WEATHER ALERT
Tropical Storm Debby brings flooding to streets of Fort Myers
Read full article: Tropical Storm Debby brings flooding to streets of Fort MyersSome areas of Florida were already feeling the impact of Tropical Storm Debby on Sunday as it made its way to the Big Bend area where it’s expected to make landfall.
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.
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.
How Florida uses hurricane simulator programs to prepare for the next storm
Read full article: How Florida uses hurricane simulator programs to prepare for the next stormPlanning for a hurricane means high-stakes decisions must be made quickly, especially when you're the person or organization responsible for people's lives and preparedness.
They’re back! Bishop Kenny rolls into baseball state championship for first time since 2008
Read full article: They’re back! Bishop Kenny rolls into baseball state championship for first time since 2008Another game with excellent pitching, a hallmark during its playoff run, delivered Bishop Kenny a 4-1 win over Tampa Jefferson in the Class 4A state semifinals on Friday at Hammond Stadium in Fort Myers.
Focused St. Johns Country Day surges into baseball title game
Read full article: Focused St. Johns Country Day surges into baseball title gameThe Spartans had used a fast start to beat Westminster Academy 8-3 in the Class 2A state semifinals on Thursday at Hammond Stadium in Fort Myers. St. Johns will face Lakeland Christian on Saturday at 11 a.m. for the championship.
High school baseball ‘23: BK, Columbia, Providence headed to state semifinals
Read full article: High school baseball ‘23: BK, Columbia, Providence headed to state semifinalsBishop Kenny, Columbia and Providence are joining St. Johns Country Day in the high school baseball state semifinals in Fort Myers.
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.
Deadline nearing for some Citizens policyholders to add flood insurance in Florida
Read full article: Deadline nearing for some Citizens policyholders to add flood insurance in FloridaRules for new Citizens Property Insurance policyholders is part of legislation that was passed during a special session.
Gov. DeSantis visits Fort Myers to talk hurricane recovery
Read full article: Gov. DeSantis visits Fort Myers to talk hurricane recoveryGov. Ron DeSantis held a news conference Friday at the Oxbow Bar and Grill in Fort Myers where he talked about the progress of the area’s recovery from devastating Hurricane Ian six months ago.
Amendment 1: What are your questions about ballot measure involving flood improvement tax changes?
Read full article: Amendment 1: What are your questions about ballot measure involving flood improvement tax changes?The first of three proposed amendments to the Florida Constitution that the Florida Legislature voted to place on the ballot this November is an effort to help homeowners fight the effects of rising sea levels and climate change.
More than a week later, search and rescue teams in Fort Myers Beach are still finding bodies
Read full article: More than a week later, search and rescue teams in Fort Myers Beach are still finding bodiesThe wrath of Hurricane Ian left Fort Myers Beach in shambles. More than a week later, search and rescue teams are still searching for and finding bodies.
Supplies for people affected by Hurricane Ian continue to roll in at Northeast Florida medical clinics
Read full article: Supplies for people affected by Hurricane Ian continue to roll in at Northeast Florida medical clinicsAs Millennium Physician Group continues to collect vital supplies to send to Southwest Florida following Hurricane Ian, staff members now say they’ve gotten more goods than they can imagine.
Group of Northeast Florida doctor’s offices collecting supplies for people impacted by Hurricane Ian
Read full article: Group of Northeast Florida doctor’s offices collecting supplies for people impacted by Hurricane IanSupplies are coming in to help the people in Southwest Florida who were impacted by Hurricane Ian.
Cleaning up after a storm? Here are some tips from a doctor at Mayo Clinic
Read full article: Cleaning up after a storm? Here are some tips from a doctor at Mayo ClinicAs the water recedes and people continue assessing the damage to their homes in the aftermath of Ian, they may try to move it themselves. But you always want to do it safely so as to avoid serious injuries.
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.
‘We’re just getting started’: Search and rescue teams comb Fort Myers Beach for those who survived, and those who didn’t
Read full article: ‘We’re just getting started’: Search and rescue teams comb Fort Myers Beach for those who survived, and those who didn’tFort Myers Beach is destroyed. The pain, suffering and destruction is indescribable.
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.
Fort Myers: A scene of devastation & heartbreak
Read full article: Fort Myers: A scene of devastation & heartbreakHurricane Ian’s wind, rain and storm surge has caused at least a dozen deaths, flooded homes, left millions without power and flattened businesses. Now, people who live there are assessing the damage, and preparing to rebuild what Ian destroyed.
Photos, videos show more flooding, wind damage and rain as Ian blows through Florida
Read full article: Photos, videos show more flooding, wind damage and rain as Ian blows through FloridaImages of flooding Thursday morning from St. Augustine’s bayside and nearby neighborhoods filled social media channels and we showed it to you live on News4JAX.com and Channel 4.
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.
Florida man accused of filming 4-year-old, 12-year-old girls in store fitting room
Read full article: Florida man accused of filming 4-year-old, 12-year-old girls in store fitting roomA 29-year-old man is accused of filming two young girls as they tried on clothes in a fitting room at a southwest Florida Walmart store.
Florida deputy accused of arresting innocent person on drug charges in exchange for sex, Paris trip
Read full article: Florida deputy accused of arresting innocent person on drug charges in exchange for sex, Paris tripA Florida sheriff’s deputy is facing charges that he conspired to arrest an innocent person on drug charges in exchange for sexual favors and a trip to Paris.
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.
Woman sent to prison for stealing $87K from Florida school
Read full article: Woman sent to prison for stealing $87K from Florida schoolA former administrative assistant at a southwest Florida charter school has been sentenced to 40 months in prison for stealing more than $87,000, prosecutors said Wednesday.
Gov. DeSantis signs civic literacy bills, takes aim at socialism, communism
Read full article: Gov. DeSantis signs civic literacy bills, takes aim at socialism, communismGov. Ron DeSantis on Tuesday signed a trio of bills that he said will help Florida become the No. 1 state in the nation in terms of civic literacy.
That’s a wrap: Bolles falls in baseball state semifinals as high school year ends
Read full article: That’s a wrap: Bolles falls in baseball state semifinals as high school year endsOrlando’s First Academy ended Bolles’ season with a 2-1 victory in the Class 3A state semifinals at CenturyLink Sports Complex in Fort Myers.
High school baseball playoffs ’21: Baumeister, Bolles headed to state semifinals
Read full article: High school baseball playoffs ’21: Baumeister, Bolles headed to state semifinalsThree area baseball teams started the night still alive in the regional round, but only one moved on to Fort Myers to join Fleming Island and St. Johns Country Day. A look at Wednesday night’s playoff recaps.
High school baseball playoffs ’21: Baker County, Bolles, Ponte Vedra eye state semis
Read full article: High school baseball playoffs ’21: Baker County, Bolles, Ponte Vedra eye state semisThe third round of the high school state baseball playoffs are here. A glance at Wednesday’s three third-round games for area teams.
Florida business owner guilty of $2M in coronavirus relief fraud
Read full article: Florida business owner guilty of $2M in coronavirus relief fraudMIAMI – A Florida business owner has been convicted of illegally receiving more than $2 million in coronavirus relief funds. Prosecutors said he claimed the funds would only be used for business-related purposes, such as retaining workers and paying bills. Crowther concealed the scheme by providing false explanations for the expenditures to his bank, prosecutors said. AdThe Paycheck Protection Program represents billions of dollars in forgivable small business loans for Americans struggling because of the COVID-19 pandemic. It's part of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act, which became federal law in March.
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.
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.
Officials: Florida panther struck and killed by vehicle
Read full article: Officials: 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. The remains of the 2-year-old male panther were found Thursday 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.
Florida seniors begin swarming COVID-19 vaccination sites
Read full article: Florida seniors begin swarming COVID-19 vaccination sitesFORT MYERS, FL - DECEMBER 30: Seniors and first responders wait in line to receive a COVID-19 vaccine at the Lakes Regional Library on December 30, 2020 in Fort Myers, Florida. At vaccination sites across the state, seniors formed long lines — some camping out overnight with lawn chairs and blankets — hoping to gain immunity to fight the virus. Seniors in other parts of the state were frustrated by busy phone lines and websites that would no longer issue new vaccination appointments. The Orlando Sentinel reported that state health officials in Orange County on Tuesday closed its online portal after generating 30,000 appointments in about 24 hours. “Despite the state receiving 1,218,300 vaccine doses, only 15% of those have actually been administered,” she said in the letter.
Man is missing after falling from Florida dinner cruise
Read full article: Man is missing after falling from Florida dinner cruiseFORT MYERS, Fla. – The U.S. Coast Guard says a man went missing after falling into the water from a dinner-cruise ship in the Gulf Coast in Florida. J.P. boat late Friday. The companysays Capt J.P. is a 475-passenger paddlewheel boat that tours the scenic Caloosahatchee River in Fort Myers, Florida. Coast Guard crews searched for more than 11 hours in the waters before suspending the search. They received help from agencies such as the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, the Fort Myers Beach Police, and the Lee County Sheriff’s Office.
Untouchable: Perfect Ponte Vedra volleyball team thunders to Class 5A state championship
Read full article: Untouchable: Perfect Ponte Vedra volleyball team thunders to Class 5A state championshipThe Ponte Vedra volleyball team completed the most dominant run in area history on Saturday, sweeping Jensen Beach to win the Class 5A state championship in Fort Myers and capping a back-to-back quest that is unprecedented in area volleyball history. Mignerey has led Ponte Vedra to three championships, the most by a team in area history. To hang with the Sharks, Jensen Beach needed something to go its way. It found very little rhythm against Ponte Vedra. Ponte Vedra and Christ’s Church won championships in 2017, the first time that area programs had brought home titles in the same season.
Band students take field with musician-friendly face masks
Read full article: Band students take field with musician-friendly face masksWhen done playing, the flap is closed, revealing “a fully functional face mask,” reports Rob Spicker, a spokesperson for the Lee County School District. Band students in the district’s 49 middle and 15 high school band programs are being provided these type of musician-friendly face masks. The Lee County school district is providing face masks made for musicians in mind to students in its 49 middle and 15 high school band programs. Marching band students from Fort Myers High School wore them during the halftime performance Thursday. Recently, South Fort Myers High School’s marching band showed off the new masks for the people who donated to the cause.
President Trump touts vaccine partnership with pharmacies
Read full article: President Trump touts vaccine partnership with pharmaciesFORT MYERS, Fla. – Campaigning Friday in Fort Myers, President Donald Trump pledged to deliver a COVID-19 vaccine to many senior citizens free of charge through a partnership with two major pharmacy chains. The president also has said he would have vaccines available to the public by the Nov. 3 election. And even if vaccines were available, it’s not clear Americans, especially older ones, would get vaccinated. Trump, who also held a rally in Ocala, will likely be unable to win a second term if he loses the state. The news about the vaccine partnership also came as states were required to submit draft plans to the federal government about how they will distribute a coronavirus vaccine when one is approved for public use.
Florida bars can soon reopen at 50% capacity for onsite consumption
Read full article: Florida bars can soon reopen at 50% capacity for onsite consumptionFORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – Halsey Beshears, the state’s department of business secretary, said Thursday night that Florida will be rescinding an emergency order directed at bars. On Monday, all bars in the state will be allowed to reopen at 50% occupancy for onsite consumption. Starting Monday, all bars will be reopened at 50% occupancy. Ron DeSantis said he hoped to soon give Floridans the “ability to have some enjoyment in their life” by soon lifting on-site drinking restrictions. The restrictions on bars and breweries have particularly affected establishments that don’t serve food.
Spike in reported COVID-19 deaths again shows lag in Florida data
Read full article: Spike in reported COVID-19 deaths again shows lag in Florida dataAnalyzing data released Thursday by the Florida Department of Health again highlights a significant lag in the states reporting of COVID-19 related deaths. From Aug. 22 to Sept. 2, between two and eight newly reported deaths were added each day, the data show. Of the newly reported deaths, 26 were added in Duval County -- a single-day high for additional deaths in Jacksonville -- but its unclear in the data just when those deaths occurred. Most of the newly reported Duval County deaths were first identified as COVID-19 patients by the state in July, and one was first reported in April. Columbia County added four deaths in Thursdays data, Alachua County added three and St. Johns County added one.
As COVID-19 cases in young Floridians rise, DeSantis urges vigilance
Read full article: As COVID-19 cases in young Floridians rise, DeSantis urges vigilanceRon DeSantis said Friday that a big reason for the rise positivity rate and the number of new COVID-19 cases in Florida is the community transmission driven younger people in the state. In states like Florida, Texas and Arizona, young people started going out again, many without masks, in what health experts see as irresponsible behavior. DeSantis said young people need to follow guidelines when at home and at house parties, too. DeSantis announced Florida would move to Phase 2 of its reopening on June 5. He said Thursday he has no plans to move the state to Phase 3 during the current surge in cases.
Southeastern Grocers to open Winn-Dixie stores at five closing Lucky’s Markets
Read full article: Southeastern Grocers to open Winn-Dixie stores at five closing Lucky’s MarketsJacksonville-based Southeastern Grocers said Feb. 4 it agreed in principle to take over five Lucky’s Market locations in Florida. Southeastern Grocers will open Winn-Dixie supermarkets at closing Lucky’s stores in Gainesville, Melbourne, Fort Myers, Naples and Lake Mary. Lucky’s, which is reorganizing under Chapter 11 bankruptcy laws, initially intended to keep the Melbourne store open. Previously, Aldi agreed to take over six Lucky’s stores, while Publix Super Markets Inc. agreed to take over leases at five properties including the Lucky’s store in Neptune Beach. Lucky’s said Feb. 4 it entered into asset purchase agreements with Southeastern Grocers, Seabra Foods and Hitchcock’s Markets for seven locations in Florida.
FWC busts wildlife trafficking ring smuggling thousands of turtles
Read full article: FWC busts wildlife trafficking ring smuggling thousands of turtlesThe illegal trade of turtles is having a global impact on many turtle species and our ecosystems. We commend our law enforcements work to address the crisis of illegal wildlife trafficking, said FWC Executive Director Eric Sutton. Arresting people engaged in illegal wildlife trafficking supports our environment and legal businesses. The International Fund for Animal Welfare estimates illegal wildlife trade in the US at $19 billion annual income. Evidence indicated turtles sold within one month totaled an estimated $60,000.
Genetic testing latest target for fraud
Read full article: Genetic testing latest target for fraudFORT MYERS, Fla. - Federal investigators call it the latest scheme targeting consumers on Medicare and it all begins with claims of free screening for cancer. Tammy's mom has heart issues, cancer runs in the family so when the telemarketer pitched free cancer screening, her mom bought in. Cancer screening, a lucrative businessCole Buckley of Fort Myers showed us several flags and fliers he had made for what he thought would be a lucrative DNA cancer screening business. How to protect yourself from falling victim to "free" cancer screening - If a genetic testing kit is mailed to you, don't accept it unless it was ordered by your doctor or return it to the sender. - Be suspicious of anyone who offers you "free" genetic or cancer screening and then requests your Medicare number.
Ex-Florida player charged with murder in wife's 2016 death
Read full article: Ex-Florida player charged with murder in wife's 2016 deathFORT MYERS, Fla. – A former University of Florida football player, Earl Antonio "Tony" Joiner, has been arrested and charged with killing his wife in a case dating to 2016, police said. A former safety at Florida under then-Coach Urban Meyer, Joiner was arrested Saturday on a charge of second-degree murder in the death of wife Heyzel Obando, the Fort Myers Police Department said in a statement. The reports noted that Joiner, as a junior player, led all of UF's defensive backs with 59 tackles. Hernandez was later convicted of murder and killed himself in prison in 2017. During Meyer's six years at Florida, there were 31 arrests of football players, according to an analysis by the New York Times.