American Sand Sculpting Competition returns to Fort Myers BeachEnglewood nonprofit gives hope to residents amid hurricane recovery
FORT MYERS BEACH American Sand Sculpting Competition returns to Fort Myers Beach After a year’s long wait, the American Sand Sculpting Competition on Fort Myers Beach returned on Thursday.
ENGLEWOOD Englewood nonprofit gives hope to residents amid hurricane recovery Many people in Charlotte County were hit hard by storms this hurricane season, but that won’t stop them from giving back to their community.
NAPLES CSN’s Jayvian Tanelus and offensive line erupt in round one Community School of Naples’ offensive line and Jayvian Tanelus put on a show in round one of the playoffs earning them player of the week.
CAPE CORAL Cape Coral family opens home up for the holidays A Cape Coral family has gotten over 1,000 interactions on a Facebook post after opening up their home for the holidays.
SANIBEL Sanibel police trained and certified to catch alligators by FWC Pinning an apex predator down with little more than bare hands and tape: That’s what the Sanibel Police Department went through during alligator-catching certification training.
Southwest Florida welcomes first proton beam therapy center This is a big week in cancer care for patients in Southwest Florida and beyond.
PUNTA GORDA Whats next after Punta Gorda city manager’s resignation? Punta Gorda city manager Greg Murray said he resigned Monday but told the council on Wednesday. Now, Melissa Reichert is the interim city manager.
FORT MYERS BEACH 34th annual American Sand Sculpting Championship begins on Fort Myers Beach After a years long wait, the American Sand Sculpting Competition on Fort Myers Beach returned on Thursday.
CAPE CORAL City council members talk about decision to repeal stipend ordinance A vote of 5 to 3 ends the saga over the Cape Coral City Council stipend and new members of the city council are sending a message they’re doing things differently.
FORT MYERS Fort Myers food pantry provides Thanksgiving meals to neighbors Dozens of people stopped by Sunshine Health’s food pantry one week before Thanksgiving. Sunshine Health is delivering hope.
FORT MYERS BEACH Fort Myers Beach loses FEMA insurance discount The National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) has placed Fort Myers Beach (FMB) on probation.
FORT MYERS WINK News Game of the Week: Riverdale at Fort Myers Our WINK News Game of the Week is the regional semifinal matchup between Fort Myers and Riverdale, a rematch from the regular season finale two weeks ago.
NAPLES Hope for the Holidays turkey distribution event in Collier County A Naples nonprofit is expected to feed nearly 2,000 families.
Parts of Lee County to keep FEMA discount According to the Lee County Government, residents in parts of Lee County will keep their FEMA discount.
New blue-light system to be implemented to flag red-light runners Green means go, red means stop and blue means you just ran a red light.
FORT MYERS BEACH American Sand Sculpting Competition returns to Fort Myers Beach After a year’s long wait, the American Sand Sculpting Competition on Fort Myers Beach returned on Thursday.
ENGLEWOOD Englewood nonprofit gives hope to residents amid hurricane recovery Many people in Charlotte County were hit hard by storms this hurricane season, but that won’t stop them from giving back to their community.
NAPLES CSN’s Jayvian Tanelus and offensive line erupt in round one Community School of Naples’ offensive line and Jayvian Tanelus put on a show in round one of the playoffs earning them player of the week.
CAPE CORAL Cape Coral family opens home up for the holidays A Cape Coral family has gotten over 1,000 interactions on a Facebook post after opening up their home for the holidays.
SANIBEL Sanibel police trained and certified to catch alligators by FWC Pinning an apex predator down with little more than bare hands and tape: That’s what the Sanibel Police Department went through during alligator-catching certification training.
Southwest Florida welcomes first proton beam therapy center This is a big week in cancer care for patients in Southwest Florida and beyond.
PUNTA GORDA Whats next after Punta Gorda city manager’s resignation? Punta Gorda city manager Greg Murray said he resigned Monday but told the council on Wednesday. Now, Melissa Reichert is the interim city manager.
FORT MYERS BEACH 34th annual American Sand Sculpting Championship begins on Fort Myers Beach After a years long wait, the American Sand Sculpting Competition on Fort Myers Beach returned on Thursday.
CAPE CORAL City council members talk about decision to repeal stipend ordinance A vote of 5 to 3 ends the saga over the Cape Coral City Council stipend and new members of the city council are sending a message they’re doing things differently.
FORT MYERS Fort Myers food pantry provides Thanksgiving meals to neighbors Dozens of people stopped by Sunshine Health’s food pantry one week before Thanksgiving. Sunshine Health is delivering hope.
FORT MYERS BEACH Fort Myers Beach loses FEMA insurance discount The National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) has placed Fort Myers Beach (FMB) on probation.
FORT MYERS WINK News Game of the Week: Riverdale at Fort Myers Our WINK News Game of the Week is the regional semifinal matchup between Fort Myers and Riverdale, a rematch from the regular season finale two weeks ago.
NAPLES Hope for the Holidays turkey distribution event in Collier County A Naples nonprofit is expected to feed nearly 2,000 families.
Parts of Lee County to keep FEMA discount According to the Lee County Government, residents in parts of Lee County will keep their FEMA discount.
New blue-light system to be implemented to flag red-light runners Green means go, red means stop and blue means you just ran a red light.
The community is mourning the loss of a towering figure, civil rights leader Willie Battle, who passed away on Wednesday. Known for his dedication to the Dunbar community and relentless fight for equality, Battle’s legacy is marked by significant contributions and unwavering support for the disenfranchised. Lee Pitts, reflecting on their 35-year friendship, described him as a “true old-school freedom fighter” who made everyone feel valued. Pitts shared how Battle emphasized the importance of community and advocacy in his early career. A self-made businessman and general contractor, Battle played a crucial role in numerous construction projects, including the Dr. Ella Piper Senior Center and many homes in the area. His dedication to improving Dunbar was recently honored with a street designation on Henderson Avenue. In a previous story, Mayor Kevin Anderson and others praised him for paving the way for future generations. His work in securing funding for key projects, like the boulevard named after Veronica Shoemaker, further solidified his impact. Two years ago, Battle received a Freedom Fighter Award for his contributions to Civil Rights and economic empowerment. He was also a mentor to many, working with the NAACP to encourage community service and advocacy. Pitts recounted his first encounter with Battle when he moved to Fort Myers as a young vice president of a bank, becoming the first Black man to hold such a position in Southwest Florida. He mentored Pitts on the importance of remaining connected to and supporting the Black community, encouraging him to join the NAACP and become involved in community service. Pitts described Battle as a local Martin Luther King Jr. for his fearless advocacy and willingness to call out injustices. Battle was also a successful businessman, owning numerous properties and using his wealth to support civil rights causes. His efforts included building the first mansion by a Black person in the Dunbar community to raise property values and hiring many people through his construction business. Pitts highlighted Battle’s role in improving economic opportunities for Black people in the area and his candid approach to addressing issues on Pitts’ TV show. Lodovic Kimble, a friend of Battle, shared his experiences and admiration. Kimble, a former NAACP president, and Battle led the first political march in their town, protesting police brutality. Kimble fondly recalled their close relationship, describing Battle as a mentor and likening him to a family member. He expressed deep loss upon Battle’s passing but discussed the lasting legacy of Battle’s commitment to making their community a better place. As we remember Willie Battle, we celebrate a life devoted to service, community and progress. Willie’s legacy continues, evidenced by a street in Dunbar named in his honor, an initiative Pitts helped spearhead. Lee County NAACP said Willie brought substance to civil rights and made his job as the Lee County NAACP President easier because of what Willie had done all those years ago.