FGCU men’s basketball team visits pediatric cancer patientsFlorida House and Senate approve new immigration bill
FORT MYERS FGCU men’s basketball team visits pediatric cancer patients The Eagles visited pediatric cancer patients at Golisano Children’s Hospital as part of Coaches vs. Cancer week.
Florida House and Senate approve new immigration bill It took four and a half hours of back-and-forth debates for the Florida Senate to vote and pass the immigration bill.
NORTH FORT MYERS United Way donates bikes to children in need Thanks to the generosity of donors, the United Way School Resource Center was able to distribute 24 bikes and helmets to Lee County School District students.
NORTH FORT MYERS North Fort Myers girls soccer star’s record breaking season North Fort Myers High School girls soccer forward Hannah Busenbark breaks school’s single-season scoring record.
DORAL Updates on day 2 of Trump Doral retreat Lawmakers at the U.S. House Republican retreat in Doral are preparing to take a break after a day filled with closed-door meetings. Their goal is to devise a plan to advance President Trump’s ambitious agenda on Capitol Hill.
CAPE CORAL New worship center opening to Cape Christian Fellowship Church Cape Christian Fellowship Church will hold a groundbreaking ceremony for its new worship center. Upon completion, this new 1,300-seat auditorium-style building will be one of the largest venues for gatherings in Cape Coral.
PUNTA GORDA WINK News helps Charlotte County woman recover lost Christmas gifts Sheila Nicoloff from Charlotte County faced disappointment when the Christmas presents she sent to her family in Ohio did not arrive on time.
ARCADIA 19 heavy metal bands to perform at 119-year-old Arcadia opera house A 119-year-old opera house will host 19 local heavy metal bands as part of a two-day festival.
Florida officials seek tougher penalties for illegal arcades Experts say that illegal gaming places are like cockroaches: if you squash one of them, a bunch more pop up in their place.
ENGLEWOOD Englewood residents urged to stay vigilant as armed man eludes capture Authorities are still searching for a 20-year-old man considered armed and dangerous, who escaped from deputies during an attempted arrest.
CAPE CORAL Behind the scenes look at upcoming Sunplash upgrades Sunsplash Waterpark in Cape Coral is set to unveil its newest attraction, Paradise Cove, later this year.
little gasparilla island Relief for Little Gasparilla as barge begins debris removal after hurricanes Little Gasparilla Island is receiving much-needed assistance from Charlotte County to clear debris from hurricanes Helene and Milton.
Space research may unlock heart repair breakthroughs Researchers are exploring new frontiers in medical science by conducting experiments in space to address cardiovascular disease, a leading cause of death.
PORT CHARLOTTE 911 call released of man who shot and killed wife in Port Charlotte home The 911 call of a man who called to report he had shot his wife while his two children were inside the home has been released.
NORTH PORT Gabby Petito documentary coming to Netflix The story of Gabby Petito’s murder captured the hearts and minds of Southwest Florida and the entire country. Now, Netflix is picking it up.
FORT MYERS FGCU men’s basketball team visits pediatric cancer patients The Eagles visited pediatric cancer patients at Golisano Children’s Hospital as part of Coaches vs. Cancer week.
Florida House and Senate approve new immigration bill It took four and a half hours of back-and-forth debates for the Florida Senate to vote and pass the immigration bill.
NORTH FORT MYERS United Way donates bikes to children in need Thanks to the generosity of donors, the United Way School Resource Center was able to distribute 24 bikes and helmets to Lee County School District students.
NORTH FORT MYERS North Fort Myers girls soccer star’s record breaking season North Fort Myers High School girls soccer forward Hannah Busenbark breaks school’s single-season scoring record.
DORAL Updates on day 2 of Trump Doral retreat Lawmakers at the U.S. House Republican retreat in Doral are preparing to take a break after a day filled with closed-door meetings. Their goal is to devise a plan to advance President Trump’s ambitious agenda on Capitol Hill.
CAPE CORAL New worship center opening to Cape Christian Fellowship Church Cape Christian Fellowship Church will hold a groundbreaking ceremony for its new worship center. Upon completion, this new 1,300-seat auditorium-style building will be one of the largest venues for gatherings in Cape Coral.
PUNTA GORDA WINK News helps Charlotte County woman recover lost Christmas gifts Sheila Nicoloff from Charlotte County faced disappointment when the Christmas presents she sent to her family in Ohio did not arrive on time.
ARCADIA 19 heavy metal bands to perform at 119-year-old Arcadia opera house A 119-year-old opera house will host 19 local heavy metal bands as part of a two-day festival.
Florida officials seek tougher penalties for illegal arcades Experts say that illegal gaming places are like cockroaches: if you squash one of them, a bunch more pop up in their place.
ENGLEWOOD Englewood residents urged to stay vigilant as armed man eludes capture Authorities are still searching for a 20-year-old man considered armed and dangerous, who escaped from deputies during an attempted arrest.
CAPE CORAL Behind the scenes look at upcoming Sunplash upgrades Sunsplash Waterpark in Cape Coral is set to unveil its newest attraction, Paradise Cove, later this year.
little gasparilla island Relief for Little Gasparilla as barge begins debris removal after hurricanes Little Gasparilla Island is receiving much-needed assistance from Charlotte County to clear debris from hurricanes Helene and Milton.
Space research may unlock heart repair breakthroughs Researchers are exploring new frontiers in medical science by conducting experiments in space to address cardiovascular disease, a leading cause of death.
PORT CHARLOTTE 911 call released of man who shot and killed wife in Port Charlotte home The 911 call of a man who called to report he had shot his wife while his two children were inside the home has been released.
NORTH PORT Gabby Petito documentary coming to Netflix The story of Gabby Petito’s murder captured the hearts and minds of Southwest Florida and the entire country. Now, Netflix is picking it up.
According to the Lee County Government, residents in parts of Lee County will keep their FEMA discount. Over 43,000 people got their FEMA discount back with flying colors. RELATED: Fort Myers Beach loses FEMA insurance discount Kevin Ruane is the District 1 commissioner for Lee County. He said that FEMA recognized the county for its hard work. “You heard FEMA indicate and clearly say we did above and beyond the normal call of duty,” said Ruane. “They were very impressed with our workmanship. So those are compliments when you’re in really an unusual situation.” This got the ball rolling. From there, Cape Coral, Bonita Springs and Estero also got theirs back. On Fort Myers Beach, the word “Probation” hangs over their homes. Kelly Haynes is a Fort Myers Beach resident. She said that she doesn’t feel like she will be compensated. “I think it’s another false promise, and we’re gonna be left with nothing,” said Haynes. “It’s a way for them to have control.” Todd Kluener is a Fort Myers Beach resident. He said that it is difficult to subsidize barrier islands like Fort Myers Beach due to the flood risk. “A barrier island that’s going to deal with constant flood risk. Why are we subsidizing an area that is constantly going to be battered by floods and have just insane claims going forward?” asked Kluener. Nearly losing the discount lit a fire under the county to bring it back. “It’s going through the process,” said Ruane. “It’s answering the questions that need to be asked to give the documentation necessary. It’s a tedious, very emotionally devastating process you go through. Not only did your home get damaged, but then you’re arguing with the insurance company, get the appropriate reimbursement, and you’re trying to get your family back into a normal way of living.” Rick Loughrey said Fort Myers Beach is no different. He’s seen it firsthand, trying to get back into his home. “Nowadays we put in a permit, it gets reviewed pretty quick and gets returned back to us,” said Loughrey. “But it has to be thorough. It’s become even a couple more pages in the last year or so from Ian, that we have to make sure, as far as the FEMA regulations are filled out properly, and that everything’s nickel and dimed on that form,” This begs the question… “What would be the reason? There has to be reason that we’re not getting because it makes absolutely zero sense to anybody,” asked Loughrey. For more information on the town’s efforts, click here.