Developers spark outrage as $100 million deal threatens beloved US region: ‘They won’t stop’
"We just don’t have enough." Developers spark outrage as $100 million deal threatens beloved US region: 'They won't stop' first appeared on The Cool Down .
A celebration of Cape Coral’s official Bird
Cape Coral Friends of Wildlife (CCFW) invites the community to celebrate one of Cape Coral’s most beloved residents at the 24th Annual Burrowing Owl Festival Wildlife and Environmental Expo. This lively, family-friendly event honors the city’s official bird—the burrowing owl—while highlighting the importance of...
Charlotte County, FL, restaurants cited for the most inspection violations in December 2025
When you sit down for dinner at your favorite local spot, you trust that the kitchen is following proper food safety rules. But recent state inspections show that several Charlotte County, Florida, restaurants fell short of those standards last month. A total of 10 restaurants were in the spotlight for having the...
Lee County eyes $40M in Hurricane Ian funds for other storm survivors
Lee County officials say roughly $40 million in unspent Hurricane Ian recovery funds could be redirected to help survivors of more recent storms, pending federal approval. During a county commission meeting Tuesday, Jan. 20, county staff presented updates on Community Development Block Grant–Disaster Recovery funding...
Dutch Bros Coffee Debuts in Iona, Expanding Southwest Florida Presence
Dutch Bros Coffee flung open its doors Friday at 11556 Majestic Palms Blvd. in Iona. The drive-thru chain brought specialty coffee, smoothies, teas, freezes, lemonade, and signature drinks. Hours? The shop runs 5 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday. Fridays and Saturdays stretch until 11 p.m. The Majestic Palms...
Winter Woes: Travel Chaos Strikes Southwest Florida Airports!
Travelers in Southwest Florida are feeling the effects of a winter storm that just won’t quit. With the powerful storm now heading out, the aftermath left at Punta Gorda Airport looked more like a scene from a disaster movie than a sunny getaway hub. FlightAware reported 20 delays and six cancellations at Punta Gorda...
What’s up with Fort Myers Beach’s red algae?
If you’ve been to Fort Myers Beach lately, then you’ve probably noticed — and maybe smelled — the piles of red algae washed up along the coastline.
ICE goes after immigrants. SW Florida’s role may surprise you
While protesters in Minnesota continue to clash with federal agents amid the shooting deaths of two bystanders, authorities in Southwest Florida and state troopers lead the state in the profiling and detention of immigrants. The Lee County Sheriff's Office ranks second among statewide law enforcement and other...
Fort Myers Approves $356K for Redevelopment Study of City of Palms Park
The Fort Myers City Council voted unanimously on Tuesday to approve up to $356,000 for Card and Associates. The Indianapolis-based firm will examine what could replace the stadium if wrecking crews tear it down. The site spans about 14 acres, and demolition is the current plan for the old spring...
Yard Sale Time: Lehigh Acres Hosts Massive Community Yard Sale
You might not know this about me, but I absolutely love a good yard sale. Like… love-love. I’ll wake up early on a weekend (which is saying something), throw on some comfy clothes, grab a coffee, and head out like I’m on a mission. Okay, I joked before about wearing a sailor suit—sadly, that’s not part of the...

















