SWFL bank surpasses $500M in assets in five years
Orlando-based Cogent Bank has surpassed $500 million in assets in Southwest Florida, five years after entering the market. The bank’s branches, one each in Fort Myers and Naples, have contributed to more than 4,000 new accounts and facilitated over $300 million in loan closings, according to a statement. The first...
Free English classes help people in Lehigh Acres pursue the American dream
Volunteer Rita Cardoso teaches free English classes in Lehigh Acres, helping immigrants learn the language and pursue their American dreams.
UEP assessments for North 1 get nod
The cost to bring water and sewer services to the next phase of the city of Cape Coral’s utility expansion project will be in excess of $32,000 for a standard residential parcel. Cape Coral City Council approved the initial assessment resolution for the North 1 East UEP Wednesday ,...
Man convicted in armed robbery of arcade in Port Charlotte
PUNTA GORDA, Fla. (WWSB) - A man was convicted Thursday of robbing a Port Charlotte arcade at gunpoint in 2024, the Charlotte County state attorney’s office said. Harry Thompson was convicted of robbery while possessing a firearm and three counts of aggravated assault with a firearm. In May 2024,...
Boater Alert: Large piece of debris spotted in waterway
PUNTA GORDA, Fla. (WWSB) - The Punta Gorda Police Department Marine Unit spotted a large piece of debris in the water North of 900 East Marion Ave (N 26°56.900’, W 82°02.395’). Police said that the debris appears to be part of an old dock and is...
CCSO’s K-9 Apollo dies of ailments
PUNTA GORDA — The Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office announced this week that retired police K9 Apollo has died.
Lee Health Invites Community to ‘Shape the Future’ of Southwest Florida Healthcare
$50 million campaign supports new Lee Health Fort Myers campus. Oct. 8, 2025 — Lee Health invites community members, donors, and local organizations to join in shaping the future of healthcare in Southwest Florida through an investment in Lee Health Fort Myers. Scheduled to open in 2028, the new campus represents an...
Sun Country suspends winter flights direct from Duluth to Fort Myers
DULUTH, Minn. (Northern News Now) - Sun Country won’t be offering its seasonal flights south from Duluth this winter. The budget airline announced Wednesday the service won’t be returning after years of offering travelers a quick getaway option to a warmer climate. Duluth Airport Authority Executive Director Tom...
Cape Coral KidsFest Brings in 5,000 People at Cultural Park Location
The latest Cape Coral KidsFest drew thousands to its new location at Cultural Park, due to construction at Jaycee Park. Families streamed in for the 29th yearly celebration. Free shows, games, and treats waited for kids at 80 different stands. "Just a wonderful way to celebrate all the things and...
The 35th Annual American Sand Sculpting Championship Returns to Fort Myers Beach
Get ready to sink your toes in the sand! From November 20–24, 2025, Fort Myers Beach will come alive for the 35th Annual American Sand Sculpting Championship. A beloved tradition that’s been bringing art and magic to the shoreline for more than three decades. This year is shaping...
