At least 600 poles replaced in Cape Coral by LCEC

Cape Coral city leaders deliver an update on Hurricane Ian recovery. During a news conference on Friday, the city said that they are 100% back online with water and sewer, and a precautionary boil water notice is still in place for the city. The Department of Health has to conduct two tests anytime the system […]

naples pd seal

Collier County Emergency Management warns against illegal dumping

Collier County Emergency Management reminds contractors and landscapers that they are required to dispose of hurricane debris at an authorized solid waste facility. The Collier County Landfill and several private facilities accept vegetative, construction and demolition, and other types of debris. Contractors must pay the disposal fee when dropping off debris. It is a crime […]

Emergency responders at risk from lithium-ion battery fires in electric vehicles

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) investigated three electric vehicle crashes resulting in postcrash fires and one non-crash fire involving an electric vehicle, all of which illustrate the risks to emergency responders posed by the vehicles’ high-voltage lithium-ion batteries. The NTSB also examined national and international standards established to maximize the safety of electric vehicles. […]

Missing person case turns into homicide investigation in Hendry County

Hendry County detectives were investigating a missing person report which quickly evolved into a homicide investigation, according to the Hendry County Sheriff’s Office. On September 30, a report of concern about a missing mother of two young children came to Sheriff Steve Whidden who immediately responded and acted. 39-year-old Katie Baunach stopped by her residence […]

Free food and water sites for Hurricane Ian recovery

FOOD DISTRIBUTION Distribution Points – 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily, unless otherwise noted. LEE COUNTY Bonita Springs: Old Bonita Library, 26876 Pine Ave., Bonita Springs Cape Coral: Cape Coral Sports Complex, 1410 Sports Blvd., Cape Coral Cape Coral: Leonard Street, 4820 Leonard St., Cape Coral Cape Coral: Coral Oaks Golf Course, 1800 Northwest 28 […]

Thrift

Goodwill providing vouchers to help people affected by Hurricane Ian

Goodwill Industries of Southwest Florida is providing vouchers for people who have lost personal belongings due to Hurricane Ian. Free vouchers will replace some belongings, and help the community recover from the devastation of Hurricane Ian. Those affected, who have lost personal belongings, can pick up a $25 voucher (maximum of 4 per family) from […]

School District of Lee County assesses damages after Hurricane Ian

The School District of Lee County is assessing the damage to its school buildings after Hurricane Ian. The district said preliminary damage assessment finds that 54% of schools are in low need of repair, but 14% have major damage, and a few may be beyond repair. Certified building inspectors are visiting campuses for a professional […]

Sheriff Marceno delivers an update on Hurricane Ian recovery efforts

Sheriff Carmine Marenco, Brevard County Sheriff Wayne Ivey, and Fort Myers Beach Mayor Ray Murphy deliver an update on Hurricane Ian’s recovery efforts. Marceno began by saying the death toll in Lee County is 54. EOC made the decision to close Fort Myers Beach to residents to preserve crime scenes. “When someone is deceased we […]

Parked school buses. Photo via AP/Seth Perlman.

Southwest Florida school closures due to Hurricane Ian

The following Southwest Florida schools, colleges, and universities are closed due to Hurricane Ian. Florida SouthWestern State College – Tuesday through Thursday Florida Gulf Coast University – Tuesday through Friday Hodges University – Tuesday 10 a.m. through Thursday. The campus will reopen on Friday. Online classes continue as scheduled Keiser University – Tuesday and Wednesday […]

Pedestrian injured in crash on Palm Beach Boulevard in Fort Myers

A pedestrian was injured in a crash on Palm Beach Boulevard in Fort Myers on Sunday night. According to FHP, the crash involved a pickup truck and a pedestrian. The pedestrian sustained serious injuries and was transported to a local hospital. This crash remains under investigation.