Democracy Watch

When September 2022, Hurricane Ian swept through Southwest Florida, C.R.O.W. on Sanibel Island was one of the many places affected. Now, more than 14 months later, the Clinic for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife is rebuilding and recovering still, while continuing to care for wildlife.

We The People is a new advocacy group founded by a woman in Collier County. She and other parents want to do a better job at getting services for loved ones with disabilities. State lawmakers are the audience the parents want to reach.

A public, Collier County-funded 12-hole golf course is in the works for Golden Gate City. Thecourse will be a reconstruction of the old Golden Gate golf course, which waspurchased by the county in 2019.

The Village of Estero has less than 200 acres of land available for development, which has prompted community leaders and residents to assess how best to handle the explosive growth in the village and surrounding areas.

If it seems that political hopefuls are campaigning early for the 2024 elections, welcome to modern-day politics, even at the local level. Candidates and incumbents need to file to run so they can rally supporters and legally raise money.

Southwest Floridians got to experience visual impairment during the recent White Cane Day. Lighthouse of Southwest Florida sponsored the event at Bell Tower Shopping Center in South Fort Myers.

Collier County is dropping its membership in the American Library Association because of political and other concerns. Concerns start with the political views of the new ALA president, and continue on to what critics call the promotion of gay and sexually explicit books that children could find.

The Bonita Springs City Council has approved lower building heights on the new London Bay development at the former Weeks Fish Camp.

September was National Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. Community supporters proved bald is brave by letting pediatric cancer patients shave their heads to raise money for the Golisano Children's Hospital cancer fund.

A newly proposed amendment to the Lee County Charter has created a stir among city mayors, who believe it is a violation of citizens' rights. If the amendment is approved, it will go on the 2024 general election ballot.