SWFL gym owner ready to reopen when governor gives OK

Gov. Ron DeSantis is expected to make a new announcement Friday. He hinted it would be regarding gyms and fitness centers during a press conference. We spoke to owner Breantt Wollis of Smash Fitness in Lee County Thursday who said he’s ready for customers to come back to his business. And he’s is already planning […]

Call takers limited when trying to help unemployment applicants

The Florida Department of Economic Opportunity claims dashboard now says that 95 percent of eligible claimants have been paid their unemployment benefits. However, many of you tell us you’re still waiting for those promised payments, and you still can’t log on to the website or get answers over the phone. Doug French said he has […]

United States Census illustration. (Credit: MGN)

Why the census matters to your community

From school lunches and hospitals to highways and fire departments, your U.S. Census answers help shape your community for the next 10 years. The goal is to count every person in the U.S., and that count helps the federal government shape state funding for just about everything for a decade. “You don’t know what you […]

Thursday’s Coronavirus Updates: CenturyLink test site reaches capacity for day

As of 11 a.m. Thursday, there have been 43,210 positive cases of the coronavirus (COVID-19) in Florida. The case count includes 42,038 Florida residents and 1,172 non-Florida residents. There are 1,875 deaths reported and 7,749 hospitalizations, according to the Florida Department of Health. There have been 609,574 tests administered in Florida. A total of 43,210 […]

SR-29 reopens after brush fire in Hendry County

A 250-acre brush fire has been 100 percent contained along SR-29 in Hendry County. The Florida Highway Patrol reopened the road around 10:30 p.m. Wednesday. The fire was located on Sears Rd., and several agencies were on scene. No structures were threatened. The Hendry County Sheriff’s Office said the Duda labor camp was evacuated. Trust […]

SpaceX releases docking simulator ahead of Dragon crew launch

SpaceX has released a docking simulator that gives you a look at how they’re preparing astronauts Robert Behnken and Douglas Hurley for their mission to the International Space Station later this month. NASA and SpaceX have been working together to develop and assess the spacecraft’s control system and the spacesuit the crew will wear during […]

Subtropical system likely this weekend near the Bahamas

The National Hurricane Center and WINK Weather Team will be monitoring an area of low pressure this weekend for subtropical development. It’s looking more likely that we’ll have a subtropical depression or storm near the Bahamas by Monday. Here’s how it could form: deep tropical moisture will be situated across South Florida and the Keys […]

Wednesday’s Coronavirus Updates: Total deaths reported in SWFL top 150

As of 11 a.m. Wednesday, there have been 42,402 positive cases of the coronavirus (COVID-19) in Florida. The case count includes 41,236 Florida residents and 1,166 non-Florida residents. There are 1,827 deaths reported and 7,595 hospitalizations, according to the Florida Department of Health. There have been 595,478 tests administered in Florida. A total of 42,402 […]

Deadline to enter direct deposit information for stimulus checks is here

An important reminder if you do not want to wait for that stimulus check in the mail. The deadline to submit your bank account information for direct deposit is Wednesday at noon ET. You can find the link to the IRS “Get My Payment” tool here, to add that information. If you miss the deadline, […]

Suspect arrested in 343-acre wildfire in Panhandle

A Santa Rosa Beach man was arrested Tuesday in connection to a Walton County wildfire that scorched 343 acres and destroyed dozens of structures. Allen Smith, who turns 59 on Thursday, faces one count of reckless burning of lands, one count of burning of illegal materials, and one count of open burning requirements. All are […]