Emma Rodriguez/Democracy Watch

Stephanie Nordin of Collier County speaks to the Miami Dade legislative delegation about the need for more funding and services for people with disabilities. Nordin recently founded the advocacy group We The People.

Florida families take the fight for disability services into their own hands

We The People is a new advocacy group founded by a woman in Collier County. She and other parents want to do a better job at getting services for loved ones with disabilities. State lawmakers are the audience the parents want to reach.

Melissa Marr, author of “Ink Exchange,” tells the aftermath of a rape survivor’s assault, though the act is not depicted in the story. Marr is concerned that the book’s suspension from school libraries in Collier County will remove a resource for young survivors.

Education

Authors of books banned in Collier schools weigh in on removals

Emma Rodriguez/Democracy Watch

The authors of some of the nearly 400 books removed from the libraries of Collier County public schools have made their feelings known about these actions.

Collier County is funding construction of a 12-hole public golf course in Golden Gate City. It's supposed to improve the image in the community, and provide jobs for Golden Gate residents.

Public Affairs

12-hole Golden Gate Golf Course is supposed to help surrounding community

Emma Rodriguez/Democracy Watch

A public, Collier County-funded 12-hole golf course is in the works for Golden Gate City. Thecourse will be a reconstruction of the old Golden Gate golf course, which waspurchased by the county in 2019.

Government & Politics

Filing for local office more than a year before the election: It's just politics of the times

Emma Rodriguez/Democracy Watch

If it seems that political hopefuls are campaigning early for the 2024 elections, welcome to modern-day politics, even at the local level. Candidates and incumbents need to file to run so they can rally supporters and legally raise money.

Health

HEROS program helps Cape Coral police in drug overdose situations

Emma Rodriguez/Democracy Watch

Cape Coral City Council recently approved a bid from the Cape Coral Police Department to participate in a Florida Department of Health program that prevents opioid-related deaths.The Helping Emergency Responders Obtain Support Program, or HEROS, provides free doses of naloxone, better known as Narcan, to participating emergency response agencies. Narcan is a nasal spray that reverses the effects of an opioid overdose, and has the ability to save lives.

Government & Politics

Replacement plan for the Cape Coral Bridge gets green light

Emma Rodriguez/Democracy Watch

Lee County Commissioners Tuesday endorsed further analysis of a plan for the Cape Coral Bridge replacement. Two alternatives to the current bridge have been proposed, with overwhelming public and board support going to the choice known as alternative 1.