Police Explorer Marcus Freeman remembered 14 years after North Port crashFort Myers Beach celebrates early St. Patrick’s Day with lively parade
NORTH PORT Police Explorer Marcus Freeman remembered 14 years after North Port crash The North Port Police Department is remembering a young life lost too soon.
FORT MYERS BEACH Fort Myers Beach celebrates early St. Patrick’s Day with lively parade Fort Myers Beach celebrated St. Patrick’s Day early with a lively parade, bringing the island to life with Irish spirit.
the weather authority A breezy Saturday with near-record high heat in store The Weather Authority says a warm Saturday with near-record high heat is in store with sun and clouds overhead.
SANIBEL Sanibel Beach shines as a top 2025 destination for shelling Southwest Florida’s beaches are a major draw for visitors from around the world.
911 calls save two kayakers in distress on Caloosahatchee River After strong winds left them stranded, two kayakers were rescued from the Caloosahatchee River.
CAPE CORAL Cape Coral woman tricked into romance scam, police seek recovery Cape Coral police are working to recover more than $250,000 from a bank account that may be tied to criminal activity.
Captiva’s Mucky Duck plans reopening after hurricane damage The Mucky Duck, a beloved restaurant on Captiva Island, is determined to clear up any rumors about its closure.
PORT CHARLOTTE Tampa Bay Rays’ future in Port Charlotte raises business concerns The Tampa Bay Rays are planning to stay at Tropicana Field for the 2026 season while they repair damage from Hurricane Milton.
Red tide health alert lifted in certain Lee County areas The Florida Department of Health in Lee County has lifted the red tide health alerts issued in certain areas.
Charlotte Sheriff elected as chair of Florida Sheriffs Youth Ranches Charlotte County Sheriff Bill Prummell is stepping into a new role as chair of the Florida Sheriff’s Youth Ranches.
NAPLES Naples groups unite to protect endangered Florida Panthers The third Saturday in March marks the official Save the Florida Panther Day.
New housing development in Collier County raises environmental concerns Instead of fields of oranges fueling the local economy, rows of homes could soon take their place in the region.
NAPLES La Gondola: Venice experience in Southwest Florida Imagine cruising down the Southwest Florida waterways in your very own gondola, bringing a touch of Italy to Naples.
FORT MYERS Bubbles for Bug; Carwash raising funds for furry friend A Southwest Florida dog named Bug needs help. His owner, Lex Montanaro, is hosting a carwash fundraiser to raise the $10,000 Bug needs for surgery.
PUNTA GORDA Punta Gorda’s Celtic Ray preps for St. Patrick’s Day bash Punta Gorda is gearing up for a massive St. Patrick’s Day celebration this weekend.
NORTH PORT Police Explorer Marcus Freeman remembered 14 years after North Port crash The North Port Police Department is remembering a young life lost too soon.
FORT MYERS BEACH Fort Myers Beach celebrates early St. Patrick’s Day with lively parade Fort Myers Beach celebrated St. Patrick’s Day early with a lively parade, bringing the island to life with Irish spirit.
the weather authority A breezy Saturday with near-record high heat in store The Weather Authority says a warm Saturday with near-record high heat is in store with sun and clouds overhead.
SANIBEL Sanibel Beach shines as a top 2025 destination for shelling Southwest Florida’s beaches are a major draw for visitors from around the world.
911 calls save two kayakers in distress on Caloosahatchee River After strong winds left them stranded, two kayakers were rescued from the Caloosahatchee River.
CAPE CORAL Cape Coral woman tricked into romance scam, police seek recovery Cape Coral police are working to recover more than $250,000 from a bank account that may be tied to criminal activity.
Captiva’s Mucky Duck plans reopening after hurricane damage The Mucky Duck, a beloved restaurant on Captiva Island, is determined to clear up any rumors about its closure.
PORT CHARLOTTE Tampa Bay Rays’ future in Port Charlotte raises business concerns The Tampa Bay Rays are planning to stay at Tropicana Field for the 2026 season while they repair damage from Hurricane Milton.
Red tide health alert lifted in certain Lee County areas The Florida Department of Health in Lee County has lifted the red tide health alerts issued in certain areas.
Charlotte Sheriff elected as chair of Florida Sheriffs Youth Ranches Charlotte County Sheriff Bill Prummell is stepping into a new role as chair of the Florida Sheriff’s Youth Ranches.
NAPLES Naples groups unite to protect endangered Florida Panthers The third Saturday in March marks the official Save the Florida Panther Day.
New housing development in Collier County raises environmental concerns Instead of fields of oranges fueling the local economy, rows of homes could soon take their place in the region.
NAPLES La Gondola: Venice experience in Southwest Florida Imagine cruising down the Southwest Florida waterways in your very own gondola, bringing a touch of Italy to Naples.
FORT MYERS Bubbles for Bug; Carwash raising funds for furry friend A Southwest Florida dog named Bug needs help. His owner, Lex Montanaro, is hosting a carwash fundraiser to raise the $10,000 Bug needs for surgery.
PUNTA GORDA Punta Gorda’s Celtic Ray preps for St. Patrick’s Day bash Punta Gorda is gearing up for a massive St. Patrick’s Day celebration this weekend.
Lee County commissioners have approved amendments to the county’s comprehensive plan that could lead to redevelopment in a rural community. The area near the intersection of North River Road and Owl Creek Drive, close to the Lee Civic Center, is now at the center of potential changes. On Monday at 9:30 a.m., Lee County staff presented proposed amendments to Lee County’s Comprehensive Plan to the Commissioners in the chambers on the second floor. The article states that “the proposed amendments strike language to accommodate the possibility that, in the future, the County may be required to convert portions of these areas from septic to centralized sewer.” Credit: Alva Inc. Residents are not surprised by the decision, despite their efforts to maintain their way of life. Commissioners cite a new state law related to water quality as a driving force behind the amendments. Alva and North Olga neighbors fear this will open the door for even more development. “The biggest concern is destroying a rural community; it’s the last rural corridor that’s left in Lee County,” said Denise Eberle, who lives in Alva and opposes the changes. Eberle and her neighbors are determined to defend Alva and North River Road from redevelopment. They voiced their concerns about the potential conversion of septic systems to centralized sewer systems. “The men and women who have worked hard to build this community and live out there and not provide them the services or give them the support to economic development,” said a speaker from the community. Neighbors call the changes significant and say removing the language in the rural future land use category is a thinly veiled attempt to increase density and intensity in rural areas by allowing 40-foot homesites just 10 feet apart and attached single-family homes. Neil Communities’ proposed development includes 1,400 single-family homes and other amenities like a boat dock. The development group said its plan includes increased preserve areas and a minimum lot size of 40 feet by 100 feet. Credit: Alva Inc. The developer says it will cover connection fees and sewer extension costs for its project. Despite the opposition, the proposal moved forward, with officials explaining that it ensures compliance with the new state law. “It’s because we want our privacy, we want the peace, we want the tranquility, we want big land,” Eberle said, emphasizing what makes Alva unique. “In the area, we do not want sewer and water; we have wonderful wells and septic tanks, and we are happy,” said another local resident about the potential water changes. Neighbors said changes to the comprehensive plan, which covers areas beyond this project, could result in mandatory assessments for surrounding property owners to cover the costs of forced utility connections. Next, the state will review the changes before returning them to commissioners for a final vote next month. If approved, the plan will be adopted immediately.