Lightning strike leaves Babcock Ranch family displaced as community rallies to help
BABCOCK RANCH, Fla. — A Babcock Ranch family is rebuilding after a lightning strike sparked an attic fire that left their home uninhabitable over the weekend. Melinda and Thomas Kennedy were not home Saturday when lightning struck the roof of their house on Expedition Court. Their daughter, who had just arrived home fr
Fort Myers man accused of road rage attack that sent family’s SUV into fence
A Fort Myers man was arrested after investigators say he intentionally rammed a vehicle carrying a North Carolina family during a road rage incident in Martin County, sending the SUV off the road and into a barbed-wire fence. Michael Jeffrey Spires, 36, faces charges of aggravated battery with a deadly...
Researcher questions impact of beach renourishment on rip currents along Gulf Coast
FORT MYERS BEACH, Fla. — Crews regularly dump tons of sand onto Gulf Coast beaches to combat erosion, but a researcher said these projects may unintentionally increase rip currents, raising safety concerns. Dr. John Fletemeyer, with the International Water Safety Alliance, said drowning deaths motivate his research. "I
Car crashes into tree on Orange River Loop Road in Buckingham
BUCKINGHAM, Fla. — A car crashed into a tree around midnight on Orange River Loop Road in Buckingham on Tuesday. Following the crash, the car was towed from the scene, but Gulf Coast News crews reported that the tree remained in the road as of 2 a.m. Deputies are...
Woman in Porsche accused of topping 95 in 45 mph zone on Three Oaks...
LEE COUNTY, Fla. — A woman was arrested after she was accused of going more than 95 mph on Three Oaks Parkway in Lee County on Sunday afternoon. According to the Lee County Sheriff's Office, Jennifer Leigh Delisi, 40, was arrested after a Porsche was reportedly spotted going more than 95 mph in a 45 mph zone northbound
Residents worry sidewalk project may harm burrowing owl habitats in Cape Coral
CAPE CORAL, Fla. — Residents in Cape Coral are raising concerns about the impact of sidewalk construction along Orchid Boulevard on burrowing owls, a threatened species in Florida. Lauren Lopez, a Cape Coral resident, shared her thoughts on the owls living in her neighborhood. "We have quite a few...
Scattered storms Tuesday; High storm coverage all week
FORT MYERS, Fla. — Once again, we're in store for an early start to the rain Tuesday. By the mid-morning, coastal areas will be favored for isolated storms filtering in from the Gulf. While it won't be a washout, grab the umbrella as rain chances remain elevated all afternoon.
Increased Millage Rate Ceiling Approved by Council
On Monday, in a 4-1 vote, the Fort Myers Beach Town Council approved a millage rate ceiling of 1.34 per $1,000 of assessed property value. If approved, that translates to a 30% millage increase on Fort Myers Beach property owners. The 1.34 mills is the highest millage rate the town...
Walgreens is closing locations in 2026, but not as many as planned, reports say
(Gray News) - Walgreens is closing some of its locations in 2026, although not as many as the company had originally planned. According to reports, the company is expected to close fewer than 100 stores across at least a dozen states in 2026 as it continues its multiyear downsizing effort. Inc. reported that earlier in
Former Lee County Schools Employee Pleads Guilty in Embezzlement Case
A former Lee County Schools employee has pleaded guilty to embezzling nearly $200,000 from the school district. Jordan Allred, 37, entered guilty pleas Monday to four felony counts of embezzlement. Allred previously worked as an assistant finance officer for Lee County Schools. Sanford Police arrested Allred in March 2
