Collier County hit-and-run victims seek justice after New Year’s Day crashFlorida wildlife affected by cold weather
NAPLES MANOR Collier County hit-and-run victims seek justice after New Year’s Day crash A mother and daughter were left for dead on the side of the road; the crash happened on New Year’s Day on Texas Avenue in Collier County.
FORT MYERS Florida wildlife affected by cold weather If you’re not a snowbird you’re probably going to spend this week shivering.
Fort Myers leaders discuss Dunbar Park renovation plans City leaders want to breathe new life into a community park many say has been neglected and forgotten Dunbar Park.
Deadline arrives for FEMA hurricane assistance in Florida The application deadline has arrived for those affected by the 2024 hurricane season to apply for assistance through the Federal Emergency Management Agency.
NAPLES Cyclists push for bike safety after recent crash Every cyclist has their story. Whether it’s a near miss or a hard hit, there’s no doubt about it: cyclists are vulnerable.
NORTH FORT MYERS North Fort Myers home turns into junkyard Waking up to the smell of garbage is not a fun way to start your day.
Suspect confesses in hit-and-run that left bicyclist critically injured The man who hit bicyclist Hollie Masino with his car was arrested following his confession on Tuesday.
CCSO implements new tools to help crack down on animal cruelty Our deputies swear an oath to serve and protect everyone in our county, even those with four legs.
FORT MYERS BEACH The Division of Administrative hearings have started on Fort Myers Beach Will they stay or will they go? Tuesday is the day six properties on Fort Myers Beach fight to stay.
Attorneys seek evidence review in death sentence for man accused of killing wife Attorneys on Mark Sievers’ post-conviction counsel are asking a Lee County judge to review the evidence they say was kept secret during the trial.
MARCO ISLAND Marco Island intersection shut down due to gas leak The Marco Island Police Department and Fire Rescue Department are responding to a gas leak at the intersection of Windward and Bald Eagle Drive.
FORT MYERS BEACH Concrete piling falls off Big Carlos Pass Bridge on Fort Myers Beach Crews working on the Big Carlos Pass Bridge had a concrete beam fall over onto a crane as Lee County deputies and other departments helped out. Traffic on Fort Myers Beach was backed up, but the bridge is now back open.
Charlotte County man accused of killing grandfather sentenced A man accused of murdering his grandfather in December of 2023 pleaded no contest and has been sentenced to 20 years.
State report on COVID-19 vaccine issues released For the first time, we’re hearing what a state grand jury has recommended regarding issues with COVID-19 vaccines.
Lee County Sheriff addresses FBI investigation in State of the Agency address Lee County Sheriff Carmine Marceno is breaking his silence about the FBI investigation into his department during his State of the Agency address.
NAPLES MANOR Collier County hit-and-run victims seek justice after New Year’s Day crash A mother and daughter were left for dead on the side of the road; the crash happened on New Year’s Day on Texas Avenue in Collier County.
FORT MYERS Florida wildlife affected by cold weather If you’re not a snowbird you’re probably going to spend this week shivering.
Fort Myers leaders discuss Dunbar Park renovation plans City leaders want to breathe new life into a community park many say has been neglected and forgotten Dunbar Park.
Deadline arrives for FEMA hurricane assistance in Florida The application deadline has arrived for those affected by the 2024 hurricane season to apply for assistance through the Federal Emergency Management Agency.
NAPLES Cyclists push for bike safety after recent crash Every cyclist has their story. Whether it’s a near miss or a hard hit, there’s no doubt about it: cyclists are vulnerable.
NORTH FORT MYERS North Fort Myers home turns into junkyard Waking up to the smell of garbage is not a fun way to start your day.
Suspect confesses in hit-and-run that left bicyclist critically injured The man who hit bicyclist Hollie Masino with his car was arrested following his confession on Tuesday.
CCSO implements new tools to help crack down on animal cruelty Our deputies swear an oath to serve and protect everyone in our county, even those with four legs.
FORT MYERS BEACH The Division of Administrative hearings have started on Fort Myers Beach Will they stay or will they go? Tuesday is the day six properties on Fort Myers Beach fight to stay.
Attorneys seek evidence review in death sentence for man accused of killing wife Attorneys on Mark Sievers’ post-conviction counsel are asking a Lee County judge to review the evidence they say was kept secret during the trial.
MARCO ISLAND Marco Island intersection shut down due to gas leak The Marco Island Police Department and Fire Rescue Department are responding to a gas leak at the intersection of Windward and Bald Eagle Drive.
FORT MYERS BEACH Concrete piling falls off Big Carlos Pass Bridge on Fort Myers Beach Crews working on the Big Carlos Pass Bridge had a concrete beam fall over onto a crane as Lee County deputies and other departments helped out. Traffic on Fort Myers Beach was backed up, but the bridge is now back open.
Charlotte County man accused of killing grandfather sentenced A man accused of murdering his grandfather in December of 2023 pleaded no contest and has been sentenced to 20 years.
State report on COVID-19 vaccine issues released For the first time, we’re hearing what a state grand jury has recommended regarding issues with COVID-19 vaccines.
Lee County Sheriff addresses FBI investigation in State of the Agency address Lee County Sheriff Carmine Marceno is breaking his silence about the FBI investigation into his department during his State of the Agency address.
Credit: Tim Belizaire Elevate Kava Bar & Lounge held its grand opening in Estero on Friday Night. The kava bar held its soft opening on Black Friday. Kava and kratom are alternatives to alcohol that have grown in popularity in South Florida. RELATED: Elevate Kava Bar, offering an alternative nightlife experience, to open near FGCU The event featured a white carpet, balloon pillars, DJs, fire dancers, and a pool table for attendees to enjoy. The location has been under lease for three years, but construction on the bar began in March. Caleb Warner is the operations manager for Elevate Kava Bar. He said getting to the grand opening was difficult. “It’s so fulfilling,” said Warner. “It’s like a weight off my chest. Trying to get permitting and inspections from Lee County has been interesting and time-consuming, to say the least.” Elevate offers 14 extract drink options, eight craft cocktail-style drinks, three martini options, and three blended beverages. “What really sets us apart is that the extract base is super flavor neutral, said Warner. “You’re able to use the components from everyday cocktails like a margarita or espresso martini or cosmopolitan and create that beverage in a non-alcoholic form that tastes really good with the effect of kava or kratom.” The bar plans to hold weekly events to draw customers in. These include pool tournaments, poker nights, trivia, and “kava pong” tournaments. Warner said that he wants customers to be knowledgeable about the products they serve at Elevate. “Product education is a huge piece for us here,” said Warner. “A lot of the kava bars around here don’t tell you what they’re serving. People get confused with what they’re drinking, so our kava-tenders take pride in educating where our products come from and what kind of effects it’s going to give you.” Chloe Holmes is a regular at various kava bars in the area and a kava-tender herself. She said that she enjoyed the ambiance of the event. “It’s super cool. There’s great vibes and great drinks,” said Holmes. “Took a second to even go into the quiet room. That was really cool to see.” Holmes said that Elevate fills a unique niche in the community. “I love Mitra-9 more than I like regular house brewed kratom and kava,” said Holmes. “A lot of people opt for that when they go to most kava bars. A lot of people will drive to smoke shops or gas stations to find that, and now we have a whole kava bar dedicated to Mitra-9.” To consume kava you must be at least 18 years old. To consume kratom you must be at least 21 years old.