Road rage leads to gunfire near US 41 bridge in Punta GordaWarm, breezy day with evening rain ahead of a slight cold front
PUNTA GORDA Road rage leads to gunfire near US 41 bridge in Punta Gorda A road rage incident near the Gilchrist Bridge in Punta Gorda led to shots being fired, according to the Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office.
the weather authority Warm, breezy day with evening rain ahead of a slight cold front The Weather Authority says Sunday is starting off warm across Southwest Florida with overnight lows in the upper 60s and 70s, staying warm throughout the day before a cold front sweeps south later this evening.
FORT MYERS Edison Festival parade lights up Fort Myers with floats and bands The Edison Festival parade was a spectacle of lights and sounds, drawing crowds to celebrate the legacy of Thomas Edison.
CAPE CORAL Goth Gala for the Forlorn; How the alt scene honored Valentine’s Day Love Your Rebellion hosted the Goth Gala for the Forlorn at Nice Guys Pizza in Cape Coral on Friday night.
FORT MYERS Fort Myers gears up for Edison Festival parade; road closures in place Downtown Fort Myers is buzzing with excitement as the Edison Festival of Light Parade is set to begin.
the weather authority Near-record heat with sun and clouds for your Saturday The Weather Authority says the above-normal temperatures that Southwest Florida has been experiencing will stick around yet again for Saturday.
LEE COUNTY Savannah Bananas bring fun on the diamond at JetBlue Park The Savannah Bananas amazed and entertained a sold out JetBlue Park Friday night for the first time in Southwest Florida.
CAPE CORAL Caught on Camera: Cape Coral mailbox hit by drifting car A Cape Coral homeowner was left in shock after a car sent her mailbox flying through the air and left tire tracks next to her home.
ARCADIA DeSoto County man sentenced for deadly DUI crash Justice for a mother and son killed by a man driving under the influence.
NAPLES Oldest Black-owned business in SWFL continues to serve community Cleveland Bass Movers, founded in 1969, stands as the oldest Black-owned business in Southwest Florida.
FORT MYERS BEACH Broken gate on Lovers Key Beach Resort frustrating residents Residents of Lover’s Key Beach Club in Fort Myers Beach are frustrated with a gate that remains wide open, despite “No Trespassing” signs, since Hurricane Ian struck two years ago.
St. James City Church plans $700k flood-proofing project for future safety Hurricanes have caused flood after flood, and one island church, The First Baptist Church of Saint James City, wants to build higher.
Romance scams rise in the US, AARP warns residents to beware Romance scams are on the rise, with the Federal Trade Commission reporting over 64,000 cases in the U.S. in 2023.
Fort Myers Savannah Bananas make their way to Fort Myers for first time The Savannah Bananas have made their way to JetBlue Park for Friday’s sold-out game in Fort Myers to watch “the greatest show in sports.”
CAPE CORAL Cape Coral Yacht Club receives key permit Cape Coral received a key permit for a Yacht Club Community Park. This permit opens up the necessary steps for the park to be built.
PUNTA GORDA Road rage leads to gunfire near US 41 bridge in Punta Gorda A road rage incident near the Gilchrist Bridge in Punta Gorda led to shots being fired, according to the Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office.
the weather authority Warm, breezy day with evening rain ahead of a slight cold front The Weather Authority says Sunday is starting off warm across Southwest Florida with overnight lows in the upper 60s and 70s, staying warm throughout the day before a cold front sweeps south later this evening.
FORT MYERS Edison Festival parade lights up Fort Myers with floats and bands The Edison Festival parade was a spectacle of lights and sounds, drawing crowds to celebrate the legacy of Thomas Edison.
CAPE CORAL Goth Gala for the Forlorn; How the alt scene honored Valentine’s Day Love Your Rebellion hosted the Goth Gala for the Forlorn at Nice Guys Pizza in Cape Coral on Friday night.
FORT MYERS Fort Myers gears up for Edison Festival parade; road closures in place Downtown Fort Myers is buzzing with excitement as the Edison Festival of Light Parade is set to begin.
the weather authority Near-record heat with sun and clouds for your Saturday The Weather Authority says the above-normal temperatures that Southwest Florida has been experiencing will stick around yet again for Saturday.
LEE COUNTY Savannah Bananas bring fun on the diamond at JetBlue Park The Savannah Bananas amazed and entertained a sold out JetBlue Park Friday night for the first time in Southwest Florida.
CAPE CORAL Caught on Camera: Cape Coral mailbox hit by drifting car A Cape Coral homeowner was left in shock after a car sent her mailbox flying through the air and left tire tracks next to her home.
ARCADIA DeSoto County man sentenced for deadly DUI crash Justice for a mother and son killed by a man driving under the influence.
NAPLES Oldest Black-owned business in SWFL continues to serve community Cleveland Bass Movers, founded in 1969, stands as the oldest Black-owned business in Southwest Florida.
FORT MYERS BEACH Broken gate on Lovers Key Beach Resort frustrating residents Residents of Lover’s Key Beach Club in Fort Myers Beach are frustrated with a gate that remains wide open, despite “No Trespassing” signs, since Hurricane Ian struck two years ago.
St. James City Church plans $700k flood-proofing project for future safety Hurricanes have caused flood after flood, and one island church, The First Baptist Church of Saint James City, wants to build higher.
Romance scams rise in the US, AARP warns residents to beware Romance scams are on the rise, with the Federal Trade Commission reporting over 64,000 cases in the U.S. in 2023.
Fort Myers Savannah Bananas make their way to Fort Myers for first time The Savannah Bananas have made their way to JetBlue Park for Friday’s sold-out game in Fort Myers to watch “the greatest show in sports.”
CAPE CORAL Cape Coral Yacht Club receives key permit Cape Coral received a key permit for a Yacht Club Community Park. This permit opens up the necessary steps for the park to be built.
Credit: WINK With pointed fingers, heated exchanges and passionate supporters, the mayoral candidates of Naples, Florida, squared off in a 90-minute forum sponsored by The Naples Press. The candidates may have shaken hands as the night drew to a close, but the tensions that simmered throughout the event lingered. Incumbent Mayor Teresa Heitmann described the campaign as “a tough, nasty race” unlike anything she had seen before. Moderators asked the candidates questions, some leading to straightforward responses while others ignited contention. Some responses focused on city efficiency and fiscal responsibility; others veered into the territory of Political Action Committees, inserting themselves into the non-partisan competition. Blankenship suggested significant financial backing for specific candidates. Each candidate denied any association with PACs. Supporters of each candidate filled the room, passionately defending their choices. “She’s one of the most honorable, loyal people I know,” said Jackie MacDonell, who supports Heitmann. “We need good people to run for office, and I can guarantee you Gary is one,” said Tim Cartwright, who supports Gary Price. “I like that he’s grounded in the principles that I do, which are showing conservativism,” said John Meo, the chairman of the Collier GOP, who supports Ted Blankenship. The candidates eventually shook hands after the night. With crucial issues at stake, from the environment to city development, the Naples voters face an important decision. Summary of Forum Blankenship: Focuses on protecting Naples from overdevelopment, improving environmental issues and making city government more effective. Heitmann: Emphasized being elected in 2020 to make change, protect the quality of life and environment and accelerate projects like stormwater improvements. Price: Highlighted his work over the last 20 years to improve the city, preserve land for parks and his track record of making decisions. What separates the candidates? Blankenship: Stressed his non-political background, business experience and responsiveness to environmental needs. Heitmann: Points to her leadership during challenges like the pandemic, community involvement and commitment to solving resident problems. Price: Highlighted his extensive experience in council meetings, understanding of information processing and empathy for property rights issues. Traffic and development Heitmann aims to maintain Naples’ charm while dealing with density and traffic by enforcing codes and ensuring projects are done on a scale that helps with traffic. Blankenship suggested improving existing infrastructure, working with the county and ensuring that essential city employees can afford to live in Naples. Price emphasized the need for more involvement in county development decisions and addressing the root causes of traffic issues. Naples airport Blankenship said managing the noise is possible and lobbying with the FAA to change operating procedures could reduce noise for everybody. Heitmann said she wants to work with the FAA to reduce the number of flights to and from the airport. She also said an environmental study needs to be done. Price said the planes need to get up higher and faster to reduce noise and said noise can be managed without moving the airport. Closing remarks Heitmann expressed gratitude for community engagement and addressing tough questions in the election. She condemned the negative rhetoric and accusations in the race, stating that Naples is not about such ugliness. She talked about her commitment to fighting against powerful interests trying to influence the community and said that Naples and the mayor seat are “not for sale.” Blankenship emphasized the importance of protecting Naples’ small-town charm and listening to residents. He expressed being cautious about the source of money, criticizing lobbyists and special interest groups. Blankenship acknowledged Heitmann’s efforts but called for more action on development issues. Price expressed gratitude for meeting the people and stated his continued confidence and passion for the city. He emphasized his suitability for representing the city’s growth and development, aiming to provide a different leadership style. He stressed the importance of making the best choices for the people of Naples, seeking support from various organizations and the community.