On the ballot: Breaking down Collier School ReferendumCharlotte County Sheriff addresses deputy-involved shooting
On the ballot: Breaking down Collier School Referendum Collier County voters will see a tax-neutral referendum on their ballot. The referendum aims to shift funds from capital to operating expenses in the Collier County Public School system. It’s a continuation of the referendum currently in place.
Charlotte County Sheriff addresses deputy-involved shooting The Charlotte County Sheriff is speaking out on details behind the shooting of an unarmed man in his driveway by deputies.
NAPLES Naples man facing felony charges related to Jan. 6 riots A day after a Fort Myers Beach man was arrested for allegedly assaulting police during the Jan. 6 insurrection, a Naples man has been arrested on similar charges.
Saving money as mortgage rates go up After the Federal Reserve cut interest rates last month, many thought mortgage rates would drop.
Collier County Invasive Burmese Python jaws larger than previously thought Invasive Burmese Pythons hunt and swallow animals whole. And each slithering creature it eats helps it grow.
NORTH PORT Golf great Gary Player joining SWFL charity tournament Career Grand Slam winner Gary Player is participating in the 2nd Heron Creek Charity Pro-Am to benefit Tunnels to Towers.
IMMOKALEE WINK News Game of the Week: Gulf Coast at Immokalee Our WINK News Game of the Week for Week 10 brings us to Immokalee when they host Gulf Coast for the district championship.
NAPLES Naples restaurant servers stage walkout over pay changes Restaurant servers in Naples staged a walkout to protest changes to their pay structure. The heart of the issue is tips.
Innovative ultrasound treatment for liver cancer Tens of thousands of Americans die from liver cancer each year.
BONITA SPRINGS Bonita Springs offensive lineman puts in work in the trenches and on a job site Bonita Springs offensive lineman Luis Jimenez is one to put his hand in the dirt both on the line of scrimmage and out on a job site.
Amendment 5: Homestead exemption inflation adjustment Property taxes are not anyone’s favorite words, but they are money that must be paid if you own Florida real estate.
FORT MYERS Fort Myers Beach man accused of assaulting Capitol police during Jan. 6 arrested A Fort Myers Beach man has been arrested for allegedly assaulting law enforcement and other charges related to the Jan. 6, 2021, breach of the U.S. Capitol.
Charlotte Co. approves site plan for marina resort development Charlotte County commissioners approved the final site plan Oct. 22 for a marina resort complex with a hotel, restaurants and condos in Placida near the Boca Grande Causeway.
NAPLES Naples Zoo welcomes critically endangered Mongoose Lemurs The Naples Zoo has incorporated a breeding pair of critically endangered mongoose lemurs into its habitat enclosures.
NORTH FORT MYERS North Fort Myers Fire Department’s newest life-saving upgrade The North Fort Myers Fire Department has a new life-saving upgrade that is used underwater, one that is much needed.
On the ballot: Breaking down Collier School Referendum Collier County voters will see a tax-neutral referendum on their ballot. The referendum aims to shift funds from capital to operating expenses in the Collier County Public School system. It’s a continuation of the referendum currently in place.
Charlotte County Sheriff addresses deputy-involved shooting The Charlotte County Sheriff is speaking out on details behind the shooting of an unarmed man in his driveway by deputies.
NAPLES Naples man facing felony charges related to Jan. 6 riots A day after a Fort Myers Beach man was arrested for allegedly assaulting police during the Jan. 6 insurrection, a Naples man has been arrested on similar charges.
Saving money as mortgage rates go up After the Federal Reserve cut interest rates last month, many thought mortgage rates would drop.
Collier County Invasive Burmese Python jaws larger than previously thought Invasive Burmese Pythons hunt and swallow animals whole. And each slithering creature it eats helps it grow.
NORTH PORT Golf great Gary Player joining SWFL charity tournament Career Grand Slam winner Gary Player is participating in the 2nd Heron Creek Charity Pro-Am to benefit Tunnels to Towers.
IMMOKALEE WINK News Game of the Week: Gulf Coast at Immokalee Our WINK News Game of the Week for Week 10 brings us to Immokalee when they host Gulf Coast for the district championship.
NAPLES Naples restaurant servers stage walkout over pay changes Restaurant servers in Naples staged a walkout to protest changes to their pay structure. The heart of the issue is tips.
Innovative ultrasound treatment for liver cancer Tens of thousands of Americans die from liver cancer each year.
BONITA SPRINGS Bonita Springs offensive lineman puts in work in the trenches and on a job site Bonita Springs offensive lineman Luis Jimenez is one to put his hand in the dirt both on the line of scrimmage and out on a job site.
Amendment 5: Homestead exemption inflation adjustment Property taxes are not anyone’s favorite words, but they are money that must be paid if you own Florida real estate.
FORT MYERS Fort Myers Beach man accused of assaulting Capitol police during Jan. 6 arrested A Fort Myers Beach man has been arrested for allegedly assaulting law enforcement and other charges related to the Jan. 6, 2021, breach of the U.S. Capitol.
Charlotte Co. approves site plan for marina resort development Charlotte County commissioners approved the final site plan Oct. 22 for a marina resort complex with a hotel, restaurants and condos in Placida near the Boca Grande Causeway.
NAPLES Naples Zoo welcomes critically endangered Mongoose Lemurs The Naples Zoo has incorporated a breeding pair of critically endangered mongoose lemurs into its habitat enclosures.
NORTH FORT MYERS North Fort Myers Fire Department’s newest life-saving upgrade The North Fort Myers Fire Department has a new life-saving upgrade that is used underwater, one that is much needed.
After the Federal Reserve cut interest rates last month, many thought mortgage rates would drop. Mortgage rates have climbed to 6.85%, the highest since late July. For people like 100-year-old World War II veteran Harry Long, these rising rates made it impossible for him and his wife to buy again after Hurricane Ian. Long and his 98-year-old wife now rent. Real estate broker Dirk Fischer said they’re far from alone. “We had about 35% fewer sales compared to a year ago. It’s really going down while inventory is spiking, but who’s going to be motivated to buy right now, especially if they can’t pay cash?” Fischer said. Mortgage rates have doubled compared to a few years ago. “Everyone was hoping that by now, mortgage rates would be in the low fives or lower after the last Fed rate announcement, but instead, we’ve seen another jump, and now we’re almost back to where we were in December 2023,” Fischer said. However, according to Florida Gulf Coast University real estate professor Shelton Weeks, historically, these rates aren’t all that high. “If you look back to the ’80s, you saw mortgage rates in the mid-teens. Even in the ’90s, when I moved to Florida Gulf Coast University, I was super excited because I was able to come down here and get a rate under 8%,” Weeks said. These experts recommend some tips to navigate higher rates: Consider builder rates: Some builders may offer deals with around 4.5% APR. Buy down your rate: It costs more upfront but can save money over time. Shop around: Ask about special programs for first-time buyers, veterans and first responders.