16 transported after 2 airboats crash in Collier CountyNew bill filed: Auto shop and law enforcement must work together to solve hit-and-run crashes
16 transported after 2 airboats crash in Collier County According to the Collier County Sheriff’s Office, two airboats crashed south of U.S. 41 east between mile markers 74 and 75, leaving well over a dozen people injured.
SOUTHWEST FLORIDA New bill filed: Auto shop and law enforcement must work together to solve hit-and-run crashes There could be new detectives on the block, located in your nearest auto shop. A new state bill aims at trying to stop hit-and-run drivers from getting away.
CAPE CORAL New leash on life; Cape Coral shelter dog beats cancer with drug being tested for humans A drug now being studied in human trials to kill cancerous tumors, is already approved and helping animals.
CAPE CORAL City of Cape Coral planning a new interchange with I-75 The city of Cape Coral is in the early stages of planning a new interchange with I-75, an idea that has been discussed for more than a decade.
Tracking invasive species after hurricanes Hurricanes Helene and Milton didn’t just bring wind and rain, they brought new threats to southwest Florida’s ecosystem.
PUNTA GORDA Woman in Punta Gorda shooting charged with 2nd degree murder A woman in a homicide investigation on Nasturtium Drive in Punta Gorda has been charged with 2nd-degree murder.
Lee County mother continuing fight to get children a bus stop The school district already told her she lives too close to the school to qualify for a bus route but she has not given up.
NORTH NAPLES Grant Thornton Invitational returns to Tiburon Golf Club Stars on the PGA and LPGA Tours are back in Southwest Florida for the Grant Thornton Invitational at Tiburon Golf Club.
FORT MYERS Black Flag brings classic punk energy to The Ranch in Fort Myers Legendary punk band Black Flag made their mark in Southwest Florida during the Fort Myers stop of their “First Four Years” tour.
Charlotte Technical College breaks ground on aviation facility The Charlotte County School District is flying high and keeping its “Space Academy” designation with a new aviation training facility for students.
CAPE CORAL Man arrested in connection with Cape Coral home invasion The Cape Coral Police Department has announced the arrest of one of three men suspected in a home invasion that took place earlier this month.
CAPE CORAL Cape Coral residents react to $100M North Cape land deal The city of Cape Coral is seeing two projects that will change the city. One is called one of the most lucrative deals in county history.
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.
16 transported after 2 airboats crash in Collier County According to the Collier County Sheriff’s Office, two airboats crashed south of U.S. 41 east between mile markers 74 and 75, leaving well over a dozen people injured.
SOUTHWEST FLORIDA New bill filed: Auto shop and law enforcement must work together to solve hit-and-run crashes There could be new detectives on the block, located in your nearest auto shop. A new state bill aims at trying to stop hit-and-run drivers from getting away.
CAPE CORAL New leash on life; Cape Coral shelter dog beats cancer with drug being tested for humans A drug now being studied in human trials to kill cancerous tumors, is already approved and helping animals.
CAPE CORAL City of Cape Coral planning a new interchange with I-75 The city of Cape Coral is in the early stages of planning a new interchange with I-75, an idea that has been discussed for more than a decade.
Tracking invasive species after hurricanes Hurricanes Helene and Milton didn’t just bring wind and rain, they brought new threats to southwest Florida’s ecosystem.
PUNTA GORDA Woman in Punta Gorda shooting charged with 2nd degree murder A woman in a homicide investigation on Nasturtium Drive in Punta Gorda has been charged with 2nd-degree murder.
Lee County mother continuing fight to get children a bus stop The school district already told her she lives too close to the school to qualify for a bus route but she has not given up.
NORTH NAPLES Grant Thornton Invitational returns to Tiburon Golf Club Stars on the PGA and LPGA Tours are back in Southwest Florida for the Grant Thornton Invitational at Tiburon Golf Club.
FORT MYERS Black Flag brings classic punk energy to The Ranch in Fort Myers Legendary punk band Black Flag made their mark in Southwest Florida during the Fort Myers stop of their “First Four Years” tour.
Charlotte Technical College breaks ground on aviation facility The Charlotte County School District is flying high and keeping its “Space Academy” designation with a new aviation training facility for students.
CAPE CORAL Man arrested in connection with Cape Coral home invasion The Cape Coral Police Department has announced the arrest of one of three men suspected in a home invasion that took place earlier this month.
CAPE CORAL Cape Coral residents react to $100M North Cape land deal The city of Cape Coral is seeing two projects that will change the city. One is called one of the most lucrative deals in county history.
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.
Photo courtesy Silver Oak Vineyards/Sara This year, the Naples Winter Wine Festival is going virtual, with opportunities for both patrons and the public to support the Naples Children & Education Foundation’s mission. In the past 21 years, patrons helped raise more than $212 million for underserved children in Collier County. This year’s event may be different in format, but there are still plenty of opportunities to give by bidding on a mix of wine-soaked experiences, exclusive offers and dreamy trips to nearby and faraway places. Start early by bidding in the online auction, which is open to the public from Jan. 22 at 8 a.m. to Feb. 2 at 5 p.m. Then, tune in to NWWF’s televised fundraiser, streaming on WINK-TV, on Saturday, Jan. 30, from 7 to 8 p.m. to learn more about the organizations who benefit from NCEF, meet local children whose lives are transformed by your generosity and join us and thousands of Southwest Floridians in giving for the kids. Here are nine of the lots you can bid on starting Friday. Raise a glass in Napa Valley Ring in Dana Estates Helms Vineyards’ 15th anniversary with a 15-bottle vertical of the estate’s cabernet sauvignon shipped to your doorstep. The winner also receives a three-day trip to Napa, including a tour of the property and a chance to hit the greens at nearby courses, Silverado Golf & Country Club and Mayacama Private Course & Country Club. Bid starts at $5,000. Break bread with the festival’s founders Founding trustees of the NCEF and the NWWF, Valerie Boyd and Jeff Gargiulo invite up to 12 guests to join them for a private dinner with wines picked directly from their personal cellar and a virtual concert from Grammy Award-winning country star Billy Dean. Starting bid: Bid starts at $5,000. Compete in the NCEF Golf Fore Kids Pro Am On April 21, you can spend a day on the Tom Fazio-designed course at The Old Collier Golf Club, playing alongside top pros and TV golf analysts in this 18-hole tournament, hosted by PGA and Champions tour veterans Peter Jacobsen and Bobby Clampett. The NCEF tournament ends with an outdoor dinner accompanied by top-notch wines, donated by NCEF trustees. Ticket holders may invite one guest to dinner. With only 16 spots available, expect this one to sell out fast. $10,000 per ticket. Go off the grid, in style Book a flight to Sonoma County’s Russian River Valley for a four-day stay at Bricoleur Vineyards. You’ll stay at the estate’s rustic-chic barn, which overlooks the on-site honey farm, rose garden and fragrant olive groves. Bid starts at $2,500. Get a dose of vitamin sea in the Keys On this three-day adventure, you’ll fly private from Naples to Key West, where you’ll settle in at The Galleon Resort & Marina, before heading out to shop on Duval Street or explore the historical sites. You’ll also be treated to a day at sea on the Boston Whaler 350 Outrage (perfect for reeling in swordfish, tarpon and other game fish). Bid starts at $5,000. Fill your walls with fine art Marlissa Gardner, of Fifth Avenue’s Emillions Art brokerage firm and showroom, treats aficionados or budding art enthusiasts to a $5,000 gift card to be used for a professional art consultation. In addition to helping select works (from contemporary and master artists, ranging from Banksy to Picasso) to best suit your space, the team can also appraise the value of your new or existing pieces and verify their legitimacy. Bid starts at $1,500. Dine where the beasts roam Bring the whole family along for a private dinner with Naples Zoo at Caribbean Gardens CEO Jack Mulvena, followed by an after-hours tour of the grounds—complete with night vision goggles (to scope critters you normally wouldn’t see during the day) and close encounters with some of the animals. The lot also includes a one-year membership to the Naples Zoo. Bid starts at $1,000. Dreamy days in the garden Lunch is served alfresco in Naples Botanical Garden’s Caribbean Garden. Winners can wander the 170-acre grounds all year with a complimentary, family-level annual membership. Bid starts at $500. A truly Southwest Florida experience All aboard! Bring up to 12 guests on this private tour of Rookery Bay, led by Conservancy of Southwest Florida’s top naturalists. Take in the wildlife as you enjoy wine and cheese pairings on a pontoon and a classic Naples sunset. Bid starts at $500.