Hurricane Ian intensifies mental health crisis in SWFL

Hurricane Ian’s destruction is intensifying the need for mental health services in Southwest Florida. NAMI Collier County is reporting that calls to the Warm Line Center skyrocketed during the storm and continue to go up. The agency, with help from programs across Southwest Florida, staffs the statewide Warm Line, a peer-run hotline that offers callers […]

Hurricane Ian death toll surpasses 100 as Florida struggles to recover

Days after Hurricane Ian slammed into Florida, the storm’s effects are still ravaging parts of the state. Bridges to barrier islands are washed out, roadways are flooded and some areas are seeing a lack of power or water. The situation in many areas isn’t expected to improve for several days because waterways are overflowing, leaving the rain […]

Here’s how you can help Southwest Floridians affected by Ian

The moment the storm passed, first responders, nonprofits and citizens jumped to action to help Southwest Florida start to rebuild. The loss we face is immeasurable, but already the community’s Gulfshore Strong spirit is evident. Individuals and small businesses launched supply drives and recovery efforts overnight. Neighbors set up stations to provide hot water and […]

Ron DeSantis holds Hurricane Ian recovery efforts press conference

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis held a press conference in Cape Coral on Monday giving the public an update on recovery efforts. DeSantis explained during the press conference that large quantities of water and food are getting distributed to people in need. Additionally, tarps are being distributed to people who’ve lost roofs. DeSantis went on to […]

Lee County Justice center and courthouse downtown fort myers

Hurricane-related scams investigated by Hurricane Ian Response Team

Amira Fox, the Florida State Attorney, announced the activation of the Hurricane Ian Response Team (HIRT). According to the Office of the State Attorney Twentieth Judicial Circuit in and for Lee County, you should call 239-533-1342 if you think you’re the victim of a hurricane-related scam. This includes contractor fraud and unlicensed contracting. When you […]

FPL’s updated restoration timetable for SWFL

Florida Power and Light have updated its timeline for when power will be restored in different parts of Southwest Florida. FPL says it has been able to restore power to 1.8 million customers, or 83% of those impacted by Hurricane Ian. On Monday, FPL said they now believe they will be able to get power […]

Collier County picking up the pieces after Ian

People in Collier County are working to clean up after Hurricane Ian brought strong winds and flooding to the area. The county on Monday updated its curfew to run from midnight to 6 a.m. Naples’ curfew now runs from 10 p.m. until 6 a.m. As of October 3, Marco Island does not have a curfew. […]

Be alert to FEMA fraud scams; Here’s how to report it

Disaster survivors should be aware that con artists and criminals may try to obtain money or steal personal information through fraud or identity theft after a disaster. In some cases, thieves try to apply for FEMA assistance using names, addresses, and Social Security numbers they have stolen from survivors. If a FEMA Inspector comes to […]

The Weather Authority: 7-day forecast

Dry air on the backside of hurricane Ian has officially ended the rainy season in SW Florida! We will benefit from some beautiful weather as clean and recovery efforts continue across the area. Look for lots of sunshine and highs in the mid to upper 80s with completely dry conditions through Tuesday. Nights will be […]

Ian leaves dozens dead as focus turns to rescue, recovery

FORT MYERS, Fla. (AP) — Dozens of Florida residents left their flooded and splintered homes by boat and by air on Saturday as rescuers continued to search for survivors in the wake of Hurricane Ian, while authorities in South Carolina and North Carolina began taking stock of their losses. The death toll from the storm, one […]