Swig brings trendy ‘dirty soda’ to Fort Myers, Cape Coral
There was no fanfare, no announcements, no social media posts. But when Swig softly and oh-so-quietly opened in Fort Myers on Feb. 14, customers just began showing up. In droves. “Word spread fast,” franchise owner of the soda shop Monique LeRoy said. “We opened, and people just kept showing up. It gets wild even...
2,480 students disciplined for ‘disruptive behaviors’ in anti-ICE walkouts
The School District of Lee County released disciplinary actions taken against 2,480 students it identified as participating in “disruptive behaviors” related to anti-ICE walkouts that took place Feb. 4-6. Behaviors cited were:. • 2,037 skipping class or tardy to class. • 393 safety violations. • 50...
SHELTER SHOWDOWN: Charlotte County’s animal shelter fights for more money
The Animal Welfare League of Charlotte County is trying to re-negotiate its deal with the county for the first time in 13 years.
Fort Myers Police call woman’s downtown death ‘suspicious’, ask for tips
Fort Myers Police are hoping someone can help them with information regarding the death of Julie "Jules" Curvo, her body found near downtown Fort Myers on Jan. 30. Police announced Feb. 26 that they are investigating the death of the 28-year-old as a homicide, SWFL Crime Stoppers said on social media. They hope...
Invasive Nile Monitors Threaten Pets and Native Wildlife Across Southwest Florida
Think iguanas or pythons are a nuisance? That’s nothing compared to what’s happening now in Southwest Florida. Reports show over 2,000 Nile monitor lizard sightings, with the majority occurring near Cape Coral, and this is not merely another nuisance animal story. We’re talking about six-foot, razor-clawed carnivores...
From Horizon Apartments to The Arwyn: Lee County funds 230 income-restricted rentals for 30...
Lee County just gave the green light to put $20 million of Hurricane Ian recovery money toward building The Arwyn, a $93.6 million affordable housing project at 5300-5360 Summerlin Road in Fort Myers. The site used to be the Horizon Apartments, but after Hurricane Ian, the need for more housing became too urgent to...
MATLACHA TURNS 100: Local reflects on a century of color and old Florida charm
Matlacha is 100! A local realtor, who's been there since the 70s, reflects on the island's colorful history and hopes for the future.
Fort Myers man pleads guilty to firearm possession as a convicted felon
FORT MYERS, Florida - Jose Manuel Caraballo-Torres, a 39-year-old from Fort Myers, has pleaded guilty to possessing a firearm and ammunition as a convicted felon. Caraballo-Torres faces a maximum penalty of 15 years in federal prison, with sentencing set for May 22, 2026, according to U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe....
Spring Fishing in Charlotte Harbor
Each spring, warmer waters and baitfish schools return to Charlotte Harbor, bringing the estuary to life with some of Florida’s most sought-after species, including tarpon, snook, redfish, and spotted seatrout. Find more detail about and proven tips for catching these fish—and a few other oher iconic species—in our...
Lee County Sheriff’s Office, FWC officers rescue manatees near Fort Myers
FORT MYERS, Fla. (WSVN) — A pair of sea cows are on the mend thanks to some dedicated officers in Southwest Florida. Deputies for Lee County Sheriff’s Office spotted an injured manatee and her calf in a river off Fort Myers. Authorities teamed up with officers from the...
