New Florida bill would ban paper straws by 2027
LEE COUNTY, Fla. — A new Florida bill could ban the use of paper straws by 2027, citing health risks linked to 'forever chemicals' found in the product. Senate Bill 958 was introduced on Dec. 18, 2025, and is a part of the 2026 legislative session, which begins on Jan. 13.
Alligator Alcatraz remains a mystery because state won’t talk about it
Editor's note: The story was updated to add new information. Alligator Alcatraz, the immigration detention center located in Big Cypress National Preserve, remains open six months after it was built under protest and mystery . Families of those detained, journalists, the public and many legislators are just as in the...
U.S. Coast Guard assumes investigation into missing Florida boaters
The investigation continues for two Florida attorneys after they disappeared in the Gulf during a fishing trip last month. The search for Randall Spivey, 57, of Fort Myers and his nephew Brandon Billmaier, 33 , of Boca Raton, began soon after they were reported missing about 9 p.m. Dec. 19. Their search came to a...
Celtic Magic in Fort Myers
Bagpipes, fiddles, harps, and tin whistles are just a few of the magical instruments you’ll get a chance to hear by attending the 2026 Caloosahatchee Celtic Festival. Indeed, from Saturday, January 24, through Sunday, January 25, the downtown area comes alive with the sound of Celtic. “This is the...
FORECAST: Highs back in the 80s this week
Here is your forecast for Sunday, January 4th, 2026. This morning, we are waking up in the 60s with a few showers. Afternoon highs will climb into the upper 70s with even a few spots getting into the 80s. We also see clearing skies into the afternoon. Tonight, we will...
COLUMN | Ringing things in: First footers in Fishville
Five Fishermen’s Village eateries have closed their doors within the last three years. Only Village Brewhouse currently serves lunch and dinner there.
Garth Brooks tribute to rock Gulf Theater
Showman Kip Sweeny was born deaf, but it didn’t handicap him. Instead, it gave him a rare gift for mimicry. “When I was a kid,” he said, “I’d turn the music way up, to hear what little I could. And I’d mimic everything I heard, because I felt I didn’t have my own voice.”
A Call to Art Lovers!
It’s that time of year again when the downtown area of Cape Coral is filled with the works of over 300 artists and craftsmen, who come from near and far. The Cape Coral Art Festival is one of the most significant events in Lee County and draws over 140,000 art lovers. The fun-filled event offers original works of...
Southwest Florida Regional Hamfest 2026 Returns to Fort Myers
The Southwest Florida Regional Hamfest returns to Fort Myers! Mark your calendars for Friday, Jan. 16 (Noon to 5 p.m.) and Saturday, Jan. 17 (8 a.m. to 3 p.m.), 2026, when the air-conditioned halls of Florida Southwestern State College transform into the epicenter of innovation, education and excitement for radio...
Babcock Ranch advances every month
PORT CHARLOTTE — With several million square feet of proposed commercial and retail space planned — along with a hospital, assisted living facility, workforce housing, parks and thousands of more homes — Babcock Ranch is turning out permits to Charlotte County every month.
