Derrick Shaw

A Georgia man found guilty of manslaughter and robbery with a firearm was sentenced to prison on Wednesday. Wayne Robert Taylor was found guilty in February following a trial and sentenced to 15 years in prison for Manslaughter and 15 years in prison for Robbery with a Firearm. The sentences are to be served consecutively. […]

Staying healthy, no matter what is happening in our environment, can be challenging particularly if we are stressed by nature in the form of a hurricane. No one can completely predict a hurricane season’s events. What we can and should do is be prepared. Knowing we are ready is comforting. More importantly, preparation will bode […]

Don’t be lulled into a sense of false security: Now is the time to set a plan before the next major hurricane hits Southwest Florida. What to do when a hurricane is 6 hours from arriving If you’re not in an area that is recommended for evacuation, plan to stay at home or where you […]

When a hurricane is blowing in, Florida residents know firsthand how to be prepared and ready for almost anything the wind and rain brings. Your family preparedness needs to also include your pets. As the saying goes, prepare for the worst and make sure your pets are included in those plans. Leaving your pets behind […]

Relief supplies and other aid will be arriving as quickly as possible following a major hurricane. Insurance companies will send special disaster teams, as will the state and federal governments and a host of private organizations. It is very important to understand that it may take several days for them to arrive at the disaster […]

From the Lee County Department of Public Safety: Does the facility have an approved Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan? If yes, may I see a copy of the approval letter? If no, ask them why, as it is required. Do you maintain a minimum 72-hour supply of food, water, medications, etc. for each resident? Do you […]

What should I do after a storm has passed? Although the storm has passed, there are many dangers that still exist. Take the proper precautions to prevent further crisis. Play it safe and focus on yourself, family, neighbors and emergency workers during cleanup and repair. If you have any doubts about safety, err on the […]

If you live in an area that is placed under mandatory evacuation orders, your local emergency management officials have determined that it is unsafe to weather the storm in your home. Whenever possible, pack up and move your family to safety. Ideally, you will have made arrangements with family or friends who reside outside the […]

The Priorities Pump or bail water out of the house as soon as possible. Open the windows to let the house air out and give the walls and floors a chance to dry. Shovel mud out before it can dry, then scrub floors and walls with a brush and mild soap and water. Make sure […]

From the Lee County Department of Public Safety: Estimates vary, but as many as one in four people live with some type of disability. Sometimes signs are obvious, such as a wheelchair, a guide dog or a cane. However, many times a disability is not obvious. Whether obvious or not, awareness and sensitivity toward persons […]