Beaches

Lee County plans a phased reopening of beach parks with the overall goal of working alongside local, state and federal partners to progress as quickly as possible, while ensuring safety for the community and the best use of taxpayer dollars.

Lee County Commissioners approve agreements for nearly $5.8 million in Beach and Shoreline projects and ratify $90,000 state reimbursement grant to clear beaches after red tide event.

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.

State health officials reported 7,347 new cases of COVID-19, Tuesday, increasing the statewide total to 213,794 cases since the pandemic began. July 7 marked the 14th consecutive day of single-day increases of at least 5,000 cases.The Florida Department of Health also reported 63 new coronavirus-related deaths, Wednesday, bringing the statewide death toll to 3,841 fatalities.Since Phase Two of Florida's reopening plan went into effect June 5th, state health officials have reported a more than 70 percent increase in new cases of the virus.

State health officials reported 6,563 new cases of COVID-19, Wednesday, marking the eighth consecutive day of single-day increases topping 5,000.The total number of cases statewide now stands at 158,997 and that total has more than doubled since Phase two of Governor Ron DeSantis's reopening plan went into effect June 5.

State health officials reported 6,093 new cases of COVID-19, Tuesday, marking the seventh consecutive day of single-day increases topping 5,000 cases. The total number of cases reported in Florida now comes to 152,434.The Florida Department of Health also reported 58 new coronavirus-relate deaths, yesterday, bringing the statewide death toll to 3,505 fatalities.

State health officials reported 5,266 new confirmed cases of COVID-19, Monday, bringing the statewide total to 146,341 cases. June 29 marked the sixth consecutive day that the number of new cases counted in a single day topped 5,000.This past Saturday marked a new daily record with 9,585 cases reported. Florida's coronavirus caseload has more than doubled since phase two of Gov. Ron DeSantis' reopening plan went into effect June 5.

State health officials reported 1,317 new cases of COVID-19, Wednesday, raising the statewide total to 58,764 confirmed cases marking the highest single-day increase in cases April 17.The Florida Department of Health reported 36 new coronavirus-related deaths, Wednesday, for a total of 2,566 fatalities including 1,306 deaths in long-term care facilities.Of the 1,081,825 COVID-19 tests that have been performed in Florida so far, 5.4 percent have been positive for the virus.

State Health officials reported 497 new confirmed cases of the coronavirus, Thursday, bringing the statewide total to 33,690 cases.The latest update from…