Sanibel’s red tide raises health alerts and wildlife concernsNaples Automotive Experience raises funds for St. Matthew’s House
SANIBEL Sanibel’s red tide raises health alerts and wildlife concerns With great weather in the forecast, it’s shaping up to be a perfect beach weekend. However, visitors to the barrier islands should exercise caution.
NAPLES Naples Automotive Experience raises funds for St. Matthew’s House The Naples Automotive Experience brought excitement and philanthropy to the community, raising money for St. Matthew’s House.
MATLACHA Little Pine Island bridge work causes, FDOT promises progress Construction on the Little Pine Island Bridge has narrowed traffic to one lane, causing significant delays for drivers.
SOUTHWEST FLORIDA Support women’s heart health on National Wear Red Day The first Friday in February marks National Wear Red Day!
Ongoing repairs following Naples plane crash A deadly plane crash that occurred one year ago in Naples, Florida continues to impact lives in Southwest Florida. The tragic event involved two pilots who lost their lives on Interstate 75.
Naples jet crash, one year later: new details on emergency response Sunday marks one year since a jet crashed after its pilots attempted an emergency landing on I-75 just outside of Naples. “Your mind goes back to everything that happened that day,” said Heather Mazurkiewicz, public information officer with the North Collier Fire Rescue. “I think about the fact that there weren’t more lives lost.” At […]
LCSO cutting down law enforcement response times The Lee County Sheriff’s Office is gearing up to implement “Prepared 9-1-1,” a new tool designed to enhance emergency response times.
How Harry Chapin Food Bank supports struggling families In the heart of Dunbar, a neighborhood in Fort Myers, the STARS Complex becomes a place of hope as the Harry Chapin Food Bank supports families in need.
MOORE HAVEN African American family breaking barriers in Moore Haven politics Breaking barriers is a family tradition for Rashondra Croskey and her godmother, Gloria Reese.
Charlotte County unlicensed contractor accused of fraud The Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office said that a contractor has been arrested after he was hired to build a room in a home without a license.
Studies show that menopause is linked to heart risks Menopause is a natural part of life for middle-aged women, typically occurring between ages 45 and 55. However, it can bring serious health complications, including an increased risk of heart disease.
FORT MYERS Local band Shy Blossom to open up for ’90s rockers Sister Hazel at The Ranch A Southwest Florida-based band will be opening for the legendary ’90s rock fusion group Sister Hazel.
golden gate Bear Brawl: Black bears duke it out in Golden Gate backyard Two black bears were caught on camera tussling for garbage in the backyard of a Golden Gate home.
CAPE CORAL Cape Coral man accused of possessing child pornography A Cape Coral man has been arrested after allegedly possessing several files of child pornography on devices.
fort myers 7 people, 3 dogs displaced following house fire in Fort Myers The Fort Myers Fire Department responded to a house fire that has left seven people and three dogs without a home.
SANIBEL Sanibel’s red tide raises health alerts and wildlife concerns With great weather in the forecast, it’s shaping up to be a perfect beach weekend. However, visitors to the barrier islands should exercise caution.
NAPLES Naples Automotive Experience raises funds for St. Matthew’s House The Naples Automotive Experience brought excitement and philanthropy to the community, raising money for St. Matthew’s House.
MATLACHA Little Pine Island bridge work causes, FDOT promises progress Construction on the Little Pine Island Bridge has narrowed traffic to one lane, causing significant delays for drivers.
SOUTHWEST FLORIDA Support women’s heart health on National Wear Red Day The first Friday in February marks National Wear Red Day!
Ongoing repairs following Naples plane crash A deadly plane crash that occurred one year ago in Naples, Florida continues to impact lives in Southwest Florida. The tragic event involved two pilots who lost their lives on Interstate 75.
Naples jet crash, one year later: new details on emergency response Sunday marks one year since a jet crashed after its pilots attempted an emergency landing on I-75 just outside of Naples. “Your mind goes back to everything that happened that day,” said Heather Mazurkiewicz, public information officer with the North Collier Fire Rescue. “I think about the fact that there weren’t more lives lost.” At […]
LCSO cutting down law enforcement response times The Lee County Sheriff’s Office is gearing up to implement “Prepared 9-1-1,” a new tool designed to enhance emergency response times.
How Harry Chapin Food Bank supports struggling families In the heart of Dunbar, a neighborhood in Fort Myers, the STARS Complex becomes a place of hope as the Harry Chapin Food Bank supports families in need.
MOORE HAVEN African American family breaking barriers in Moore Haven politics Breaking barriers is a family tradition for Rashondra Croskey and her godmother, Gloria Reese.
Charlotte County unlicensed contractor accused of fraud The Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office said that a contractor has been arrested after he was hired to build a room in a home without a license.
Studies show that menopause is linked to heart risks Menopause is a natural part of life for middle-aged women, typically occurring between ages 45 and 55. However, it can bring serious health complications, including an increased risk of heart disease.
FORT MYERS Local band Shy Blossom to open up for ’90s rockers Sister Hazel at The Ranch A Southwest Florida-based band will be opening for the legendary ’90s rock fusion group Sister Hazel.
golden gate Bear Brawl: Black bears duke it out in Golden Gate backyard Two black bears were caught on camera tussling for garbage in the backyard of a Golden Gate home.
CAPE CORAL Cape Coral man accused of possessing child pornography A Cape Coral man has been arrested after allegedly possessing several files of child pornography on devices.
fort myers 7 people, 3 dogs displaced following house fire in Fort Myers The Fort Myers Fire Department responded to a house fire that has left seven people and three dogs without a home.
Ahzuwop performing at listening party. CREDIT: Adonis Romero AHZUWOP, AKA Anthony Leto, an artist based in Southwest Florida, debuted his new hip-hop album at an exclusive listening event that also showcased his handmade artwork. The album/release party The show was a low-key event at a photography studio in Fort Myers last Friday. AHZUWOP stood and sat on a centered white block while wearing a mask under a spotlight as his new album played to attendees who encircled him. AHZUWOP during listening party on March 8, 2024. CREDIT: Adonis Romero “Earth Baby” comes almost a year after 2023’s “AJ Hand Me Down.” The album features songs that didn’t make the former album, and instead of releasing a deluxe reissue, AHZUWOP compiled a new seven-song tracklist. RELATED: Southwest Florida band DONEFOR celebrates over 100,000 streams on Spotify The album is shorter than the former, an intentional choice by AHZUWOP. “My last album was 15 songs, and it was just a long listen, and like this one, I want to be very short to the point, have some groove to it,” he said. “AJ Hand Me Down” focused on topics such as heartbreak, depression, loneliness and even police brutality. However, “Earth Baby” has a different focus. “The album hits on knowledge, love, having fun and having a positive message,” he said. “That’s kind of what I touch on the album for the most part.” AHZUWOP during listening party on March 8, 2024. CREDIT: Adonis Romero Even though the album can be filed under hip-hop, AHZUWOP said that its beat selection is diverse. “It’s like a universal thing, honestly. If you really dive into my lyrics and stuff and even the instrumentals, you’ll listen to them, like, this is very diverse. At some points, it sounds like a reggaeton beat, but at the same time, it’s a hip-hop beat,” he said. Prior to the album, AHZUWOP released “Another Year,” a birthday-released single that reflects on the trials and tribulations we face as we grow up. AHZUWOP’s listening party. 3-8-24 CREDIT: Abigael Williamceau Pain leaves you crippled, the emotions bounce back like the oceans ripple AHZUWOP, “Another Year” The art Before the show, attendees were welcomed to see his art showcase, which was all for sale. Artwork displayed at listening party. CREDIT: Abigael Williamceau AHZUWOP said that the artwork was various pieces he created over the past five years. It included paintings, collages, one-of-a-kind clothing pieces, props and more. All of which were made by hand. Handmade clothes displayed at listening party. CREDIT: Abigael Williamceau “I work to inspire through my art and produce fun, interesting pieces to look at. I also hope my art helps the viewer to think a little deeper than usual or let loose and not think at all. My intentions with these pieces are to honestly display and sell them to build revenue, so I’m able to create bigger products on a greater scale,” he said. Artwork displayed at listening party. CREDIT: Abigael Williamceau RELATED: Cape Coral businesses unite, supporting Ollie’s Pub Records and Beer The community came out to support not only the music but the artwork. “I’m just so grateful to be tapped into that, for real, and to have the support, too. It’s really organic. That’s the best part about it,” he said. While AHZUWOP is stationed in SWFL, he hopes his brand reaches a greater distance. “Music or in art, I’m trying to take it global,” he said. “I’m trying to get all over the world with it. I really love what I do, and I feel like the field that I’m in with art and music, it’s a longevity game, and it’s about leaving a legacy, and that’s my end goal, is just leaving a legacy for Anthony Leto, my family and to also even feed off of this.” The SWFL scene SWFL’s music community is small in size but big in scope. The community constantly shows up to events such as these and supports local artists, and that’s something AHZUWOP notices. “To be an artist in Southwest Florida means to keep your feet planted but also move around and get with your community. It’s all about community. I feel like without your community, you’re just gonna be another artist as well. There’s a lot of us out there. I think just being original, for me at least that’s the most important,” he said. AHZUWOP at listening party on March 8, 2024. CREDIT: Abigael Williamceau The community’s support has helped AHZUWOP continue making art in all forms. “When I first started presenting myself as an artist, I had no idea because I was just surrounded by my friends who were skateboarders and stuff. I had no idea that here in Southwest Florida, there was such a huge scene of artists that are on the same wavelength,” he said. RELATED: SWFL thrash punk band, Except You, releases EP on exclusive, recycled vinyl AHZUWOP talked about the authenticity of SWFL’s scene. “Everyone’s got their own character and personality. No one’s really trying to bite off anyone’s style. It’s like everyone’s got their own thing going, and I think that’s dope,” he said. When not making art, AHZUWOP works with the social media team at the Quality Life Center in Fort Myers. He and DelaRose–part of the SWFL-based R&B collective Billie Rose Music–are planning on starting up a program that teaches kids how to produce and distribute music. The album was recorded at Trackout Studios and Indapendant Studios in Fort Myers. DelaRose helped master the album and add bass lines. AHZUWOP at listening party on March 8, 2024. CREDIT: Adonis Romero Click here to learn more about Hippie Circle, a local entertainment agency that promotes and educates independent artists through development, which AHZUWOP is affiliated with. It’s also a publishing and event management cooperative.