WEATHER ALERT
FDLE seeks men who ran away before trial in Orlando-based $700K+ church theft case
Read full article: FDLE seeks men who ran away before trial in Orlando-based $700K+ church theft caseThe Florida Department of Law Enforcement is looking for two men who ran away before going on trial in the theft of over $761,000 from more than 680 churches nationwide.
Red Sox pitcher Lucas Giolito to undergo right elbow surgery, potentially ending his season
Read full article: Red Sox pitcher Lucas Giolito to undergo right elbow surgery, potentially ending his seasonBoston Red Sox pitcher Lucas Giolito will undergo right elbow surgery, potentially ending his first season with the team before it even begins.
Sky scare: United flight to Florida makes U-turn as engine catches fire
Read full article: Sky scare: United flight to Florida makes U-turn as engine catches fireA United Airlines flight from Houston to Fort Myers had to turn around when one of its engines caught fire, according to FlightAware and the Associated Press.
Florida lawmaker pulls bill on wrongful death of unborn children after Alabama IVF ruling
Read full article: Florida lawmaker pulls bill on wrongful death of unborn children after Alabama IVF rulingA Florida bill to allow people to file wrongful death lawsuits over the death of a fetus is being shelved because of the political fallout from an Alabama Supreme Court decision that frozen embryos are legally protected children.
These are the most expensive flights in the country. Many are in Florida
Read full article: These are the most expensive flights in the country. Many are in FloridaThe report says that domestic flights under 1,000 miles can cost around $200 each way, though longer flights — those over 2,000 miles — average around $346.
Unaccompanied 6-year-old flying to Fort Myers put on wrong Spirit Airlines flight, ends up in Orlando
Read full article: Unaccompanied 6-year-old flying to Fort Myers put on wrong Spirit Airlines flight, ends up in OrlandoA 6-year-old traveling alone on a Spirit Airlines flight from Philadelphia to Fort Myers somehow ended up in Orlando instead, according to CBS news.
Woman charged with threatening federal judge in abortion pill case arrested in Florida
Read full article: Woman charged with threatening federal judge in abortion pill case arrested in FloridaRecords show that a woman accused of threatening to kill a federal judge who suspended approval of the abortion drug mifepristone earlier this year has been arrested in Florida.
5K pounds of ‘gas station heroin,’ THC-O products seized and destroyed in Florida
Read full article: 5K pounds of ‘gas station heroin,’ THC-O products seized and destroyed in FloridaNews 6 has learned the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services seized approximately 5,000 pounds of raw and packaged tianeptine, or “gas station heroin,” and THC-O products on Oct. 10.
‘Knocked down, but it was not knocked out:’ Fort Myers mayor reflects on resiliency after Hurricane Ian
Read full article: ‘Knocked down, but it was not knocked out:’ Fort Myers mayor reflects on resiliency after Hurricane IanAs we move into yet another hurricane season, many across the state are still trying to get back to their “normal.” And that is very much the case in southwest Florida, where Hurricane Ian made landfall as a Category 4 storm.
5 teens were killed in a car that swerved off a road and sank in a Florida pond
Read full article: 5 teens were killed in a car that swerved off a road and sank in a Florida pondAuthorities in southwest Florida say five teenagers were killed when their car ran off a curving street and landed in a retention pond.
SHOCKING VIDEO: Convicted murderer elbows attorney in face in Florida courtroom
Read full article: SHOCKING VIDEO: Convicted murderer elbows attorney in face in Florida courtroomA judge in southwest Florida has handed down a death sentence for a man convicted of killing an 11-year-old girl and her babysitter more than 30 years ago.
NOAA: Ian was Cat 5 before weakening at Florida landfall
Read full article: NOAA: Ian was Cat 5 before weakening at Florida landfallHurricane Ian briefly reached maximum Category 5 status before weakening to a Category 4 storm as it blasted ashore last September in southwest Florida, eventually causing over $112 billion in damage in the U.S. and more than 150 deaths directly or indirectly.
Gov. DeSantis talks hurricane recovery, gives $1M from disaster fund to South Florida schools
Read full article: Gov. DeSantis talks hurricane recovery, gives $1M from disaster fund to South Florida schoolsFlorida Gov. Ron DeSantis on Thursday held a news conference at a street corner near Fort Myers, recapping the state’s ongoing recovery efforts in South Florida after Hurricane Ian, previewing some future plans and awarding money to local education foundations.
FEMA hiring workers to help with Hurricane Ian recovery, agency says
Read full article: FEMA hiring workers to help with Hurricane Ian recovery, agency saysFEMA announced on Saturday, Oct. 29 that is is hiring for more than 300 jobs in Kissimmee, Orlando, Brandon, Fort Myers and Sarasota as the agency continues to help in Hurricane Ian recovery efforts.
$2M in state disaster funds will go to education foundations in 6 South Florida counties, DeSantis says
Read full article: $2M in state disaster funds will go to education foundations in 6 South Florida counties, DeSantis saysDeSantis announced $2 million from the Florida Disaster Fund would be disbursed to education foundations in six South Florida counties hit hard by Hurricane Ian.
Is this your ticket? Winning share of $494M Mega Millions lottery jackpot sold in Fort Myers
Read full article: Is this your ticket? Winning share of $494M Mega Millions lottery jackpot sold in Fort MyersFlorida lottery officials announced that one of two Mega Millions lottery winning tickets was purchased in the Sunshine State from Oct. 14′s drawing.
Rough times ahead: Hurricane Ian batters SW Florida economy
Read full article: Rough times ahead: Hurricane Ian batters SW Florida economyHurricane Ian has come and gone, but it still could deliver prolonged blows to the local economy — particularly small businesses heavily dependent on tourists and seasonal residents.
Winter Park church volunteers take relief supplies to hurricane victims in southwest Florida
Read full article: Winter Park church volunteers take relief supplies to hurricane victims in southwest FloridaAction Church in Winter Park is working to send donations to southwest Florida in the wake of Hurricane Ian.
‘Massive convoy’ of Florida linemen, first responders use Sanibel Causeway damaged in Hurricane Ian
Read full article: ‘Massive convoy’ of Florida linemen, first responders use Sanibel Causeway damaged in Hurricane IanA “massive convoy” of linemen and first responders used the temporarily repaired Sanibel Causeway that was destroyed during Hurricane Ian, according to Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis.
Many Floridians now eligible for Transitional Sheltering Assistance after Ian, FEMA says
Read full article: Many Floridians now eligible for Transitional Sheltering Assistance after Ian, FEMA saysThe Federal Emergency Management Agency on Friday announced Floridians living in counties deemed eligible for FEMA individual assistance after Hurricane Ian qualify for the now-activated Transitional Sheltering Program.
‘It’s like someone dropped a nuclear bomb:’ 2,000 Florida businesses report millions in losses
Read full article: ‘It’s like someone dropped a nuclear bomb:’ 2,000 Florida businesses report millions in lossesSpeaking from a makeshift office in Fort Myers Wednesday, Dept. of Economic Opportunity Secretary Dane Eagle seemed numb as he discussed his boyhood town being wiped out.
‘Anything we can do to help:’ Osceola deputies head to Lee County to offer help after Hurricane Ian
Read full article: ‘Anything we can do to help:’ Osceola deputies head to Lee County to offer help after Hurricane IanDeputies with the Osceola County Sheriff’s Office are set to deploy Wednesday to Lee County, which is still struggling in the aftermath of Hurricane Ian, the sheriff’s office said in a release.
Florida Gov. DeSantis announces 1st Disaster Recovery Center, financial relief programs in wake of Ian
Read full article: Florida Gov. DeSantis announces 1st Disaster Recovery Center, financial relief programs in wake of IanGov. Ron DeSantis announced Tuesday the activation of the state’s first Disaster Recovery Center in Fort Myers, with more expected to open in the coming weeks, for Floridians impacted by the widespread devastation caused by Hurricane Ian.
Ian shows the risks and costs of living on barrier islands
Read full article: Ian shows the risks and costs of living on barrier islandsExperts say that Hurricane Ian is shining a spotlight once again on the vulnerability of the nation’s barrier islands and the increasing cost of people living on them.
Hurricane Ian sweeps away homes, memories on barrier islands
Read full article: Hurricane Ian sweeps away homes, memories on barrier islandsCars are left abandoned where they stalled on the road into Fort Myers Beach when Hurricane Ian's storm surge flooded their engines and their drivers couldn’t continue.
Hurricane Ian: Photos in Florida show devastation left behind as cleanup begins
Read full article: Hurricane Ian: Photos in Florida show devastation left behind as cleanup beginsThe National Hurricane Center said Ian could return at or near hurricane strength on Friday when it enters the Atlantic Ocean toward South Carolina and North Carolina.
Show us photos from when you vacationed on Florida’s Gulf Coast
Read full article: Show us photos from when you vacationed on Florida’s Gulf CoastHurricane Ian is currently hitting the Gulf Coast of Florida after strengthening to a Category 4 storm before making landfall, possibly near Port Charlotte.
SATELLITE, TRACK, MODELS: Category 1 Hurricane Ian aims for Atlantic after swamping southwest Florida
Read full article: SATELLITE, TRACK, MODELS: Category 1 Hurricane Ian aims for Atlantic after swamping southwest FloridaHurricane Ian left a path of destruction in southwest Florida, trapping people in flooded homes, damaging the roof of a hospital intensive care unit and knocking out power to 2 million people before aiming for the Atlantic Coast.
Florida Gov. DeSantis discusses environmental investments in next state budget
Read full article: Florida Gov. DeSantis discusses environmental investments in next state budgetGov. Ron DeSantis touted more than $1 billion earmarked for Everglades and water resource investments in the upcoming state budget at a news conference in Fort Myers Beach Wednesday morning.
Florida woman crashed through airport gate, drove on runway, police say
Read full article: Florida woman crashed through airport gate, drove on runway, police sayOfficials say a Florida airport shut down for about a half-hour over the weekend after a woman crashed her car through a secured gate and drove across a runway.
Gov. DeSantis announces $1.1M raised for tornado victims in Lee, Charlotte counties
Read full article: Gov. DeSantis announces $1.1M raised for tornado victims in Lee, Charlotte countiesFlorida Gov. Ron DeSantis doubled down on claims he made last month the Biden administration withheld funding for tornado victims in Lee and Charlotte counties because of “politics” and announced $1.1 million was raised for repairs, temporary housing and other forms of relief.
DeSantis accuses Biden administration of delaying help for Florida tornado victims
Read full article: DeSantis accuses Biden administration of delaying help for Florida tornado victimsFlorida Gov. Ron DeSantis accused the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the Biden Administration of delaying help to Floridians impacted by recent tornadoes because of “politics.”
Leona Maguire first Irish winner in LPGA Tour history
Read full article: Leona Maguire first Irish winner in LPGA Tour historyLeona Maguire became the first Irish winner in LPGA Tour history Saturday, closing with a 5-under 67 for a three-stroke victory in the LPGA Drive On Championship at Crown Colony.
Tornadoes touch down in South Florida as thousands lose power
Read full article: Tornadoes touch down in South Florida as thousands lose powerA winter storm that was expected to blast the southern U.S. with dangerously high winds Sunday did not disappoint, as some South Floridians witnessed and filmed infamous weather events likely uncommon to them: tornadoes.
EF-1 tornado damaged homes in southwest Florida, NWS says
Read full article: EF-1 tornado damaged homes in southwest Florida, NWS saysA short-lived tornado touched down in southwest Florida Tuesday morning, leaving more than $500,000 worth of damage in its wake, according to the National Weather Service.
Caloosahatchee River conditions are looking better this fall
Read full article: Caloosahatchee River conditions are looking better this fallCaloosahatchee River flows are looking good at a time when algae is absent from the entire system, and other health indicators seem promising as the region transitions into the brunt of the dry season.
Mother of 4 says Make Ends Meet ended 7-month wait for DEO benefits
Read full article: Mother of 4 says Make Ends Meet ended 7-month wait for DEO benefitsSara Marie, of Fort Myers, is one of thousands of Florida residents tired of waiting for unpaid unemployment benefits, wondering if they will ever get paid.
VIDEO: Police chase ends with crash, man jumping off Florida bridge
Read full article: VIDEO: Police chase ends with crash, man jumping off Florida bridgeOfficials say a man jumped 55 feet off a bridge into Florida's Caloosahatchee River in a vain attempt to avoid capture after crashing a stolen van during a police chase.
WATCH LIVE at 11:30 a.m.: Gov. Ron DeSantis, Attorney General Ashley Moody to speak in South Florida
Read full article: WATCH LIVE at 11:30 a.m.: Gov. Ron DeSantis, Attorney General Ashley Moody to speak in South FloridaGov. Ron DeSantis is set to hold a news briefing at 11:30 a.m. Tuesday in South Florida.
Florida panther struck and killed by vehicle
Read full article: Florida panther struck and killed by vehicleFORT MYERS, Fla. – An endangered Florida panther has died after being struck by a vehicle. It’s the sixth panther death attributed to fatal collisions, out of nine total deaths this year, according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. On Friday, the remains of a male panther cub were found on private land near the Collier County landfill, officials said. Florida panthers once roamed the entire Southeast, but now their habitat mostly is confined to a small region of Florida along the Gulf of Mexico. Up to 230 Florida panthers remain in the wild.
Florida couple offers free beer as way to meet the neighbors
Read full article: Florida couple offers free beer as way to meet the neighborsCAPE CORAL, Fla. – A Florida couple came up with a great way to meet their new neighbors after moving into their home during the coronavirus pandemic. They offered free beer. We will be in our driveway with drinks, ready to meet any neighbors who would like to stop by. But once the “Free Beer” sign was placed outside, the neighbors started venturing over. We had a few people do a double take, free beer is a pretty easy way to get people to show up,” said Thomas Evans.
Florida panther struck and killed by vehicle
Read full article: Florida panther struck and killed by vehicleFORT MYERS, Fla. – An endangered Florida panther has died after being struck by a vehicle. It’s the fifth panther death attributed to fatal collisions, out of seven total deaths this year, according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. The remains of the panther were found last Wednesday in Hardee County on a rural road near Wauchula, wildlife officials said. Florida panthers once roamed the entire Southeast, but now their habitat mostly is confined to a small region of Florida along the Gulf of Mexico. Up to 230 Florida panthers remain in the wild.
The Latest: NFL Hall of Famers help push vaccine awareness
Read full article: The Latest: NFL Hall of Famers help push vaccine awarenessHall of Famers taking part include include Anthony Muñoz, in both English and Spanish, Darrell Green, Aeneas Williams, and Drew Pearson. ___Indiana baseball coach Jeff Mercer has tested positive for COVID-19, and the Hoosiers’ home doubleheader against Penn State on Friday has been called off. ___Kansas withdrew from the Big 12 Tournament on Friday after a positive COVID-19 test within the men’s basketball program, sending No. ___The Minnesota Twins are the latest Major League Baseball team to receive government approval for fans to return to their games this season. Only a limited amount of family members of players and staff have been able to attend those games this season.
Florida panther struck, killed by vehicle
Read full article: Florida panther struck, killed by vehicleFORT MYERS, Fla. – An endangered Florida panther has died after being struck by a vehicle. It’s the fourth panther death attributed to fatal collisions, out of six total deaths this year, according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. The remains of the 7-year-old female panther were found Saturday in Lee County on a rural road near Wild Turkey Strand Preserve, wildlife officials said. Florida panthers once roamed the entire Southeast, but now their habitat mostly is confined to a small region of Florida along the Gulf of Mexico. Up to 230 Florida panthers remain in the wild.
Eddie Rosario, Indians finalize $8 million, 1-year contract
Read full article: Eddie Rosario, Indians finalize $8 million, 1-year contractFILE - Minnesota Twins' Eddie Rosario hits the ball during a spring training baseball game against the St. Louis Cardinals in Fort Myers, Fla., in this Monday, March 9, 2020, file photo. The Indians officially signed free agent outfielder Eddie Rosario, adding a quality player who pounded their pitchers in recent years. Rosario passed his physical on Thursday, Feb. 4, 2021, to finalize a one-year, $8 million contract for 2021. (AP Photo/Elise Amendola, File)CLEVELAND – Free agent outfielder Eddie Rosario has joined the Cleveland Indians, adding a quality player who has haunted their pitchers in recent years. Rosario passed his physical on Thursday and finalized the $8 million, one-year contract he agreed to late last week.
New Florida website allows people to virtually ‘get in line’ for COVID-19 vaccines
Read full article: New Florida website allows people to virtually ‘get in line’ for COVID-19 vaccinesORLANDO, Fla. – Florida launched a new statewide website Friday to streamline the state’s approach to COVID-19 vaccine distribution, following the slow rollout of a state appointment hotline earlier in the month. [TRENDING: Video shows deputy Tasing student | How to get the vaccine in Fla. | NASA tests new moon rocket]Ad“Pre-register now for the COVID-19 vaccine,” the website reads. Once appointments are available individuals will be contacted by phone, text or email to schedule an appointment, according to the DOH. However, the hotline and state website may not be the best way to sign up for local department of health shots. She said Florida is working with counties to make sure existing registration systems can coordinate with the MyVaccine website.
Florida panther struck and killed by vehicle
Read full article: Florida panther struck and killed by vehicleFORT MYERS, Fla. – An endangered Florida panther has died after being struck by a vehicle. It’s the third panther death attributed to fatal collisions, out of four total deaths this year, according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. A total of 22 Florida panther deaths were reported in 2020, with 19 killed by vehicles. Florida panthers once roamed the entire Southeast, but now their habitat mostly is confined to a small region of Florida along the Gulf of Mexico. Up to 230 Florida panthers remain in the wild.