FGCU FGCU searching for next women’s basketball coach A national search is on for FGCU’s next head women’s basketball coach after Chelsea Lyles resigned from the position at her alma mater.
FORT MYERS March Madness spurs vasectomy surge March Madness has become more than just a basketball tournament; it’s also a popular time for men to undergo vasectomies.
2 dogs dead in structure fire on Husky Lane; 2 vehicles destroyed The South Trail Fire Department is responding to a structure fire on Husky Lane in Lee County.
FORT MYERS Fort Myers boxer wins WBC featherweight world title Former FMPD officer and Police Athletic League coach Tiara Brown beat Skye Nicolson in the WBC featherweight world championship.
cape coral New charges added in Cape Coral theft, shooting; 2 more teens arrested The Cape Coral Police Department has announced more charges against two teenagers allegedly involved in a string of thefts that led to a shooting.
Sea Love Candle Bar & Boutique opens at Coconut Point in Estero Tina Smagala had spent about three decades working in corporate human resources and communications in various industries, and she was looking to try something else for a change.
Perkins Restaurant & Bakery to close in Estero The only Perkins Restaurant & Bakery in south Lee County is closing April13, and the question now is what’s going to take its place.
Changes coming to Social Security identity verification The Social Security Administration is changing how people can verify their identity for retirement, survivors, or family benefits.
the weather authority Warm and breezy this Thursday afternoon The Weather Authority is tracking a warm and breezy Thursday with conditions that may increase the risk of brush fires this afternoon.
NAPLES NCH Naples uses actors to prepare medical staff for emergencies NCH is taking medical training to an innovative level by providing real-life simulations for doctors and nurses.
ESTERO FGCU police wrangle 6-foot gator on busy campus boardwalk A 6-foot alligator made an unexpected appearance at Florida Gulf Coast University, causing a commotion on a busy boardwalk.
FORT MYERS Fort Myers City council faces backlash over ICE partnership The Fort Myers City Council’s partnership with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has been a point of contention
NAPLES Collier County teen hospitalized after protecting friend from dating violence incident A 17-year-old hero is fighting for his life in the hospital after a violent incident in Collier County.
FORT MYERS Fort Myers fire officials urge honesty to aid investigations, ensure safety The Fort Myers Fire Department is urging the community to be open and honest during fire investigations.
WWII veteran recalls life as a woman in war While many are familiar with the stories of men who served in World War II, the women who served also played a crucial role in shaping history.
FGCU FGCU searching for next women’s basketball coach A national search is on for FGCU’s next head women’s basketball coach after Chelsea Lyles resigned from the position at her alma mater.
FORT MYERS March Madness spurs vasectomy surge March Madness has become more than just a basketball tournament; it’s also a popular time for men to undergo vasectomies.
2 dogs dead in structure fire on Husky Lane; 2 vehicles destroyed The South Trail Fire Department is responding to a structure fire on Husky Lane in Lee County.
FORT MYERS Fort Myers boxer wins WBC featherweight world title Former FMPD officer and Police Athletic League coach Tiara Brown beat Skye Nicolson in the WBC featherweight world championship.
cape coral New charges added in Cape Coral theft, shooting; 2 more teens arrested The Cape Coral Police Department has announced more charges against two teenagers allegedly involved in a string of thefts that led to a shooting.
Sea Love Candle Bar & Boutique opens at Coconut Point in Estero Tina Smagala had spent about three decades working in corporate human resources and communications in various industries, and she was looking to try something else for a change.
Perkins Restaurant & Bakery to close in Estero The only Perkins Restaurant & Bakery in south Lee County is closing April13, and the question now is what’s going to take its place.
Changes coming to Social Security identity verification The Social Security Administration is changing how people can verify their identity for retirement, survivors, or family benefits.
the weather authority Warm and breezy this Thursday afternoon The Weather Authority is tracking a warm and breezy Thursday with conditions that may increase the risk of brush fires this afternoon.
NAPLES NCH Naples uses actors to prepare medical staff for emergencies NCH is taking medical training to an innovative level by providing real-life simulations for doctors and nurses.
ESTERO FGCU police wrangle 6-foot gator on busy campus boardwalk A 6-foot alligator made an unexpected appearance at Florida Gulf Coast University, causing a commotion on a busy boardwalk.
FORT MYERS Fort Myers City council faces backlash over ICE partnership The Fort Myers City Council’s partnership with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has been a point of contention
NAPLES Collier County teen hospitalized after protecting friend from dating violence incident A 17-year-old hero is fighting for his life in the hospital after a violent incident in Collier County.
FORT MYERS Fort Myers fire officials urge honesty to aid investigations, ensure safety The Fort Myers Fire Department is urging the community to be open and honest during fire investigations.
WWII veteran recalls life as a woman in war While many are familiar with the stories of men who served in World War II, the women who served also played a crucial role in shaping history.
Credit: Lee County Sheriff’s Office A concerned citizen flagged down Florida Highway Patrol state troopers in Fort Myers to report an adult man was harassing his daughter, according to authorities. The incident occurred near Ortiz Avenue and Martin Luther King Boulevard on Wednesday. The citizen reported that an adult male, 37-year-old Thomas Karba of California, was harassing and trying to lure his 12-year-old daughter at their apartment complex. Karba allegedly harassed the 12-year-old, asking her personal questions like her name and address. The girl, feeling uncomfortable, walked away but was followed back to her apartment complex. “It’s every parent’s worst nightmare,” said Lt. Greg Bueno with the Florida Highway Patrol. State troopers were patrolling Ortiz Avenue and Martin Luther King Boulevard on Wednesday morning when the girl’s father approached them with concerns. “He proceeded to explain to the troopers that there was an adult male, a stranger if you will, that he did not know approaching his daughter, who was walking home from a bus stop, and that he was asking her personal questions,” said Bueno. The girl had missed her school bus, and FHP said the stranger followed her home. “He’s an adult male. He has no business approaching a young girl, asking her personal questions, attempting to lure her with his direction or anything like that,” said Bueno. Rosie Membreno, who works on Ortiz Avenue and is a parent, expressed relief that Karba is in custody. “It’s a relief. Yeah, he should be there… They’re kids, you know? And that’s our future. And like, like you say, we are supposed to work as a as a team,” said Membreno. The teamwork between the girl’s father and state troopers led to finding Karba hiding in a bush. He claimed to be looking for apartments, but his behavior suggested otherwise. “His behavior was disturbing, his line of approach was disturbing, and then his returning back to an apartment complex which he has no business at… had all the approach of malintent,” said Bueno. Karba, who has prior offenses for assault, attempted rape, and kidnapping, was arrested for loitering, prowling, stalking, and luring or enticing a child. He was booked into the Lee County Jail.