Mike Walcher

Bonita Springs residents were hoping to get a resolution last week for a 14-mile linear park project that would connect the city to Florida’s statewide network of multi-use trails. But opposition to the project from some residents and pending studies must be resolved first. Residents of The Vines, a community split by railroad tracks to be used as the trail, urged that the trail ends at Estero Parkway, shown here.

Bonita Springs voters will decide the future of proposed rail trail in August primary

Mike Walcher

The future of the Bonita-Estero rail trail, known as BERT, will depend on a vote of Bonita Springs residents in August. The Bonita Springs City Council approved a referendum to be held at the time of the primary elections on Tuesday, August 18.

People dressed as characters from author Margaret Atwood's "The Handmaiden's Tale," were among the thousands who came to U.S. 41 and Daniels parkway in Fort Myers Saturday for the third No Kinmgs protest rally. Similar events were held in various Southwest Florida sites, other parts of the state and across the United States and the world.

Human Interest

Thousands across Southwest Florida voice opposition to current Washington administration in third No Kings protest

Michael Braun, Dayna Harpster, Cary Barbor, Eileen Kelley, Tom Bayles, Elizabeth Andarge, Kate Cronin, Pam James, Amanda Whittamore, Andrea Melendez, Marc Garber, Mike Walcher, Youn-Joo Park, Tom James

It was a show of protest, frustration, disaffection and concern and it was shared by thousands Saturday in various Southwest Florida sites, other parts of the state and across the United States and the world. The No Kings III event was billed as a protest rally and drew people of many different political affiliations who said they had concerns with how the current administration in Washington run by President Donald Trump was handling things.

160218-N-ED767-110 WASHINGTON (Feb. 18, 2016) The Medal of Honor will be awarded to Senior Chief Special Warfare Operator (SEAL) Edward C. Byers Jr. by President Barack Obama during a White House ceremony Feb. 29. Byers is receiving the medal for his actions during a 2012 rescue operation in Afghanistan. (U.S. Navy photo/Released)

Human Interest

How to vote for an official name for the Collier County veterans' nursing home

Mike Walcher

Details are available now on how people can vote on naming the Collier County Veterans' Nursing Home.

City of Palms Park has been an iconic landmark in Fort Myers since it was constructed nearly 30 years ago.

Human Interest

Local company Honc Destruction will be recommended to raze City of Palms Park

Mike Walcher

A Southwest Florida company has submitted the low bid to demolish City of Palms Park in Fort Myers. The city administration confirms it now plans to ask the council to award a contract on April 6.

The city of Sanibel is seeking input in a survey on bicycling experiences in the community.

Human Interest

Collier Commissioners commit to contract to help pay for Bonita-to-Estero rail trail

Mike Walcher

Collier County Commissioners voted Tuesday to draw up a contract to pay $11.6 million to the Trust for Public Lands for a major bike and walking trail. That group needs $60 million by fall to buy abandoned tracks from Seminole Gulf Railway.

Human Interest

Melancholy moments as companies prepare bids to demolish City of Palms Park

Mike Walcher

As many as 20 companies are interested in submitting bids to demolish a once-beloved sports stadium: City of Palms Park in Fort Myers.The City of Fort Myers says representatives of 20 companies attended a mandatory pre-bid meeting at the park on Tuesday afternoon.

Human Interest

Bonita to Estero rail trail moves a big step closer to becoming reality

Mike Walcher

Dreams of a long bike and pedestrian trail in Southwest Florida have moved closer to becoming reality. The Trust for Public Land and Seminole Gulf Railway have announced a new agreement on turning old train tracks, into a trail for recreation.

Black troops who joined the Union Army during the Civil War. Some of them defended Fort Myers when Confederates attacked on Feb. 20, 1865. This picture is on one side of the U.S. Courthouse in downtown Fort Myers.

Human Interest

Union and Confederate troops had a Civil War Battle of Fort Myers -- and fought over stolen cattle

Mike Walcher

This week marks 161 years since Union and Confederate troops met in The Battle of Fort Myers.It was one of the 10,000 places where the Civil War was fought, to paraphrase the opening narration in Ken Burns' epic PBS-TV series: The Civil War.

Collier tourism says numbers are encouraging and improving in the years since Hurricane Ian, in September of 2022.

Business/Economy

Collier County says tourism is doing well after extra marketing

Mike Walcher

Collier County tourism is recovering well from years of hurricane damage in the region. That's according to as report supplied to commissioners Tuesday.

Human Interest

Public survey shows many hopes for a revitalized McCollum Hall

Mike Walcher

The results are in from a public survey, and they offer some possibilities about revitalizing McCollum Hall in Fort Myers. The hall in the Dunbar community was the center of African-American during several decades of racial segregation.