Eddie Stewart

Health

Kiwanis donation helping Pine Manor group solve food insecurity

Eddie Stewart

The Pine Manor Improvement Association is now one step closer to its goal of reducing food insecurity in Pine Manor, thanks to a $7,500 donation from The Fort Myers Metro-McGregor Kiwanis.The funds will be used on the electrical and foundation work for a new refrigeration system for fresh fruits and vegetables in the Pine Manor Community Center’s food pantry. The expansion of the food pantry is also funded by American Rescue Plan Act funding through Lee County, and will include walk-in cooler/freezer and commercial grade shelving.

A volunteer helps load a backpack , school supplies and food into a vehicle during a previous Big Backpack Event in Fort Myers. The 2023 edition will be held July 30 at The Skatium in Fort Myers.

Education

Local back-to-school events give school supplies to families in need

Eddie Stewart

Several organizations are hosting events to give away necessary back to school supplies to families in need. These events range all over Southwest Florida, and are open to all.

Sage Chelf holds bottles of medications for hormone replacement therapy as part of her gender affirming care as a trans woman at home in Orlando Fla., May 27, 2023. Chelf began making plans to leave the state after Florida legislation caused her to lose access to gender affirming care. (AP Photo/Laura Bargfeld)

Government & Politics

Transgender Floridians remain in limbo as legal fight over gender-affirming care continues

Eddie Stewart

Seven weeks after Governor Ron DeSantis signed a bill that places heavy restrictions and outright bans on gender-affirming care in Florida, many transgender Floridians feel uncertainty and dread about their future in the state.Senate Bill 254, signed into law on May 17th, has been criticized for its broad restrictions on healthcare for the estimated 94,900 transgender people who live in Florida.

Pine Manor Community Garden Chair Robin Gretz points to plants in a section of the garden. Xx xxx, an FGCU alumnus, and

Human Interest

Pine Manor Community Garden harvests $1,000 grant for bringing change to the community

Eddie Stewart

According to the Pine Manor Community Garden Chair Robin Gretz, the legacy of the garden is not what’s been grown, but the effect it’s had on the community.

Hurricane Recovery

Habitat for Humanity partners with FEMA on temporary housing for Ian survivors in Heritage Heights

Eddie Stewart

Habitat for Humanity of Lee and Hendry Counties will partner with the Federal Emergency Management Agency on a land-lease agreement that will provide property for temporary housing in the Heritage Heights neighborhood for families displaced due to Hurricane Ian.