NAPLES $2,300 worth of stolen clothing recovered; 2 arrested in Naples Two people were arrested Saturday in Naples after authorities say they used bags lined with metal to disable store security systems and steal more than $2,300 worth of clothing.
BABCOCK RANCH Dodging pet scams during the holidays Many are welcoming new pets into their homes this holiday season; however, for some people, the only thing they’ll find sitting under their tree is a scam.
FORT MYERS Fort Myers auto shop raises money for family of slain deputy A Fort Myers auto shop is raising money for the family of a Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office deputy who was killed on Sunday.
SOUTHWEST FLORIDA Most Wanted Wednesday: Southwest Florida’s most wanted suspects for December 18, 2024 Here are some of Southwest Florida’s most wanted suspects for December 18, 2024.
NAPLES Naples cancels fireworks celebration Setting off fireworks feels like a normal part of any big holiday, especially when ringing in the new year, but if you are going to be in Naples to ring in 2025 they won’t be a part of your celebration.
Avoiding mayhem during the holiday season Nothing like the holiday season to bring out the latent perfectionist in all of us.
FORT MYERS Grant for nontraditional students offered at FGCU One Southwest Florida native is trading in her cap and gown for a ruler and chalkboard, ready to begin a new chapter in her life.
Procession for Charlotte County sergeant killed in line of duty A procession will commence Friday following the funeral and honors for the Charlotte County sergeant who was killed in the line of duty.
Housing planned on site of closing Fort Myers junkyard after $2.8M public-private deal On Dec. 17, Megen Construction bought 5 acres for $1.25 million, including 3312 Edison Ave. and 2419 Henderson Ave.
Mayon Asian American Restaurant opens in Charlotte County For his fourth eatery, Chris Lansdale wanted to do something different.
LEE COUNTY Sarasota man pleads guilty to attempting to engage in sexual activity with minor in Lee County A Sarasota man has pleaded guilty to attempting to engage in sexual activity with a minor from Lee County.
PUNTA GORDA CCSO memorial vehicle now on display for community to pay respects to fallen sergeant The Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office memorial vehicle, once assigned to the late deputy Sgt. Mike Wilson, has been staged to memorialize fallen deputy Sgt. Elio Diaz.
CAPE CORAL Cape Coral Police Department closes multiple cases after traffic stop arrest The Cape Coral Police Department has made an arrest in recent criminal investigations involving theft and property damage.
Suspect in Trump’s Florida assassination attempt faces new charges State Attorney General Ashley Moody has announced her office will pursue attempted felony murder charges on the man who tried to assassinate President-elect Donald Trump while he was golfing in West Pam Beach.
FORT MYERS Lee County to open parking lot on County City Annex on Hendry Street as public paid parking Lee County will open the parking lot at the County City Annex to be used as paid public parking beginning next year.
NAPLES $2,300 worth of stolen clothing recovered; 2 arrested in Naples Two people were arrested Saturday in Naples after authorities say they used bags lined with metal to disable store security systems and steal more than $2,300 worth of clothing.
BABCOCK RANCH Dodging pet scams during the holidays Many are welcoming new pets into their homes this holiday season; however, for some people, the only thing they’ll find sitting under their tree is a scam.
FORT MYERS Fort Myers auto shop raises money for family of slain deputy A Fort Myers auto shop is raising money for the family of a Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office deputy who was killed on Sunday.
SOUTHWEST FLORIDA Most Wanted Wednesday: Southwest Florida’s most wanted suspects for December 18, 2024 Here are some of Southwest Florida’s most wanted suspects for December 18, 2024.
NAPLES Naples cancels fireworks celebration Setting off fireworks feels like a normal part of any big holiday, especially when ringing in the new year, but if you are going to be in Naples to ring in 2025 they won’t be a part of your celebration.
Avoiding mayhem during the holiday season Nothing like the holiday season to bring out the latent perfectionist in all of us.
FORT MYERS Grant for nontraditional students offered at FGCU One Southwest Florida native is trading in her cap and gown for a ruler and chalkboard, ready to begin a new chapter in her life.
Procession for Charlotte County sergeant killed in line of duty A procession will commence Friday following the funeral and honors for the Charlotte County sergeant who was killed in the line of duty.
Housing planned on site of closing Fort Myers junkyard after $2.8M public-private deal On Dec. 17, Megen Construction bought 5 acres for $1.25 million, including 3312 Edison Ave. and 2419 Henderson Ave.
Mayon Asian American Restaurant opens in Charlotte County For his fourth eatery, Chris Lansdale wanted to do something different.
LEE COUNTY Sarasota man pleads guilty to attempting to engage in sexual activity with minor in Lee County A Sarasota man has pleaded guilty to attempting to engage in sexual activity with a minor from Lee County.
PUNTA GORDA CCSO memorial vehicle now on display for community to pay respects to fallen sergeant The Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office memorial vehicle, once assigned to the late deputy Sgt. Mike Wilson, has been staged to memorialize fallen deputy Sgt. Elio Diaz.
CAPE CORAL Cape Coral Police Department closes multiple cases after traffic stop arrest The Cape Coral Police Department has made an arrest in recent criminal investigations involving theft and property damage.
Suspect in Trump’s Florida assassination attempt faces new charges State Attorney General Ashley Moody has announced her office will pursue attempted felony murder charges on the man who tried to assassinate President-elect Donald Trump while he was golfing in West Pam Beach.
FORT MYERS Lee County to open parking lot on County City Annex on Hendry Street as public paid parking Lee County will open the parking lot at the County City Annex to be used as paid public parking beginning next year.
One Southwest Florida native is trading in her cap and gown for a ruler and chalkboard, ready to begin a new chapter in her life. Laura Crawford, who graduated from Florida Gulf Coast University (FGCU) this past weekend, will start her teaching career next school year, thanks to FGCU’s Good Job Challenge Grant. For many, going back to school as an older adult seems like an impossible dream, but Laura Crawford proved that it doesn’t have to be. With a husband, two kids, and a full-time job, Laura returned to FGCU to finish her bachelor’s degree and earn her teaching credentials. “It was just amazing, an amazing experience,” Laura said. “It took me 18 months, continuous semesters and through the summer to complete my degree, and I just graduated this past Saturday.” For the past seven years, Laura has worked as an instructional aide at Diplomat Elementary School, but without a bachelor’s degree, she couldn’t become a full-time teacher. That’s when she decided to take the plunge and pursue her degree. Laura’s path to graduation was made possible by the Good Job Challenge Grant offered by FGCU. This program is designed to assist individuals who are underemployed or working in paraprofessional roles by helping them further their education and earn degrees that can lead to career advancement. Laura was one of 13 education-related graduates who received this grant, which covers the cost of their degree program. In total, 60 students are currently on track to graduate in the future through this initiative. “When this presented itself, I knew it was now or never. I had to do it,” Laura shared. The grant allowed Laura to complete her coursework entirely online, which was perfect for her busy life. With family support and determination, she could balance her education with the responsibilities of being a wife, mom, and employee. “Without my family, I couldn’t have done it,” Laura said, speaking about the support she received from her husband and children. Her oldest son, a senior in high school, and her youngest son, a seventh grader, were by her side every step of the way. “My husband was very supportive, cooking dinners on Sunday nights when I had papers due, and they’re really proud of me,” she added with a smile. The Good Job Challenge Grant is not limited to education majors. The program is also available to individuals pursuing careers in healthcare, manufacturing, and other industries. As for Laura, she’s excited to begin her new role as a teacher in the coming school year. “It went by so fast, the whole 18 months. I feel like I still have a paper to do this weekend,” she laughed. If you’re interested in learning more about the Good Job Challenge Grant, click here.