Amanda Whittamore

The pain of recent periodic closures on the Caloosahatchee River Bridge due to a construction project is expected to be mitigated by a 10-week total shutdown of the U.S. 41 span that will begin May 31.

The Florida Gulf Coast University softball team sharpened skills this week in anticipation of the Eagles' regional World Series game Friday against the fourth-ranked University of Florida Gators.That game is scheduled at noon in Gainesville.Eagles coach David Deiros said the team's plan from Day One was plotted out — win-it-all.

A 60-day demo and rebuild project by Lee Builders Care and Stevens Construction was in response to issues the Fort Myers family of Myrtle Dillard family faced; Myrtle Dillard was caring for her daughter and twin granddaughters, she also had health concerns and her husband, Joseph, had recently died.On the home issue, the forest green old house not only required extensive repairs, but also lacked necessary accessibility features, posing serious safety risks for Dillard, who relies on wheelchair access.On Tuesday, they not only got a new home, but a healthy does of hope to go with it.

Nearly 64 years after construction began on what was then described as "Negro housing," the low-income dwellings at Southward Village in Fort Myers' Dunbar neighborhood were demolished this week.On Wednesday morning, the workers began taking down the squat, light tropical-colored buildings. Information from the Housing Authority of the City of Fort Myers described the project as "a major step of progression for the Greater Dunbar Initiative."

The Solidarity with Israel Coalition held a rally at the corner of Airport-Pulling Road and Pine Ridge Road on Thursday, April 25.Many held signs with the names and photos of Israelis that were taken hostage.

Art conservators are nearing completion of their restoration of Rachel at the Well on McGregor Boulevard. The Grecian maiden was severely damaged when a heavy wrought iron fence fell on her during Hurricane Ian.

Action continued in Naples this week as players took part in the Minto U.S. Open Pickleball Championships — listed as the most prestigious tournament in the sport.Players and spectators come to the Minto U.S. Open from all 50 states and American Samoa, and from 29 countries around the world. Information from the Minto U.S. Open said that last year more than 3,000 players competed and 40,000 people watched the sport. That's a big leap from when the The U.S. Open for Pickleball began in 2016, when there were just 800 participants and 2,000 spectators.

The Musical Swings at the Naples Botanical Garden play notes from four different instruments as visitors swing. When the swings move in unison, they create a musical composition. The installation, originally slated to end April 20 has been extended until May 27.

An indictment of a Southwest Florida Sheriff's deputy was announced today.The case involves excessive force that was captured on body cameras worn by Hendry deputies.

Two Florida legislators from opposite sides of the aisle came to Florida Gulf Coast University this week to discuss proposed legislation.