WGCU Staff

The southbound exit loop ramp from the Caloosahatchee Bridge will close tonight (Oct 2, 2024) for four weeks (pending weather delays).

Breast Cancer Awareness Month was first observed in October of 1985 with the goal of promoting awareness of breast cancer, encouraging early detection, and helping to raise money for research. Data from the CDC shows that in the U.S., 42,211 women died from breast cancer in 2022. It’s the second leading cause of cancer death among women in the U.S., after lung cancer. According to the National Breast Cancer Foundation 1 in 8 women in the United States will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime. In 2024, an estimated 310,720 women and 2,800 men will be diagnosed with invasive breast cancer.

Projects will design facilities on Sanibel Causeway Islands and Punta Rassa Boat Ramp.

At one time power outages were near 125,000 in an area including Manatee, Sarasota, Charlotte, Lee, Collier, Glades, Hendry and DeSoto counties. As of Tuesday morning, that number was down to almost 3,300 and shrinking.

The Postal Service is continuing to restore service as quickly as possible where it is safe to do so, following Hurricane Helene. Many offices have resumed operations, while some postal facilities in Southwest Florida are temporarily suspended.

Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA) is available to businesses and residents whose employment or self-employment was lost or interrupted as a direct result of Hurricane Helene and are not eligible for regular state or federal Reemployment Assistance benefits. Eligible Floridians whose employment or self-employment was lost or interrupted as a direct result of Hurricane Debby are encouraged to submit a claim at FloridaJobs.org .This and other information is available in this article.

With the Oct. 7 general election registration deadline nearing, those registered are encouraged to update voter information, like name and address. This can be done at an in-person office or on a county Supervisor of Elections website to avoid delays at the polls.

Charlotte County residents concerned that flooding from Hurricane Helene may have contaminated their private wells can test their water for free while supplies last.

When Dr. Nadine "Deanie" Singh founded Premier Mobil Health Services in 2018 as a mobile clinic operating out of an RV she bought with her own money on eBay. They serve uninsured and underinsured children, families and individuals at multiple locations across Lee County, as well as at a walk-in, bricks-and-mortar clinic in Fort Myers. Dr. Singh recently traveled to Boston to attend an executive education course for nonprofits at the Harvard Business School — which was supported by a scholarship from the Harvard Club of Naples — so we brought her into the studio to talk about her path that led to founding Premier Mobile Health Services, the work they do, and what she took away from her trip to Boston.

Those affected by Hurricane Helene can apply for FEMA assistance to take care of critical needs.FEMA may provide financial help to assist you with home repairs, temporary housing, or property damage (appliances, furniture, vehicle, etc). You may also qualify for help with childcare, medical, lodging, moving, and funeral expenses.