FORT MYERS BEACH What’s next for red-tagged properties on FMB? In July, seven properties on Fort Myers Beach were smacked with red tag notices and given sixty days to get into compliance.
orlando Gov. DeSantis to hold news conference in Orlando Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis is set to hold a news conference in Orlando.
The Weather Authority The Weather Authority: Hot and mainly dry Monday afternoon The Weather Authority is tracking a hot start to the workweek as most will stay dry throughout the afternoon.
Fort Myers Death investigation at Target on Dynasty Drive The Fort Myers Police Department is investigating a death at the Target on Dynasty Drive in Fort Myers.
FORT MYERS Displaced resident speaks out after fire at Winkler Apartment Complex For the second time in as many days, a fire broke out at the Retreat at Vista Lake Apartment Complex in Fort Myers.
Florida politicians react to 2nd Trump assassination attempt Florida politicians are reacting after an assassination attempt at Donald Trump’s West Palm Beach golf club.
FORT MYERS FMPD asking for public’s help in solving 2013 cold case The Fort Myers Police Department is asking for information regarding the 2013 homicide of Laura Howard.
FORT MYERS Possible kitchen fire at Winkler apartment complex Authorities are investigating a possible kitchen fire at the Retreat Apartment Complex Sunday afternoon. This comes after a fire at the same complex yesterday.
WEST PALM BEACH Trump safe after gunshots reported, Biden and Harris have been briefed Donald Trump was safe after gunshots were reported in his vicinity Sunday afternoon in Florida, his campaign and the Secret Service said.
FORT MYERS Fort Myers Police seek public’s help in Carrell Road hit-and-run investigation The Fort Myers Police Department is requesting information regarding a hit-and-run involving a vehicle and pedestrian.
LEHIGH ACRES Man arrested in Lehigh Acres for holding a woman against her will A man in Lehigh Acres has been arrested for holding a woman against her will for over 24 hours, threatening her with a knife and attempting to strangle her.
southwest florida WINK Neighborhood Watch: Inmate attacks, reckless driving, and a hit-and-run This week’s segment of WINK Neighborhood Watch features a man sentenced to 15 years for attacking another inmate, reckless driving, and a fatal hit and run.
golden gate Canal accident: car found in Golden Gate canal One person was transported to the hospital for evaluation after their vehicle ended up in a canal.
southwest florida How Harry Chapin Food Bank is helping SWFL families combat hunger As the price of just about everything is up, some say they have to choose between groceries or paying the bills.
naples Collier County hosts inaugural Emergency Readiness Summit To make sure we’re ready when disaster strikes, Collier County hosted an Emergency Readiness Summit.
FORT MYERS BEACH What’s next for red-tagged properties on FMB? In July, seven properties on Fort Myers Beach were smacked with red tag notices and given sixty days to get into compliance.
orlando Gov. DeSantis to hold news conference in Orlando Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis is set to hold a news conference in Orlando.
The Weather Authority The Weather Authority: Hot and mainly dry Monday afternoon The Weather Authority is tracking a hot start to the workweek as most will stay dry throughout the afternoon.
Fort Myers Death investigation at Target on Dynasty Drive The Fort Myers Police Department is investigating a death at the Target on Dynasty Drive in Fort Myers.
FORT MYERS Displaced resident speaks out after fire at Winkler Apartment Complex For the second time in as many days, a fire broke out at the Retreat at Vista Lake Apartment Complex in Fort Myers.
Florida politicians react to 2nd Trump assassination attempt Florida politicians are reacting after an assassination attempt at Donald Trump’s West Palm Beach golf club.
FORT MYERS FMPD asking for public’s help in solving 2013 cold case The Fort Myers Police Department is asking for information regarding the 2013 homicide of Laura Howard.
FORT MYERS Possible kitchen fire at Winkler apartment complex Authorities are investigating a possible kitchen fire at the Retreat Apartment Complex Sunday afternoon. This comes after a fire at the same complex yesterday.
WEST PALM BEACH Trump safe after gunshots reported, Biden and Harris have been briefed Donald Trump was safe after gunshots were reported in his vicinity Sunday afternoon in Florida, his campaign and the Secret Service said.
FORT MYERS Fort Myers Police seek public’s help in Carrell Road hit-and-run investigation The Fort Myers Police Department is requesting information regarding a hit-and-run involving a vehicle and pedestrian.
LEHIGH ACRES Man arrested in Lehigh Acres for holding a woman against her will A man in Lehigh Acres has been arrested for holding a woman against her will for over 24 hours, threatening her with a knife and attempting to strangle her.
southwest florida WINK Neighborhood Watch: Inmate attacks, reckless driving, and a hit-and-run This week’s segment of WINK Neighborhood Watch features a man sentenced to 15 years for attacking another inmate, reckless driving, and a fatal hit and run.
golden gate Canal accident: car found in Golden Gate canal One person was transported to the hospital for evaluation after their vehicle ended up in a canal.
southwest florida How Harry Chapin Food Bank is helping SWFL families combat hunger As the price of just about everything is up, some say they have to choose between groceries or paying the bills.
naples Collier County hosts inaugural Emergency Readiness Summit To make sure we’re ready when disaster strikes, Collier County hosted an Emergency Readiness Summit.
While it can sometimes be easy to fill a classroom with students, it is not so easy for teachers. Schools across the nation and locally in Southwest Florida are still dealing with the challenges of teacher shortages. With class back in session, so is teacher recruiting for DeSoto County schools. The assistant superintendent, Jake Reynolds, and the district is looking to hire 21 teachers this school year. “That number reflects some educators that are currently working on finishing their degree or certification,” said Reynolds. Reynolds, says the openings range from special education to athletics. Reynolds says they do have some strategies in place to help keep the teachers they hire. “One thing that we’ve built over the past couple years is an onboarding platform and system and really making sure that every employee that we have, regardless of the position, goes through an onboarding experience and is provided with a mentor and guidance and support during their first year, which is a really critical year for them,” said Reynolds. Another critical thing is teacher pay. “We have increased, yes, our teacher pay. I think we’re in the top 50% of the state right now with base starting teacher pay at 50,000 a year,” said Reynolds. Along with some added benefits. “We have staff that are currently interim educators who are finishing up those courses, and they can receive course reimbursement if they finish some of their coursework within the year, which helps them move towards that certification degree.” Tim Edsall, Assistant Principal of DeSoto Middle School, knows firsthand the importance of getting people to stay and work in the classroom. Edsall started as a high school teacher and is now in his 17th year for the district. “This is a tight-knit community, and this is where I’m meant to be. Opportunities have come up for me to move, but I choose not to do that because I like being a part of DeSoto schools,” said Edsall. To learn more about the current openings at DeSoto County Schools, click here.