Danya Harpster

Destroyed homes on Matlacha Island, Fla. on Monday after Hurricane Ian ravaged the area.

Hurricane Recovery

Brace yourself Floridians, the promised insurance relief isn't expected soon, could get worse

Danya Harpster

The cost of homeowners insurance in Florida has increased 100 percent over the last few years

Government & Politics

Overall market value of Lee homes and properties soar despite Ian; Not all municipalities are winners

Danya Harpster

Bonita and Estero made huge gains in terms of market values. Fort Myers Beach and Sanibel saw significant losses.

A massive march and rally was held June 28, 2023, beginning at Centennial Park, marching through downtown Fort Myers, along Palm Beach Blvd to El Nuevo Maguey a restaurant on Palm Beach Blvd. From June 28th to July 5th the immigrant community of Florida have entered into a work stoppage to protest the now law SB 1718. The marched to demonstrate their value to the economy.

Cultural Affairs

Ramifications from harsh anti-immigration laws set to go into effect Saturday already being felt

Danya Harpster

Gov. Ron DeSantis has touted the laws as strictest in the country. Critics says the it will hurt the economy

Marsha Ellis, Lee Co. Resident, spoke at the meeting. June 20, 2023, several concerned Lee County residents voiced their opinion at Tuesday’s Lee County Commissioner’s meeting to the proposed change in the Land Development Code (LDC) on Captiva. They say it would jeopardize its historic low-rise, low-density ambiance. The proposal is to significantly increase the height of buildings at South Seas Island Resort. South Seas Island Resort has requested changes to the LDC and the county's comprehensive land use plan to facilitate the redevelopment of buildings damaged by Hurricane Ian.

Government & Politics

Decision that could change a Captiva resort's footprint on the barrier island postponed to Sept.

Danya Harpster

South Seas Island Resort is stuck in limbo with plans to build back its hotel until the county changes its land use code

Hurricane Recovery

Lee to eye major building changes on Captiva; draws ire on possible changes at South Seas resort

Danya Harpster

Sanibel and Captiva residents are adamantly opposed to proposed code changes that would allow South Seas Resort much more latitude on building height and density restrictions.

Homes were destroyed by Hurricane Ian on Little Gasparilla Island, Fla.

Hurricane Recovery

Free webinar targets those still needing assistance in Ian's wake

Danya Harpster

The Greater Naples Chamber of Commerce in partnership with the Small Business Administration and Florida Gulf Coast University is hosting a free webinar on long term recovery and disaster preparedness from 11 to 12:30 p.m. June 20.

Dr. Aysegul Timur has been selected as FGCU’s next president. After a week of final interviews, public comments, and long discussions, FGCU Board of Trustees came of a 7-6 vote in favor of Timur. The room erupted in cheering, tears flowed from the audience as well as Timur.

Education

FGCU president-designate Timur's contract details include 3-year term, $500,000 annual salary

Danya Harpster

Florida Gulf Coast University president-designate Aysegul Timur's tentative contract includes a three-year-term and a starting, base salary of $500,000 a year as head of the university.Timur, currently Vice President and Vice Provost for Strategy and Program Innovation at FGCU, was selected to be the university’s next president after besting finalist Henry Mack at a May 4 Board of Trustees meeting.

Education

Former FGCU presidency candidate Mack joins lobbyists

Danya Harpster

The Southern Group, Florida’s largest lobbying group, has hired Henry Mack as a consultant, WGCU has confirmed.Mack, who had been a candidate for Florida Gulf Coast University president, lost the nomination by one vote of the university’s board of trustee’s last month.

Human Interest

Homelessness in Lee County up 46 percent; Ian, high rents are factors

Danya Harpster

Volunteers as well as those from homeless and veteran’s groups fanned out across Lee County in January counting 820 people who do not have a permanent place to call home. That figure is up from 560 people experiencing homelessness last year.

Dr. Michael V. Martin, current FGCU president, congratulates, Dr. Aysegul Timur after she was selected as FGCU’s next president. After a week of final interviews, public comments, and long discussions, FGCU Board of Trustees came of a 7-6 vote in favor of Timur. The room erupted in cheering, tears flowed from the audience as well as Timur.

Government & Politics

FGCU trustee brings up 'annual' pact for president-elect Timur

Danya Harpster

There’s been another call for FGCU’s first female president to get a truncated contract, this time from the university’s own Board of Trustees.Joe Fogg told the board’s chair on Wednesday that he was hoping that Aysegul Timur is given annual contract.