Single-member vs. at-large voting debate intensifies in Lee CountyEmails show beginnings, contradictions of South Seas resort amendment
Single-member vs. at-large voting debate intensifies in Lee County Three members of Southwest Florida’s state Legislature delegation hosted a public forum May 1 at Lehigh Acres Municipal Services Improvement District, established by the state in 2015.
Emails show beginnings, contradictions of South Seas resort amendment South Seas resort ownership group’s engineer proposed a land-use amendment for Lee County’s government at least six months before the first public discussions and at least seven weeks before the county’s official timeline began, emails between the resort’s representatives and county show.
NORTH FORT MYERS Lee County deputy subdues convicted felon with Taser at North Fort Myers Walmart Lee County deputies used a Taser on a man after they raced through a North Fort Myers Walmart searching for him.
FORT MYERS 2 posing as Target Corporate employees steal over $6K at Fort Myers Target SWFL Crime Stoppers seeks information on two men who allegedly claimed to be employees of Target Corporate and stole over $6,000 at Target.
Punta Gorda cosiders fate of historic A.C. Freeman House It was built by politician and businessman Augustus C. Freeman whose name the house bears, and it was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1987.
CAPE CORAL Man arrested for armed robbery in Cape Coral The Cape Coral Police Department has arrested a man for armed robbery and falsifying his name to law enforcement.
Jacksonville Gov. DeSantis signs bills to provide financial options for Floridians Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis signed a bill that will provide financial options to Floridians and another bill that curates the state public school curriculum.
BONITA SPRINGS LCSO seeks information on missing 77-year-old kayaker LCSO seeks information on a missing kayaker after responding to a call about a missing kayak off the coast of Bonita Beach.
FORT MYERS Tim Tebow speaks at annual Southwest Florida Community Prayer Breakfast Former Heisman Trophy winner Tim Tebow took the stage at Hammond Stadium for the annual Southwest Florida Community Prayer Breakfast.
FORT MYERS Fort Myers City Council to provide update on Fowler Street construction project The Fort Myers City Council is set to provide an update on the progress of the Fowler Street intersection project.
the weather authority Hot and humid Thursday before evening isolated storms impact coastal communities The Weather Authority is tracking a humid Thursday morning with high afternoon temperatures and evening coastal isolated storms.
FORT MYERS BEACH Sea turtle nesting season begins in Fort Myers Beach Sea turtle nesting season has officially begun, and the FWC wants to remind visitors about the fragility of the young reptiles.
BAREFOOT LAKE Neighbors react to chaos at Barefoot Lake Imagine being scared to leave your home on the weekends. Ana and Anrik understand the feeling all too well.
CAPE CORAL The story of Ollie’s Pub and what kept it open through years of hardships Before Ollie’s housed weekly events, packed to the brim with artwork and home to many, it was a simple dream and an empty space.
Most Wanted Wednesday: Southwest Florida’s most wanted suspects for May 1, 2024 Here are some of Southwest Florida’s most wanted suspects for May 1, 2024.
Single-member vs. at-large voting debate intensifies in Lee County Three members of Southwest Florida’s state Legislature delegation hosted a public forum May 1 at Lehigh Acres Municipal Services Improvement District, established by the state in 2015.
Emails show beginnings, contradictions of South Seas resort amendment South Seas resort ownership group’s engineer proposed a land-use amendment for Lee County’s government at least six months before the first public discussions and at least seven weeks before the county’s official timeline began, emails between the resort’s representatives and county show.
NORTH FORT MYERS Lee County deputy subdues convicted felon with Taser at North Fort Myers Walmart Lee County deputies used a Taser on a man after they raced through a North Fort Myers Walmart searching for him.
FORT MYERS 2 posing as Target Corporate employees steal over $6K at Fort Myers Target SWFL Crime Stoppers seeks information on two men who allegedly claimed to be employees of Target Corporate and stole over $6,000 at Target.
Punta Gorda cosiders fate of historic A.C. Freeman House It was built by politician and businessman Augustus C. Freeman whose name the house bears, and it was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1987.
CAPE CORAL Man arrested for armed robbery in Cape Coral The Cape Coral Police Department has arrested a man for armed robbery and falsifying his name to law enforcement.
Jacksonville Gov. DeSantis signs bills to provide financial options for Floridians Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis signed a bill that will provide financial options to Floridians and another bill that curates the state public school curriculum.
BONITA SPRINGS LCSO seeks information on missing 77-year-old kayaker LCSO seeks information on a missing kayaker after responding to a call about a missing kayak off the coast of Bonita Beach.
FORT MYERS Tim Tebow speaks at annual Southwest Florida Community Prayer Breakfast Former Heisman Trophy winner Tim Tebow took the stage at Hammond Stadium for the annual Southwest Florida Community Prayer Breakfast.
FORT MYERS Fort Myers City Council to provide update on Fowler Street construction project The Fort Myers City Council is set to provide an update on the progress of the Fowler Street intersection project.
the weather authority Hot and humid Thursday before evening isolated storms impact coastal communities The Weather Authority is tracking a humid Thursday morning with high afternoon temperatures and evening coastal isolated storms.
FORT MYERS BEACH Sea turtle nesting season begins in Fort Myers Beach Sea turtle nesting season has officially begun, and the FWC wants to remind visitors about the fragility of the young reptiles.
BAREFOOT LAKE Neighbors react to chaos at Barefoot Lake Imagine being scared to leave your home on the weekends. Ana and Anrik understand the feeling all too well.
CAPE CORAL The story of Ollie’s Pub and what kept it open through years of hardships Before Ollie’s housed weekly events, packed to the brim with artwork and home to many, it was a simple dream and an empty space.
Most Wanted Wednesday: Southwest Florida’s most wanted suspects for May 1, 2024 Here are some of Southwest Florida’s most wanted suspects for May 1, 2024.
As Jewish communities worldwide gear up to celebrate Passover starting Monday, the FBI has issued warnings about potential threats, heightening concerns for many, including those in Southwest Florida. Passover holds deep significance, commemorating the liberation of Israelites from slavery in Egypt. Families gather for special meals called Seders, retelling the story of Exodus through rituals and symbolic foods. It’s a time for reflection on freedom and resilience, resonating with themes of hope and liberation. Jewish communities, including Southwest Florida, face unease despite the holiday’s celebratory nature. FBI on alert On Thursday, Christopher Wray, the FBI Director, stated, “I want you to know that we at the FBI are closely tracking these very real threats that have your communities on edge, and we’re actively hitting back at the perpetrators full force.” Carrie Elise Simms, Co-Chair of Solidarity with Israel Coalition, believes there is a need to take threats seriously. “Unfortunately, we have a huge network throughout America that is, unfortunately, anti-Israel, anti-Jew, incredibly antisemitic,” said Simms. “I think people shouldn’t succumb to fear or anxiety, even though that’s a natural reaction, but they do need to be very vigilant and really take these threats seriously.” Simms talked about the resilience of the Jewish community and urged the celebration of Passover despite fears. “It’s important for us to be out there to celebrate Passover, but also take security very, very, very seriously,” Simms said. One Israeli woman, who chose to remain anonymous out of fear, echoed similar sentiments. That woman emphasized the message of Passover: “If they can survive and stand up and have the heart and the resilience to move forward, that’s the message of Passover.” Law enforcement agency response Local law enforcement agencies have pledged increased vigilance in response to the heightened concerns. They offered the following statements: Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office: “Our agency is aware of the concerns and we will have additional patrols in the areas identified as ‘at risk’ in order to protect the people of Charlotte County. Our Intelligence Unit utilizes investigative measures that we are unable to discuss.” Fort Myers Police Department: “The Fort Myers Police Department is constantly monitoring at local, state and federal levels and deploys assets as necessary. At this time, we do not have any concerns with this holiday. However, we continue to monitor as we do for all potential security risks.” Collier County Sheriff’s Office: “As always, we work closely with our community and law enforcement partners and monitor all matters related to public safety. We are unable to comment on enhanced safety protocols we enact in response to any public safety concern because they are tactical in nature.” Lee County Sheriff’s Office: “Our deputies routinely conduct area checks and focused patrol at places of worship. “Third precinct will deploy an observation tower at Temple Beth El, 16225 Winkler Road, this afternoon. This particular precinct has several temples, and the Captain constantly communicates with the rabbis. This is not just limited to the third precinct. Our precincts are in tune with their local temples, as seen from the area check statistics since January 2024. The observation tower is being placed at this temple because it is in a high-traffic area and has weekend services. “From January of this year to right now, LCSO has done 20,172 area checks of places of worship.” Cape Coral Police Department: “We are always in contact with our local Jewish temple. They are a community we consistently keep an eye on to make sure they are kept safe, especially with potential international concerns bleeding over. We never stop patrolling for safety purposes. They can always call the police department and request additional to ease any possible concerns.”