Katie Fogarty

Around one million dollars for homeless people waits for local governments’ approval. Collier County agencies for the homeless criticize local governments for what they say is a delay in releasing those funds to help those who lost their homes in Hurricane Ian.

Florida voters will decide the fate of Amendment 3 in this year's election. The proposal, approved by the Florida legislature, would grant additional property tax breaks to teachers and some public service workers who own homes. But the amendment has a limit on the values of the homes covered by those breaks.

Hundreds of Lee County residents remain in a shelter more than three weeks after Hurricane Ian swept through the region. Some are hopeful of getting jobs and places to live, but those who were homeless before Ian face an even tougher recovery.

Members of the Fort Myers City Council want to see specific plans for redeveloping the Midtown area, just south of downtown. Council members also want bidders to present ideas for little-used City of Palms Park - the former spring training home of the Boston Red Sox. Fort Myers said it pays about $240,000 a year to maintain the stadium and surrounding grounds.

The lack of access to drinkable water is devastating communities around the world, and Southwest Florida's water managers are working to make sure the same thing never happens here.

In a densely filled auditorium, choral music swept through the air, churning emotions throughout the room. Tissues were out, hearts were pounding, and eyes teared as the performance unfolded. Choral Artistry performed the three-part oratorio, “Considering Matthew Shepard” at Faith Presbyterian Church in Cape Coral last Sunday.

$300,000 in grant funding from the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity was approved to aid Lee County residents who were impacted by the tornadoes on January 16th. The funding was approved Wednesday at the Lee County Board of County Commissioners meeting. The funding will go towards vendors who will help repair home damages from the tornadoes.

Senate Bill 90 passed in the Florida Senate and was signed by Governor DeSantis last May. Its provisions amend the state election laws to, according to the Senate website, “improve election security, transparency, and administration.” Here’s what you should know about the bill before the state elections this fall.

Birds have begun nesting along the Florida coast. Here’s what you should know to help protect the birds and their ecosystems this spring and summer.Shorebirds and seabirds build their nest in the sand, but be careful – these nests tend to be shallow, and their eggs are difficult to see. The eggs are often camouflaged in the sand, which is a form of predator protection. They can be easily missed and stepped on.

Winter storms continue to blow furiously in the north and more snowbirds are flocking to warmer climates. While beaches in Florida are popular getaways for northerners, it’s important for all beachgoers to properly know how to use local beaches. Whether in ignorance or a blatant disregard for the rules, beach patrons may leave a significantly negative effect on the environment in Southwest Florida.