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 has been 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 has been 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.
Florida panther (Credit: CBS News) About 48 hours after the first endangered Florida panther was reported dead by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission in the new year, another has been added to the list. According to FWC’s Panther Pulse, a second male Florida panther was killed in Hendry County after a vehicle struck the feline on County Road 832, east of Wild Cow Grade, near LaBelle. Florida panther. (Credit: WINK News) The panther, between 3 and 5 years old, was reported dead on Thursday. The oldest endangered panther death reported in 2023 was 5 years old. The second reported death of 2024 extends the unfortunate streak of reported endangered panthers dying from vehicle collisions to 25. “Prior to the year 2000, yearly panther roadkills were four or fewer. But beginning in 2000, these numbers have ranged from six to 34 annually,” said FWC. RELATED: Florida Panthers are falling victim to a rare disease RELATED: 2 dead endangered Florida panthers found on the same day, first time since 2021 2023 was the first year the endangered state animal of Florida didn’t record new panther litters from adult female panthers wearing radio collars. In 2022 and 2021, only one new litter, both with three cubs in total, was produced. New litters may have been born to females without radio collars, so it’s unclear if the trend is concerning. Another odd trend shows the last five panther deaths reported were males. It’s noteworthy that nine of the last 15 reported deaths were male panthers, all from vehicle collisions. A lost panther kitten being reunited with her mother by FWC biologists in Naples. Credit: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission In 2023, three panthers reportedly died in Hendry County. Both of the reported panther deaths in 2024 happened in Hendry County. The majority of reported deaths for the endangered state animal of Florida happen in Collier County. In 2023, eight out of the 13 reported deaths were in Collier County. “As the Florida panther population increases, the number of panthers killed by collisions with vehicles also has increased,” FWC said. Wildlife officials aren’t sure if the precipitous decline in deaths in 2023 indicates something concerning. Vehicle strikes have been the cause of 54 out of the last 57 reported panther deaths, an alarming 95%. “The core population, however, is found south of Lake Okeechobee. Panthers are listed as an endangered species under the Endangered Species Act, and it is illegal to harm or harass them in any way,” said FWC. Panther Crossing traffic signs are important to follow when driving at night. Panther Crossing traffic signs let drivers know to reduce their speed from 60 mph to 45 mph because panthers may be in the area. If drivers break the law, they could be fined more than $200. The first wildlife crossing was installed along Alligator Alley in Collier County when it became Interstate 75. FILE: The Florida panther via a file photo from the U.S. Geological Survey/ photo by Larry Richardson/FILE. “The planning for these crossings began with the 1972 Environmental Impact Statement for creating I-75 between Naples and Fort Lauderdale,” said FWC. “Twenty-four wildlife crossings and 12 other bridges modified for panther use were completed in the early 1990s.” In 2023, there were two reported deaths of the endangered species in January. Now, 2024 has met that mark less than halfway into the month. Authorities say as many as 230 wild adults remain in the population. Click here to learn more about endangered Florida panthers. Click here to learn ways to help Florida panthers. If you see a sick, injured or dead Florida panther, or if you experience a panther depredation, you can report online or call 888-404-FWCC (888-404-3922). Cell phone users can also call #FWC, or send a text to Tip@MyFWC.com.