Florida man accused of ramming home, leading deputies on wild chase
FORT MYERS, Fla. (CBS12) — A Florida man is behind bars after deputies say he intentionally rammed a vehicle and a modular home before leading deputies on a chase. According to the Lee County Sheriff's Office, 35-year-old FernandoJoseph Absalon was arrested after a personal dispute escalated into a violent cash spree o
SOCIETY: SWFL Gator Club’s “Baking with Gators” Day
On May 16, 2026, the Southwest Florida Gator Club joined at Valerie’s House in Fort Myers for “Baking with Gators” in celebration of International Gator Day. International Gator Day brought the Gator Nation together in support of Valerie’s House, where volunteers spent the day baking Gator-inspired cookies with childre
Allegiant and Sun Country Merger Strengthens Charlotte County’s Business Connection
What the Allegiant and Sun Country Merger Means for Charlotte County. The official combination of Allegiant and Sun Country Airlines creates a stronger leisure travel network, and that matters for Charlotte County. Allegiant announced on May 13, 2026, that it completed its acquisition of Sun Country Airlines Holdings,
Florida Man Tops 130 MPH in Lee County Chase, Then Asks Cops If He...
A high-speed chase in Fort Myers ended with a crashed Lexus, scattered exhaust parts, and one of the most unhinged post-arrest comments law enforcement has probably ever heard. A Lee County driver allegedly burned through ... Read more
Teen trio busted after alleged golf cart joyride turns into felony crime spree
LEE COUNTY, Fla. (CBS12) — Three teenagers are facing multiple felony charges after a late-night joyride through a Florida community allegedly turned into a crime spree involving stolen golf carts. The Lee County Sheriff's Office said that on May 6, authorities received reports of suspicious activity, including individ
Costco across SWFL. Naples timeline, Fort Myers plans, Cape Coral talk
Costco. Costco. Costco. Your questions keep coming in Southwest Florida 's Collier and Lee counties . So let's start with one of my favorite In the Knowers, preeminent Pat Bednar: "Phil, has construction started on the new Costco on Collier Boulevard in Naples? What is the estimated timeframe of completion of the store
COLUMN: Celebrate freedom, community, and tradition at Fourth-Fest 2026
Mark your calendars now, on Saturday, July 4, from 3 p.m. to 10 p.m., at Laishley Park, the Charlotte County Chamber Presents Fourth-Fest 2026, a celebration of America’s 250th Anniversary and the July 4th Fireworks Spectacular.
Good art is all around us if we look for it
When I was a boy, it was important to me to have art. That is, real, honest-to-goodness paintings, drawings and etchings on the walls. I’m always scouting antiques and resale shops for a hidden masterpiece. Part of that comes from my taking painting lessons from Betty Wedeles, whose son...
Cole Kelly named Emerging Business of the Year
Cole Kelly of Punta Gorda Adventures was named Emerging Business of the Year by the Florida SBDC at FGCU during the 2026 Distinguished Entrepreneur Awards held earlier this month. The Distinguished Entrepreneur Awards recognize entrepreneurs and business leaders in Southwest Florida. Kelly was honored in the Emerging B
Charlotte County recognizes National Economic Development Week
PORT CHARLOTTE — Charlotte County commissioners recently recognized May 10-16 as National Economic Development Week.

















