More women and younger adults getting cancerLCSO deputy struck by suspect vehicle at Page Field Commons
More women and younger adults getting cancer Mortality rates for cancer continue to decline. The American Cancer Society’s annual report says there was a 34% decrease in deaths between 1991 and 2022, but the report isn’t all good news.
FORT MYERS LCSO deputy struck by suspect vehicle at Page Field Commons A Lee County Sheriff’s Office deputy was injured after being struck by a suspect’s vehicle.
Heavy deputy presence on Alligator Alley in Collier County There is a heavy presence of law enforcement in Collier County at Alligator Alley near mile marker 100.
LCSO responds to calls for Carmine Marceno to resign The Lee County Sheriff’s Office has responded to the calls for Sheriff Carmine Marceno to resign on Thursday.
CAPE CORAL 16 bands performing at free 239 Fest in Cape Coral after hurricane delay The show must go on. 239 Fest, which was canceled last year due to Hurricane Milton, will be returning and bigger than ever.
Naples’ CFO formally appointed Naples city manager, city manager’s new job disclosed Naples City Council unanimously agreed Deputy City Manager Gary Young will become city manager, formalizing a decision made two days earlier.
SWFL community raise $1600 for family of fallen Charlotte County Sgt. Southwest Floridians were asked to come out and support the family of fallen Charlotte County Deputy Sgt. Elio Diaz, and you showed up.
Collier commissioners increase opposition to possible move by Naples Airport Collier County commissioners increased their opposition to possibly relocating Naples Airport, supporting a resolution against two sites near Ave Maria and rejecting the airport authority’s request for assistance.
PORT CHARLOTTE Georgia man found guilty of engaging in sexual activity with minor in Port Charlotte A Georgia man has been found guilty of engaging in sexual activity with a minor and possessing a firearm as a person with felony convictions.
New recreational marijuana amendment proposed for 2026 Florida ballot Smart & Safe Florida, the political action committee primarily funded by Trulieve – the state’s largest medical marijuana company and fourth largest in the U.S. – this week filed a new proposal to put an amendment on the ballot in Florida in 2026 that would legalize adult recreational use of marijuana.
NAPLES Naples Pride releases statement on city council’s vote Naples Pride has issued a statement on the Naples City Council’s decision to approve this year’s festival but with a caveat.
Punta Gorda scraps plan for new $16M City Hall building Prior to the hurricane in September 2022 causing City Hall’s closure, the previous City Council, including three incumbents who were unseated in the Nov. 5 election, planned to build a new City Hall on its current site at 326 W. Marion Ave.
CAPE CORAL Jaycee Park Renovations — There’s no going back now Where there’s talk of Jaycee Park in Cape Coral Council meetings, there is turmoil.
CAPE CORAL NRG Wrestling slams its way into Cape Coral NRG wrestling is hosting its first live event of 2025 with NRG Fully Charged on Saturday, Jan. 18, at Scotty Bierwerks.
Backlash over new state law banning kids from social media From body image issues to bullying and, even worse, depression and suicide.
More women and younger adults getting cancer Mortality rates for cancer continue to decline. The American Cancer Society’s annual report says there was a 34% decrease in deaths between 1991 and 2022, but the report isn’t all good news.
FORT MYERS LCSO deputy struck by suspect vehicle at Page Field Commons A Lee County Sheriff’s Office deputy was injured after being struck by a suspect’s vehicle.
Heavy deputy presence on Alligator Alley in Collier County There is a heavy presence of law enforcement in Collier County at Alligator Alley near mile marker 100.
LCSO responds to calls for Carmine Marceno to resign The Lee County Sheriff’s Office has responded to the calls for Sheriff Carmine Marceno to resign on Thursday.
CAPE CORAL 16 bands performing at free 239 Fest in Cape Coral after hurricane delay The show must go on. 239 Fest, which was canceled last year due to Hurricane Milton, will be returning and bigger than ever.
Naples’ CFO formally appointed Naples city manager, city manager’s new job disclosed Naples City Council unanimously agreed Deputy City Manager Gary Young will become city manager, formalizing a decision made two days earlier.
SWFL community raise $1600 for family of fallen Charlotte County Sgt. Southwest Floridians were asked to come out and support the family of fallen Charlotte County Deputy Sgt. Elio Diaz, and you showed up.
Collier commissioners increase opposition to possible move by Naples Airport Collier County commissioners increased their opposition to possibly relocating Naples Airport, supporting a resolution against two sites near Ave Maria and rejecting the airport authority’s request for assistance.
PORT CHARLOTTE Georgia man found guilty of engaging in sexual activity with minor in Port Charlotte A Georgia man has been found guilty of engaging in sexual activity with a minor and possessing a firearm as a person with felony convictions.
New recreational marijuana amendment proposed for 2026 Florida ballot Smart & Safe Florida, the political action committee primarily funded by Trulieve – the state’s largest medical marijuana company and fourth largest in the U.S. – this week filed a new proposal to put an amendment on the ballot in Florida in 2026 that would legalize adult recreational use of marijuana.
NAPLES Naples Pride releases statement on city council’s vote Naples Pride has issued a statement on the Naples City Council’s decision to approve this year’s festival but with a caveat.
Punta Gorda scraps plan for new $16M City Hall building Prior to the hurricane in September 2022 causing City Hall’s closure, the previous City Council, including three incumbents who were unseated in the Nov. 5 election, planned to build a new City Hall on its current site at 326 W. Marion Ave.
CAPE CORAL Jaycee Park Renovations — There’s no going back now Where there’s talk of Jaycee Park in Cape Coral Council meetings, there is turmoil.
CAPE CORAL NRG Wrestling slams its way into Cape Coral NRG wrestling is hosting its first live event of 2025 with NRG Fully Charged on Saturday, Jan. 18, at Scotty Bierwerks.
Backlash over new state law banning kids from social media From body image issues to bullying and, even worse, depression and suicide.
Governor Ron DeSantis held a briefing Monday afternoon in Tallahassee. DeSantis signed a $92.2 billion budget after a veto of more than $1 billion of the $93.2 billion legislature-approved version. As an example of the vetoes, he said they include $20 million for the Job Growth Grant Fund, an economic-development program. Lawmakers passed the budget in March, just as the economic impacts of coronavirus were beginning to be felt. In the midst of the pandemic, the Governor ensured Floridians that the state will be fiscally stable for the year to come. “Despite the present challenges Florida faces due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Fiscal Year 2020-2021 Budget ensures the state’s priorities are protected and funded,” said Governor DeSantis. “Our current economic landscape is vastly different since the Legislature passed this budget in March. As Governor, I must remain a mindful steward of taxpayer dollars. This budget reflects a steadfast commitment to Floridians by safeguarding important investments in key areas including education, the environment, infrastructure, public safety and more. As we move forward with our Safe. Smart. Step-by-Step. Plan for Florida’s Recovery, we will overcome the adversities before us and emerge stronger than before,” he added. In terms of education, the budget includes $500 million to raise the starting salary for new teachers in K-12 schools. Also included is $4 billion for both the Florida College System and the State University System. There is also an increase of $18.9 million for Historically Black Colleges and Universities in Florida. Environmentally, the budget includes $625 million for Everglades restoration and protection of water sources. Additionally, $160 million was added for targeted water quality improvement. More provisions in the budget include $138.1 million to fight the opioid crisis in Florida, $117 million for families and children that receive assistance from Florida’s child welfare system and more than $8 million to expand the state’s crime databases. Lastly, pay increases for most state employees, namely correction officers. The state budget includes a $17.3 million for a program that transitions these officers form 12 to 8.5-hour shifts. Below is a partial list of vetoes that specifically impact Southwest Florida: Collier Community Abstinence Program, CCAP (HB 4377) (Senate Form 1359) $200,000 City of Cape Coral – Real-Time Crime Center (HB 9059) (Senate Form 1615) $250,000 Arcadia Rodeo Multi-Functional Facility (HB 3217) (Senate Form 1739) 200,000 Charlotte County Countryman Ackerman Septic-to-Sewer (HB 4315) (Senate Form 1236) $1,000,000 Collier County Cocohatchee River Critical Dredge Project (HB 4829) (Senate Form 1042) $100,000 Collier County Golden Gate City Outfall Restoration Project Phase 1 (HB 3369) (Senate Form 1040) $100,000 Fort Myers Beach Estero Boulevard Water Improvements (HB 9051) (Senate Form 1689) $200,000 Naples Design of Phase 2 – Naples Bay Red Tide Septic Tank Mitigation Program (HB 4835) (Senate Form 1039) $1,100,000 Punta Gorda Boca Grande Area Water Quality Improvements (HB 4317) (Senate Form 1743) $100,000 Charlotte County Firefighter Decontamination Equipment (HB 4313) – 300,000 Marco Island Regional Maritime, Fire, EMS Training and Operations Facility (HB 4825) (Senate Form 1055) – $650,000 Lehigh Acres Fire Control and Rescue Service District – New Station 106 (HB 4877) (Senate Form 2037) $1,250,000 Special Categories – Glades County E-911 Public Safety Facility 700,000 —– Statewide Comprehensive Flood Plain Model $2,000,000 Mental Health Assistance Allocation for Florida Virtual Schools (Senate Form 2420) $625,000 PDF: Read the full list of line-item vetoes The News Service of Florida also contributed to this report. Watch the press conference here: