Naples Firefighter remembers everyone’s ‘big brother’ during private viewing

Loved ones trickled in and out of Gendron Funeral Home in Fort Myers Thursday to pay their respects to Naples Firefighter Anthony “Tony” Christensen, who died of COVID-19 Tuesday, Aug. 4. Christensen received treatment for the coronavirus for more than a month before his death after contacting it on the job. We spoke to Naples […]

Those who knew Naples firefighter says he went above and beyond his service

The fire-rescue community in Southwest Florida is mourning the loss of a man known for helping anyone. Tuesday, Firefighter Tony Christensen died of COVID-19 at the hospital in Orlando where he was being treated. Tony was known for his service as well as being an animal lover, who took time do to the simple things […]

Golden Gate man accused of recording children, previously convicted of voyeurism charges

A 44-year-old Golden Gate man who was previously convicted of secretly recording a woman in her shower was arrested Tuesday on a video voyeurism charge involving a child and multiple counts of possession of child pornography. Philipas Christos Batsios faces 75 counts possession of child pornography, one count of possession of child pornography with intent […]

Collier County candidate arrested with cocaine, asked to drop out of race

John Davidson Jenkins, 55, a candidate running for Collier County Board of County Commissioners, was arrested for possession of cocaine Sunday and is now being asked to drop out of the race by his party. “We were actually excited to have a Democratic candidate in the race who had a voice for the people, so […]

Collier County teacher worried about possible return to the classroom

As students and staff start getting ready to go back into the classroom, a Southwest Florida teacher says she’s terrified to return. Teacher Lera Brial in Collier County is a breast cancer survivor with an autoimmune disorder. With 60% of students in Collier County Public Schools set to return to school in person, Brial says […]

United States Census illustration. (Credit: MGN)

Census Bureau to stop door knocking earlier than planned

The Census Bureau will stop knocking on doors earlier than planned because of the pandemic. Getting an accurate count is critical to ensure communities get the government funding they need. A lower count also has other consequences. How long census workers get to do their jobs is part of the coronavirus relief debate going on […]

Pandemic delays high-profile criminal cases in SWFL

Criminal cases have been stalled by the coronavirus pandemic, so there has been no due process for suspects and families left waiting for answers. We looked into the argument for safety over justice in Southwest Florida Friday. There have been some high-profile cases delayed in Southwest Florida: Jorge Guerrero is accused of killing 9-year-old Diana […]

Family speaks about ‘porch pirate’ experience

A man says he was at work, a ‘porch pirate’ approached his front door and took their goods. The family knew something was off because they’d received a notification hat the package had arrived. Luckily, they had security cameras and were able to check them. The man and his family do not want their names […]

Alfie Oakes continues to oppose mask mandate with signs calling out commissioners

A businessman is making sure his opinion on the mask mandate in Collier County is heard loud and clear. Alfie Oakes, the owner of Oakes Farms, posted signs at his businesses, calling three Collier County commissioners “socialists” and telling code enforcement not to enter. Oakes has been outspoken against many aspects of the coronavirus pandemic, […]

Preparing for back to school in Collier County

The new start date for public schools in Collier County is Aug. 31. Sixty percent of students are heading back to the classroom and the district said it needs more time to prepare. Distance learning didn’t go well for Naples mom Amy Hickey. “It was awful,” she said. “They weren’t in school mode. They were […]