Local News

Mrs. Lott’s Orchid Moves To Orchid Lane

VANILLA DILLONIANA IS CURRENTLY BLOOMING AT EDISON AND FORD WINTER ESTATES. Now appearing on Orchid Lane at Edison and Ford Winter Estates, Vanilla dilloniana is making its debut. This is no ordinary orchid – if there even is such a thing? Sometimes called Dillon’s Vanilla or Mrs. Lott’s Orchid, this extraordinary example of a leafless […]

Downtown Fort Myers Florida

This Weekend in Fort Myers: June 19 to 21

Five picks for June 19 to 21: the Downtown Music Walk, a Juneteenth celebration, the downtown Farmers Market, Frozen the Broadway musical, and family art at the Alliance.

Lee County Sheriff Carmine Marceno, Safety & Security Tips column banner

Sheriff Carmine Marceno’s June Safety & Security Tip: Safe Living Solo

Do you live alone? The Health Planning Council of Southwest Florida finds nearly 22 percent of seniors, 65 and older live alone, putting them at risk for social isolation and other safety concerns. Maybe you’re not a senior, but are still living solo. Living alone safely requires proactive habits: locking all doors/windows, using deadbolts, and […]

New Harry Chapin Hunger Action Center Will Provide Pet Food

“NO ONE SHOULD EVER GO HUNGRY TO FEED THEIR PET” Last year, as officials of Harry Chapin Food Bank (HCFB) discussed a proposed new Hunger Action Center (just off 75 at Martin Luther King Blvd.) with a satellite facility in Naples, one topic kept coming up. People in our community are literally going hungry or […]

From Groundbreaking to Community Impact: A New Chapter in Veterinary Care

DARCY ANDRADE, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR; BRANDI, MORTIMOR & MARGIE BROWN Less than one year ago, Gulf Coast Humane Society broke ground on a new veterinary clinic with a clear goal: to expand access to care for pets and the people who love them. Today, that vision is becoming a reality. While many people in Southwest Florida […]

Goodwill Southwest Florida Celebrates 60 Years of Community Impact

AMALIA CRUZ, WEST CAPE CRC COORDINATOR, TEACHING TECH CLASSES FOR SENIORS In 2026, Goodwill SWFL marks a major milestone – 60 years of transforming lives and strengthening communities across Lee, Collier, Charlotte, Glades, and Hendry counties. Since its incorporation on June 15, 1966, Goodwill SWFL has grown into one of the region’s most trusted nonprofit […]

Sheriff Carmine Marceno’s April 2026 Fraud Alert: Fake Law Enforcement Calls

The Lee County Sheriff’s Office wants to remind residents of a phone scam going around where scammers impersonate law enforcement personnel. These scammers will identify themselves as law enforcement and may claim the following: you have an active warrant, missed jury duty, or are involved in a crime. If you receive a call like this, […]

Where Was the Fort, and Who Was Myers?

Visitors often ask the same question: Where is the fort in Fort Myers? The answer is both simple and surprising. The “fort” is gone—and has been for a very long time. But downtown Fort Myers still sits on the ground where it once stood. Beneath today’s streets, storefronts, and sidewalks (roughly between First and Second Streets […]

Pathways to Opportunity Hosts 2nd Annual Strides for Inclusion 5K at Babcock Ranch

2025 STRIDES FOR INCLUSION 5K (LAST YEAR) Pathways to Opportunity (PTO) is proud to host the second annual Strides for Inclusion 5K, an event dedicated to promoting accessibility, empowerment, and community inclusion for individuals with disabilities. The run, walk, or roll event will take place at Babcock Ranch on Saturday May 16, 2026 beginning at […]

Visiting The Living Lab at the IMAG

PERCY, THE AFRICAN SULCATA TORTOISE At the IMAG History and Science Center, guests are often excited to visit The Living Lab. It’s an interesting, fun, and inspiring environment for learning about the many different animals that call IMAG “their home” including reptiles, amphibians, and fish. There are, for example, different species of turtles and tortoises, […]