Mike Walcher

Agencies like Interfaith Charities of South Lee County teach English as a Second Language classes. They also help to feed people who can't afford high prices at the stores. Now some groups are worried about the impacts of tariffs.

Trade war impacts worry groups that provide help to the needy

Mike Walcher

The global trade war set off by President Trump is affecting just about everyone, but particularly those already struggling with everyday needs.Social service agencies that help the needy are seeing more demand than ever.

Immigration

Controversy over police-ICE training could cost long-time Fort Myers city attorney his job

Mike Walcher

The recent controversy and confusion over immigration enforcement training for Fort Myers police may cost the long-time city attorney his job.Grant Alley has been attorney for the city of Fort Myers since the summer of 1995 — nearly 30 years.

The Rachel at the Well statue has been restored, but the tall columns, the base and fence at the site still need a lot of work. Now Neubert Construction is filing suit to ask the courts to stop the process, and allow Neubert to make a presentation to the city council on the work.

Human Interest

Rachel waits at the well as a lawsuit is filed over restoration of landmark

Mike Walcher

Restoring an iconic landmark in Fort Myers is taking a lot longer than expected after Hurricane Ian. And now a lawsuit is filed against the city over the restoration of Rachel at the Well.

Work on phase one expansion at RSW has been stopped for the past year. Now the three companies involved in the original work want new contracts, totaling nearly $347 million. The port authority board of commissioners is expected to vote on the requests on Monday, March 24.

Transportation

Companies get a second chance to get it right in RSW expansion, phase one

Mike Walcher

The companies that could not complete an expansion of the existing terminal at Southwest Florida International Airport are getting a second chance.The Lee County Port Authority board voted Monday to extend the contracts of Atkins North America and Manhattan Construction.

Government & Politics

Companies seek multi-millions to finish RSW expansion, phase one

Mike Walcher

Nearly $347 million, and almost four years.That's how much it could cost, and how long it could take, to expand the existing terminal at Southwest Florida International Airport.

Elections

Ready for more politics? The Southwest Florida race for Congress begins

Mike Walcher

The first two candidates have filed to run for what likely will be an open seat in congress next year. It's district 19, covering most of Collier and Lee counties.

Officials break ground on a $1.1 billion dollar expansion of Southwest Florida International Airport, RSW. Work actually began last October on a new concourse, while a previous phase of RSW expansion remains stalled for the past year.

Transportation

RSW shows off work on new concourse while a previous expansion remains stalled

Mike Walcher

Officials Wednesday broke ground on a new concourse at Southwest Florida International Airport, more commonly known by its airport code as RSW. The work is happening as phase one of RSW expansion remains stalled for the past year.

The Heights Foundation in Lee County said it has raised about $26 milion in private donations to build a vocational-technical school for adults from all over Southwest Florida. The goals are to provide training in fields like health care and construction, where jobs are availalbe.

Business/Economy

Heights CareerTech Institute planned for Southwest Florida

Mike Walcher

Some people in an underprivileged area of Lee County have raised millions of dollars to build a vocational-technical school for adults. It would train people in medical, construction and culinary occupations that could provide better pay for people in need.

Expansion work at Southwest Florida International Airport, RSW, has been stalled for a year in a dispute over the project design and other issues. The contractor has until roughly mid-March to submit timelines and costs to the Lee County Port Authority, to strike another deal to resume work.

Government & Politics

'Terrible mess': Stalled Southwest Florida International Airport expansion tries to take off again

Mike Walcher

A construction company has until roughly mid-March to present timelines and costs to resume work on phase one of the expansion of Southwest Florida International Airport. Work stalled out about a year ago in a dispute between the contractor and design company.

People wait for food at a mobile food pantry in Fort Myers. The line stretched about a city block. Local non-profit groups said they are seeing more needy people than ever.

Human Interest

Southwest Floridians struggle with what some call outrageous cost of living

Mike Walcher

People who've never struggled before now are having to pick between buying food, or medicine, or paying rent and utilities. Is there enough private and government aid to help Southwest Floridians in need?