Students react to threat made at Florida Gulf Coast UniversityMissing and endangered boy found in Lehigh Acres
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 Ian.
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.
LABELLE City of LaBelle under precautionary boil water notice A water main break has the City of Labelle under a precautionary boil water notice.
ESTERO FGCU student wins ice dancing national championship FGCU sophomore Lucas Appel wins his second US Senior Solo Dance National Championship in three years.
Lee County Sheriff’s Office: Parent brings weapon to Lehigh Acres school According to a Lee County Sheriff’s Office report, there is probable cause to believe a woman unintentionally brought a firearm to school.
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 Ian.
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.
LABELLE City of LaBelle under precautionary boil water notice A water main break has the City of Labelle under a precautionary boil water notice.
ESTERO FGCU student wins ice dancing national championship FGCU sophomore Lucas Appel wins his second US Senior Solo Dance National Championship in three years.
Lee County Sheriff’s Office: Parent brings weapon to Lehigh Acres school According to a Lee County Sheriff’s Office report, there is probable cause to believe a woman unintentionally brought a firearm to school.
At a Tuesday briefing, the School District of Lee County proposed more than a dozen changes in order to deter inappropriate behavior. Those include ways to handle corrective strategies, drug use and possession, simple battery, and student threats and intimidation. School officials have acknowledged concern about these issues in the past, but gave positive feedback about harsher punishments for violating the code of conduct. The laws are making it so that parents are held accountable for what kids are doing. Let’s start in the classroom. Melisa Giovannelli, Lee County School Board – District 2 There’s also hope that the new code of conduct will get the attention of parents, and help bridge the gap between classroom and home life. “I just am excited about this accountability piece. I think it’s going to be important for parents to be accountable and be a parent,” stated District 2 School Board member Melisa Giovannelli. “They’re going to have to step up when their children do something wrong.” These proposed changes did not come lightly. Every principal in the District has been involved in monthly discussions to help curb negative trends. The student services team and every board advisory team have also “had the opportunity to provide input.” Parents weighed in as well. School Board members appreciated such a collaborative effort. “I do want to compliment you all on the work that you’ve done, especially on all the outreach you’ve done,” added Cathleen Morgan, Lee County School Board member representing District 7. “The fact that you’ve talked to all of these groups, gathered their feedback, they will see in the code of conduct that it is responsive to concerns, responsive to suggestions made. I hope that will ameliorate some of the concerns.” While the District seemed to have had a plan in the works, Tuesday’s meeting comes four weeks after they told WINK Investigator Peter Fleischer they were going to have a larger safety presentation. On March 1, 2024, Fleischer reported on the results of a survey conducted by Lee Schools during the 2022-23 school year. Some students and teachers said they felt unsafe at school. RELATED: Do students, faculty feel safe at Lee County Schools? District survey finds mixed results The survey asked three specific questions: To elementary school students: “Do adults make us feel safe?” To middle and high school students: “Do adults make decisions to keep us safe?” To faculty members: “Do we think of everyone’s safety when making decisions?” 12% of elementary students, 29% of middle school students and 35% of high school students answered “no.” 12% of district employees also said “no.” The survey was unveiled barely one month after the Florida Department of Education published SESIR data for the 2022-23 school year. SESIR– School Environmental Safety Incident Reporting – tracks the most disruptive incidents that take place in Florida schools. Lee County saw more than a 7% increase in incidents from the previous year. RELATED: Lehigh looking for help: Latest data shows issues inside, outside the classroom Tuesday’s briefing was the first of three presentations the District has planned to address safety and discipline. Timeline provided by Lee County Schools If you have a tip or story you’d like WINK Investigator Peter Fleischer to look into, email him at Peter.Fleischer@WINKNews.com.