Crews removing derelict boats from Gilchrist Park33rd endangered Florida panther death of 2024; killed by vehicle in Hardee County
PUNTA GORDA Crews removing derelict boats from Gilchrist Park Crews are working to remove derelict boats from Gilchrist Park after several of them washed ashore during Hurricane Milton in October.
33rd endangered Florida panther death of 2024; killed by vehicle in Hardee County Another Florida panther was killed by a vehicle, this time in Hardee County, increasing the death toll of the endangered species to 33 for 2024.
the weather authority Cool and breezy for your Thursday afternoon The Weather Authority is tracking cold morning conditions before temperatures warm up to the low 70s this Thursday.
Students react to threat made at Florida Gulf Coast University Students at Florida Gulf Coast University said they don’t know the specifics of a threat made last week, but they do know it was taken care of.
Missing and endangered boy found in Lehigh Acres Authorities have found a missing and endangered boy in Lehigh Acres. Police asked for the public’s help in locating Zachariah McKelvin.
School District denies bus service to student despite mother’s measurements When we think of the bus stop, we typically think of it as a safe place for our children, but one mother says the Lee County School District told her they live too close to the school to get a bus route.
MATLACHA 2 stranded dolphins rescued from mangroves near Matlacha Two stranded dolphins were pulled from mangroves near Matlacha.
CAPE CORAL NAACP honors Cape Coral Police Chief after acknowledging hate crime NAACP President, James Muwakkil, was so impressed with Cape Coral Police Chief Anthony Sizemore that he wanted the entire city to know.
NAPLES Jingled Elves trolley tour underway Breaking out your best dance moves and spreading Christmas cheer. These ‘jingled elves’ are breaking it down with a purpose.
BONITA SPRINGS Bonita Springs Elementary School’s demolition plans There’s a new lesson plan at Bonita Springs Elementary School: Demolition 101. The school is set to be knocked down, and there’s good reason.
MARCO ISLAND Marco Island Councilmember’s dogs allegedly attack 13-year-old girl Councilor Tamara Goehler is coming under fire after her dogs allegedly attacked a 13-year-old girl and the girl’s five-month-old puppy.
PUNTA GORDA Gilchrist Park’s future brightens as boat cleanup commences The boats blocking Gilchrist Park are ready to be moved two years after Hurricane Milton.
Lee County Department of Health issues red tide alert for Bowman’s Beach The Florida Department of Health in Lee County has issued a health alert for the presence of red tide near Bowman’s Beach.
CAPE CORAL City of Cape Coral working on project to address canal safety An older Cape Coral couple drove into a canal last year. Neighbors are now saying something needs to be done about canal safety.
NAPLES Collier County mental health center receives $4 million donation A giant donation is dedicated to providing people with better mental health care in southwest Florida.
PUNTA GORDA Crews removing derelict boats from Gilchrist Park Crews are working to remove derelict boats from Gilchrist Park after several of them washed ashore during Hurricane Milton in October.
33rd endangered Florida panther death of 2024; killed by vehicle in Hardee County Another Florida panther was killed by a vehicle, this time in Hardee County, increasing the death toll of the endangered species to 33 for 2024.
the weather authority Cool and breezy for your Thursday afternoon The Weather Authority is tracking cold morning conditions before temperatures warm up to the low 70s this Thursday.
Students react to threat made at Florida Gulf Coast University Students at Florida Gulf Coast University said they don’t know the specifics of a threat made last week, but they do know it was taken care of.
Missing and endangered boy found in Lehigh Acres Authorities have found a missing and endangered boy in Lehigh Acres. Police asked for the public’s help in locating Zachariah McKelvin.
School District denies bus service to student despite mother’s measurements When we think of the bus stop, we typically think of it as a safe place for our children, but one mother says the Lee County School District told her they live too close to the school to get a bus route.
MATLACHA 2 stranded dolphins rescued from mangroves near Matlacha Two stranded dolphins were pulled from mangroves near Matlacha.
CAPE CORAL NAACP honors Cape Coral Police Chief after acknowledging hate crime NAACP President, James Muwakkil, was so impressed with Cape Coral Police Chief Anthony Sizemore that he wanted the entire city to know.
NAPLES Jingled Elves trolley tour underway Breaking out your best dance moves and spreading Christmas cheer. These ‘jingled elves’ are breaking it down with a purpose.
BONITA SPRINGS Bonita Springs Elementary School’s demolition plans There’s a new lesson plan at Bonita Springs Elementary School: Demolition 101. The school is set to be knocked down, and there’s good reason.
MARCO ISLAND Marco Island Councilmember’s dogs allegedly attack 13-year-old girl Councilor Tamara Goehler is coming under fire after her dogs allegedly attacked a 13-year-old girl and the girl’s five-month-old puppy.
PUNTA GORDA Gilchrist Park’s future brightens as boat cleanup commences The boats blocking Gilchrist Park are ready to be moved two years after Hurricane Milton.
Lee County Department of Health issues red tide alert for Bowman’s Beach The Florida Department of Health in Lee County has issued a health alert for the presence of red tide near Bowman’s Beach.
CAPE CORAL City of Cape Coral working on project to address canal safety An older Cape Coral couple drove into a canal last year. Neighbors are now saying something needs to be done about canal safety.
NAPLES Collier County mental health center receives $4 million donation A giant donation is dedicated to providing people with better mental health care in southwest Florida.
Video of AI-generated Ron DeSantis (CREDIT: Twitter) A viral deepfake video featuring Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis announcing his withdrawal from the 2024 presidential race has raised a lot of questions and concerns. The user who initially shared the video on X, formerly known as Twitter, clarified that it was a fake creation. However, it didn’t take long for other accounts to get hold of the video, presenting it as legitimate “breaking news.” “These videos are downright dangerous,” said cybersecurity expert Alan Crowetz. “They’re being used, in some ways as jokes, but have potentially devastating consequences.” Deepfakes are artificial images or videos generated using specialized machines. They can alter the appearance and voice of anyone, such as DeSantis. “After last week’s events, including my poor performance at the debate as well as President Trump rejoining X, I’ve realized I need to drop out of this race immediately,” DeSantis appeared to be saying in the fabricated video. 🚨 BREAKING NEWS:Governor Ron DeSantis drops out of the 2024 Republican presidential primary.pic.twitter.com/wyPjrF9bNu — Steven Savage (@ImStevenSavage) September 1, 2023 Although the video might seem convincing on the surface, there are some tell-tale signs that it is a deepfake. For example, you might have noticed DeSantis’ lack of breathing sounds, blurry teeth, and audio-video sync issues. However, the concern is that not everyone can easily spot these red flags, especially when they’re not actively looking for them. “Something like this can have an impact on the entire presidential election and may even sway a close vote enough to go a different direction,” Crowetz said, “so there’s a lot of incentive.” Crowetz emphasized the importance of cybersecurity education in an era where misinformation can spread rapidly online. Additionally, he believes digital users must maintain a high level of skepticism when consuming all forms of content. “When in doubt, don’t trust it. Check it out, other sources. Don’t believe everything you see, look at where it came from. I can’t emphasize it enough. Don’t be overconfident that you can’t be tricked,” Crowetz said. Deepfake technology is advancing, but there are emerging tools and methods for detecting fake content. For example, Google recently introduced a new policy mandating that all election advertisers clearly disclose when their ads contain AI-generated content. It’s set to take effect in mid-November, just in time for caucus and primary season. “Pay attention to news stories about artificial intelligence because the one thing the bad guys are really good with is using technology and every means possible for the most clever way of getting people,” Crowetz said. “They like to take advantage of things that are time-sensitive. The presidential elections are a big thing. They’re going to take advantage of that. Tax time, they’re going to take advantage of that.” For additional cybersecurity guidance from Crowetz and his team at InfoStream, visit: infostream.cc/cybersecurity-for-businesses.