decided to sell their local business and restaurant space.
the weather authority Warmer with sun and clouds for your Friday plans The Weather Authority is tracking a warmer day ahead, with a mixture of sun and clouds expected this Friday afternoon.
FDOT opens all lanes of Caloosahatchee Bridge year ahead of construction schedule The Florida Department of Transportation announced it will open all lanes of the Caloosahatchee Bridge a year ahead of its pedestrian sidewalk project.
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.
Royal Palm Coast Realtor Association breaks ground on new Fort Myers headquarters As Royal Palm Coast Realtor Association’s president pointed out, about 1,000 people are still moving to Florida every day, and many of them are finding their way to Southwest Florida.
PUNTA GORDA Charlotte County drug trafficker sentenced to 10 years A Charlotte County man has been sentenced to 10 years in prison for drug trafficking.
lehigh acres ‘How to sign away parental rights?’; Lehigh Acres woman accused of killing her 4-month-old baby The Lee County Sheriff’s Office has arrested a woman accused of killing her 4-month-old baby.
Punta Gorda Man accused of indecent exposure at school bus stop in Punta Gorda The Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office has arrested a man accused of indecent exposure at a school bus stop in Punta Gorda.
estero Firefighters to perform 76-acre prescribed burn at Koreshan State Park San Carlos Park Fire Protection & Rescue Service District performs a 76-acre prescribed burn at Koreshan State Park today.
Tim Aten Knows: 2 new eateries coming to East Naples After operating La Rosa Pizzeria for more than 15 years, owners Bill and Alda Rosa decided to sell their local business and restaurant space.
the weather authority Warmer with sun and clouds for your Friday plans The Weather Authority is tracking a warmer day ahead, with a mixture of sun and clouds expected this Friday afternoon.
FDOT opens all lanes of Caloosahatchee Bridge year ahead of construction schedule The Florida Department of Transportation announced it will open all lanes of the Caloosahatchee Bridge a year ahead of its pedestrian sidewalk project.
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.
Travelers wear protective mask as they walk through in terminal 5 at O’Hare International Airport in Chicago, Sunday, March 1, 2020. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh) New research from AAA shows the coronavirus has impacted 2020 travel plans for 76 percent of Floridians. This is according to the results of the AAA Consumer Pulse survey on travel, conducted in late May. While about 40 percent of Florida travelers had to reschedule at least one trip this year, 39 percent say they canceled a trip with no plans to reschedule. Jocelynn Collins said she should be on a cruise in Europe right now, but she’s still here in Southwest Florida. So instead of the trip overseas, the Collins family will try to go south to the Keys. “We have a plan for July 12 – just for five days – like I said, we’re just kind of playing it by ear,” she explained. They are part of the one-in-three Floridians surveyed comfortable taking a regional road trip, “I’m kind of waiting to see how the month of June goes. If there’s any spike in cases in that area and if those will have to evaluate.” If you’re part of the nearly 80% of Floridians not ready to fly but have a voucher, make sure it doesn’t go to waste because of the small print. Clint Henderson with The Points Guys says after squaring away expiration dates, make a list so you can keep track of the dates and dollar amounts, “When you’re getting these vouchers, the most important thing is to look for the expiration date.” According to the survey: 57% will take fewer trips as a result of the coronavirus 39% canceled travel with no plans to reschedule this year 27% rescheduled a trip to later this year 13% rescheduled 2020 travel plans for 2021 or later 24% were not affected; did not change 2020 travel plans “The coronavirus has had a significant impact on travel this year,” said Mark Jenkins, spokesman, AAA – The Auto Club Group. “Even as Florida reopens and travel providers implement enhanced sanitation protocols, Floridians are mixed on how soon they’d be willing to take a road trip, a flight, or simply stay in a hotel. The majority say it will take some time before they feel comfortable traveling like they used to. Until then, Floridians will take fewer trips than normal, and take extra precautions to avoid contracting the virus.” Summer Travel Plans The 2020 summer travel season looks quite different than in years passed. Travel restrictions limit international travel opportunities, and some states require travelers to quarantine. Additionally, the CDC urges travelers to wear face coverings while in public, and to practice social distancing. Due to the limited ability to social distance, the CDC lists airports, bus stations, train stations, and rest stops as places travelers can be exposed to the virus. “Floridians who are interested in traveling this summer are more likely to explore their own backyard, by traveling closer to home – due to the threat of the coronavirus,” said Jenkins “This means more people opting to take a road trip, instead of a flight, to avoid being in close quarters with strangers. The added value in driving is that summertime gas prices are the lowest in 15 years.” Last year, 62 percent of Floridians took a summer vacation, which did not include the Memorial and Labor Day holidays. During the same period this year, nearly half as many (33%) Floridians have summer travel plans. This summer (within next 3 months): 35% of Floridians would be comfortable taking a regional road trip in their own vehicle (300 miles or less) 23% would be comfortable staying in a hotel 18% would fly on commercial airlines 14% would rent a car for a road trip Hotel Tips: Understand the cancellation policy associated with the rate you book. AAA.com offers rates that include the option to cancel, should your plans change. Know whether the hotel’s amenities are closed or otherwise affected by the pandemic. Understand the hotel’s cleaning procedures, which are being enhanced by many chains. Bring your own cleaning supplies for additional peace of mind and to sanitize high-touch areas like the remote control, phone, door handles, faucets, etc. Air Travel Tips: Bring a mask and sanitizer. Wash your hands frequently. Consider packing a meal or snacks that would not violate TSA rules. Practice social distancing when you can while in the airport and elsewhere. Minimize personal encounters by managing aspects of your trip online like checking in. Know whether your destination or your activities will require you to quarantine when you return home. Understand your airline’s policies when you book. The majority of travelers (76%) say they will follow CDC guidelines, by practicing social distancing, wearing a mask and washing hands. Two in three (67%) will bring cleaning supplies when traveling. As a result of the pandemic, nearly half (48%) of travelers are more likely to purchase travel insurance. A quarter of travelers (25%) say they are more likely to use a travel agent for future travel plans. “A travel agent is more valuable now than ever before,” Jenkins continued. “They can help identify whether any travel restrictions will impact your trip, help you make an informed decision, and ensure you fully understand your rights in case you need to cancel or reschedule.” What would make travelers more comfortable? Top five things that would need to happen in order for Floridians to feel comfortable traveling: 48% – When a vaccine is available for COVID-19 41% – When the CDC or World Health Organization says it’s safe to travel 38% – When COVID-19 virus cases start to decrease 30% – When airlines are deemed to be safer or cleaner About the AAA Consumer Pulse™ Survey The AAA Consumer Pulse™ Survey was conducted online among 401 residents living in Florida from May 20 – May 24, 2020. Results asked of all respondents have a maximum margin of error of ± 4.9 percentage points. Responses are weighted by gender and age to ensure reliable and accurate representation of the adult population (18+) in Florida.