Red tide continues to linger off SWFL coast; visitors see different impacts

What are believed to be the effects of red tide have put a damper on relaxation time for many in Collier County. Dead fish can be seen floating in Venetian Bay in Naples Monday, and red tide is believed to be the likely culprit. Johnny Lee and Fred Durham, who were roommates in college, have […]

FGCU researchers study how red tide toxins travel in our bodies

As the red tide levels go up and down, a tool is helping to provide new clues as to how toxins travel in our bodies. Researchers at Florida Gulf Coast University are using canisters to collect air samples from places where red tide has been detected, like just east Bonita Beach at the school’s Vester […]

Deputies investigate Tuesday morning homicide in Pine Manor

One person was shot and killed in Pine Manor on Tuesday morning. According to the Lee County Sheriff’s Office, the agency received a call about a shooting on Tenth Avenue in the Pine Manor community in south Fort Myers. Investigators are considering the death a homicide and have not released any further information. Investigators there […]

Fish kills found along Fort Myers Beach, red tide concentrations linger off coast

Our crew saw dead fish washed up on shore about every 10 feet along a popular Southwest Florida beach to begin the week. The sight and smell left many beachgoers disgusted. What is likely the presence of red tide was noticeable on Fort Myers Beach Monday. The latest red tide map showed medium concentrations near […]

dead fish from red tide

Studying how highest levels of red tide affect people along SWFL coast

A recent map show the highest levels of red tide along Southwest Florida’s coast. But more research needs to be done to know just how it affects air quality and humans. The last month of 2020 saw dead fish and high levels of red tide sprinkled across SWFL beaches. Pilot Ralph Arwood with Lighthawk Conservation […]

$250M approved by federal government for Everglades restoration, a win for SWFL water quality

Millions of federal dollars are slated for Everglades restoration in the state. In the middle of a 5,600-page spending bill, $250 million is approve for restoration that impacts Southwest Florida. Clean water advocates see it as a win-win plan, since the Everglades Agricultural Area (EAA) Reservoir would send water south from Lake Okeechobee down to […]

DOH-Charlotte to begin COVID-19 vaccinations Wednesday

The Florida Department of Health in Charlotte County has announced it will be opening a drive-thru clinic to administer COVID-19 vaccines Wednesday morning. Moderna vaccines will be available to those age 65 and older and high-risk frontline health care workers. The first Charlotte County vaccination site will open at 9 a.m. at 23400 Harold Avenue […]

Researchers seek volunteers for study on how red tide affects the brain

Researchers are hoping to learn about the neurological impacts of red tide. A mobile lab is being sent to Sanibel next month to conduct a study on how algal blooms affect the brain. Researchers from the Roskamp Institute in Sarasota say it’s important to make sure it isn’t damaging human bodies, especially on Sanibel, where […]

Shoppers do last-minute shopping ahead of Christmas

The pandemic might dampen Christmas but some at Miromar Outlets are keeping the holiday spirit alive. Shoppers made their way to the Estero mall on Wednesday to take advantage of the last day stores will be open regular hours. On Thursday, Miromar Outlets will open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. For Kathy Hatton, Becky […]

Coastal SWFL businesses deal with red tide, COVID-19 impacts

Red tide is on Southwest Florida’s coast. Some dead fish have been found on Naples’s shores. And in Lee County, the Department of Health has alerted the public about blooms near South Seas Plantation Beach Access on Captiva Island, Lighthouse Beach Park and Tarpon Bay Road Beach on Sanibel, Lynn Hall Park on Fort Myers […]