The founder of the Open Doors preschools has been named Entrepreneur of the Year by the Small Business Development Centers at Florida Gulf Coast University. Rachel McIntyre has spent more than two decades developing and operating Open Doors.

As Spirit Airlines ceases operations, resulting in 4,853 employees in Florida being laid off by next Wednesday, politicians are debating who is to blame for the Dania Beach-based carrier’s demise.

New signs posted at Publix stores now state: “Publix kindly asks that only law enforcement openly carry firearms in our stores.” The message appears near the bottom of a broader list of store rules, alongside more routine policies like no pets and no soliciting.

In 2022, according to visitfortmyers.com, there were more than 4.4 million visitors, with the top three local attractions drawing crowds to the county being the beaches themselves at 66%, the Fort Myers Beach Pier at 36%, and the Sanibel Lighthouse at 26%. However, the year after Hurricane Ian, that number fell to nearly 3 million visitors. The pier’s visitation rate dropped to 15% while the beaches remained No. 1 at 51%. But now, with the promise of a new and improved pier on the horizon, those stats are starting to rebound.

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

The iconic Shell Factory in North Fort Myers closed some time ago, and now the property has sold to a Florida company for just over $3.9 million.

Roller Derby brings the thrills, and bruises, to the roller rink. The sport grew in popularity in the 1950s and in recent years has had a surge in fandom.

A refuge for rescued animals and non-releasable birds, The Wonder Gardens is celebrating its 90th anniversary.

The city of Fort Myers has awarded money to find out what might be developed, if and when City of Palms Park is torn down.