Vaccine side effects not signs of contagion

Some people experiencing short-lived symptoms from the COVID-19 vaccine—fever, chills, nausea, headache—have wondered if the shot has left them contagious. The answer is: no, it has not. Doctors say it is normal to have side effects after the vaccine, with stronger ones more likely after the second dose; in fact, it is a sign the […]

SWFL construction faces further delays due to material shortage

New home builds are facing another round of major delays, but not because of the pandemic; U.S. factories that make things like PVC pipe, latex and metals were shut down for weeks during winter storms. Joseph Cimilluca, contractor and division director with Stevens Construction in Fort Myers, says residential construction is impacted the most. But […]

Children’s Advocacy Center honors fallen Naples officer, child abuse victims

The Children’s Advocacy Center of Collier County is planting a pinwheel garden to remember a Naples police officer who died in a car crash. Sgt. Jeffrey Reidy of the Naples Police Department worked in the special victims unit, so he was a very familiar face to the Children’s Advocacy Center before his death in a car […]

Travel industry reviving in Southwest Florida

As more and more of us get vaccinated, people want to travel. But if you are set on taking a trip, the days of cheap travel are on the decline so don’t wait, book now. Not only are prices starting to go back up, but you could be grandfathered into cancellation policies if you book […]

Cape Coral City Council to discuss Waste Pro woes at Wednesday meeting

Wednesday’s Cape Coral City Council meeting will seek to address residents’ frustration with Waste Pro and with uncollected garbage filling up the streets. But what can really be done about this problem? Council members want you to take part in the discussion and voice your concerns in the 2 p.m. meeting. People in Cape Coral […]

Patients, doctors speak about effects of proposed THC cap for medical marijuana

How high is too high? A North Fort Myers representative is proposing a cap on how much THC can be prescribed to patients. Now patients and doctors alike are reckoning with how it could affect them. Scot Goldberg is a local attorney used to fighting for his clients, but this time it’s more personal: Suzy […]

Fort Myers City Council to discuss spending of $2.8M in stimulus

COVID-19 has wreaked havoc not just on personal finances, but on local cities. Fort Myers city leaders are now focusing on how they can spend money to keep you afloat. Mayor Kevin Anderson says it has been a challenge, but departments have been good about tightening their belts and only spending when necessary. And he […]

Fort Myers’ ongoing search for new city manager

Fort Myers is still looking for someone to replace its current city manager, Saeed Kazemi, who submitted his letter of retirement in November at the request of Mayor Kevin Anderson. But so far there is no replacement. The city hired a firm that specializes in finding candidates for big positions like this one. The city […]

Science behind SWFL shark surge

There have been a lot of shark sightings—and three bites—in South Florida recently. The Ocearch Shark Tracker lets you follow the movements of tagged sharks, and there are plenty swimming near us. Captain Brian Smith with Smoking Hooks Fishing Charter says this is the most active he’s seen the sharks in a while, and scientists […]

SWFL residents on dangers of distracted driving

April is Distracted Driving Awareness Month, and distracted driving is a problem Lee County residents are all too familiar with: In 2020, there were 1,907 crashes involving distracted drivers in Lee County, compared with 242 crashes involving drunk drivers. This aligns with a study by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, which concluded that texting […]