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Gary Smith

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Collier County, Florida, Restaurants With the Most Health Violations in October 2026

State records showed that the Florida Department of Business & Professional Regulation conducted inspections at 182 restaurants in Collier County in the last 30 days. The good news is that 138 establishments passed on their first visit, while 22 restaurants passed the first inspection with zero violations. However, 44 restaurants failed to meet standards initially, with some requiring follow-up inspections before meeting food-serving standards.

Collier County, FL · 2d
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Naples Daily News

partner publisher · 28.2K followers
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What fish can you catch in the canals in Collier County?

Fishing is a year-round recreational and sporting activity in Southwest Florida. But when the weather starts to turn more comfortable late in the year, there's a good chance you will see more people putting a line in the water whether it's the Gulf or a lake. When it comes to canals, we have our fair share around these parts, including in the the Naples and Golden Gate Estate region. For the most part, access to canals can be easier than other bodies of water. It is not uncommon to be driving along a busy road in SW Florida and see people fishing the canals. But what kind of fish are swimming around in those canals. And in particular in Collier County ? The Naples Daily News connected with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission to get an answer to that question. Michelle Kerr, a Communications and Marketing Manager for the FWC's Division of Freshwater Fisheries Management, responded to our email about canal fish. She referred us to an FWC brochure that covers Naples/Collier County and specifically an angler's guide to the Golden Gate Canal. "I believe that canal is generally representative of what is available in most Collier County

Collier County, FL · 2d

Gary Smith

user · 33.5K followers

List of Charlotte County, Florida, Restaurants With Most Health Violations in October 2026

State records showed that the Florida Department of Business & Professional Regulation conducted inspections at 71 restaurants in Charlotte County in the last 30 days. The good news is that 54 establishments passed on their first visit.

Charlotte County, FL · 2d
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gulfshorebusiness.com

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Wildflowerz owner backs out of $7.8M Collier land deal

After more than two years of negotiations, the owner of Wildflowerz Ranch in Immokalee backed out of a deal with Collier County to sell 625 acres of preserve land with a cattle lease and shooting range for $7.8 million. County Manager Amy Patterson made the announcement during the Nov. 10...

Immokalee, FL · 3d
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gulfcoastnewsnow.com

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‘Everything else is on the chopping block’: Lee County weighs cuts, including Civic Center

LEE COUNTY, Fla. — Lee County is preparing for significant budget cuts as Amendment 3 is expected to reduce property tax revenue by $109 million, forcing tough decisions about funding priorities. "We're losing essentially 26% of the money we had to work with," Commissioner Brian Hamman said. Hamman stressed...

Lee County, FL · 2d

gulfcoastnewsnow.com

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Sinking Lee County apartment building sits vacant for 3 years as residents seek updates

LEE COUNTY, Fla. — An apartment building at the 81 West Apartments complex in Lee County has been vacant for three years due to noticeable sinking, prompting residents to call for transparency from property management. "It does look like, like it's about to collapse," said Christian Cowan, a resident...

Lee County, FL · 2d

WINKNEWS.com

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Collier County approves new cell tower in Golden Gate Estates after years of complaints about poor service

GOLDEN GATE ESTATES, Fla. (WINK) — If you’ve ever struggled to get a phone call through in Golden Gate Estates, you’re not alone. Even getting directions can be a challenge. WINK News experienced that firsthand Tuesday while trying to visit the area where a new cell tower...

Collier County, FL · 2d

hoodline.com

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Collier County's 69th Farm-City BBQ Returns With Steak, $730K Legacy

Collier County's longest-running pre-Thanksgiving tradition is back for its 69th year, bringing a steak lunch, live music and a fairgrounds full of neighbors together on Wednesday, Nov. 25. The Farm-City BBQ kicks off at 11:30 a.m. at the Collier County Fairgrounds, continuing a celebration held each year during National Farm-City Week to mark the ties between the area's agricultural community and the businesses, organizations and residents who depend on it.

Collier County, FL · 20h

gulfcoastnewsnow.com

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Lee County school district considers closing two elementary schools amid budget cuts

FORT MYERS, Fla. — The Lee County School District is considering closing two elementary schools as district leaders look for ways to address budget cuts, Superintendent Dr. Denise Carlin said. The proposal is expected to be presented to the Lee County School Board at its next meeting, where board...

Lee County, FL · 22h

dredgewire.com

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Charlotte County OKs $29M Dredging Deal with Great Lakes Dredge & Dock Rebuild Manasota Key’s Storm-Battered Shore

Charlotte County commissioners have approved a contract reported at $29 million to pump new sand onto several miles of Gulf beaches battered by a string of hurricanes, with the work targeting Manasota Key and South Beach. The deal cleared the Board of Commissioners as part of its consent agenda at Tuesday’s meeting, with no discussion before the vote.

Charlotte County, FL · 3d

Naples Daily News

partner publisher · 28.2K followers

Collier County ends talks to buy Everglades City property for a marina

One of the last waterfront properties in Collier County is back on the market after county commissioners walked away from their nearly $7 million offer. The county had a deal to buy 52 acres in Everglades City next to Collier County's Everglades Airpark. The $6.62 million deal fell apart when the Everglades City Council said they wanted a say in the purchase and were opposed to a county-run marina that would compete with the six privately owned marinas in the city and take the property off the city's tax rolls. Collier County staff recommended commissioners cease talks "because without a boat ramp on the property, we did not feel that we had sufficient uses," Trinity Scott, who heads up the county’s transportation management, told the Board of county Commissioners (BOCC) at its Sept. 22, 2026, meeting. Environmentalists opposed to using Conservation Collier money; others opposed to total price without a marina Known as The Everglades Outpost Property, the site located next to Collier County's Everglades Airpark has been bought and sold a couple of times over the past several decades and nothing has been built on it. In 2000, the land received county approvals for development of 96 multi-residential units,

Collier County, FL · 3d

hoodline.com

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Naples' Bentley Village Plots 72 Luxury Units With $2.8 Million Entrance Fees

Vi at Bentley Village, the sprawling 156-acre senior living community off Tamiami Trail near Audubon Country Club, is tearing down three buildings to make way for its seventh redevelopment phase: four new buildings holding 72 luxury independent living apartments. Entrance fees for the new units are set to start around $2.8 million, with a refundable $30,000 deposit required to join the priority reservation list.

Naples, FL · 2d

beachtalkradionews.com

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Tuesday is a Big Day For Every Taxpayer

On election day, Lee County voters overwhelmingly voted for Amendment 3; property tax reform.The final tally was 199,877 yes votes and 90,186 no votes. The Lee County Board of Commissioners is the first to announce a workshop on the issue. The details of what voters approved:. In 2027, the homestead...

Lee County, FL · 11h

thesunshinerepublic.com

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Estero Had Electric Lights Before the Story Was Finished

The great machine at Koreshan State Park looks less like a religious relic than the centerpiece of a municipal power station. That is partly what makes it so revealing. Visitors arrive to learn about an unusual community and its beliefs, then encounter a heavy engine that had to do an entirely practical job: make electricity.

Estero, FL · 1d

WINKNEWS.com

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Marco Island Vietnam memorial gives veterans a long-awaited honor

MARCO ISLAND, Fla. (WINK) — A Vietnam memorial years in the making was unveiled at Veterans Community Park on Marco Island on Veterans Day. The memorial features seven bronze figures that honor the men and women who served in Vietnam. The figures include soldiers, a combat nurse, a wounded warrior and a military dog with his handler.

Marco Island, FL · 1d

The News-Press

partner publisher · 40.6K followers

Jim Schwartzel wants highway bypass, VA hospital after District 19 win

Republican Jim Schwartzel , a media executive and Southwest Florida native, won Florida’s 19th Congressional District in the general election Tuesday, Nov. 3, keeping the Southwest Florida seat in Republican hands as he prepares to succeed outgoing Byron Donalds in Washington. The district covers most of Lee County and coastal areas of Collier County and has long served as a Republican stronghold. Schwartzel, 46, president of Fort Myers-based Sun Broadcasting, defeated Democratic nominee Victor Arias , independent Seth Haskin and write-in candidate Alexandra Zakhvatayev. Fireworks erupted at his election night watch party in Fort Myers as Schwartzel celebrated the outcome with family, supporters and campaign staff. Here’s what Schwartzel told the News-Press on election night after his victory: How did Schwartzel react to his victory on election night? Question: What does tomorrow look like for you after your election win? Answer: "I don't know if I'm going to get much sleep tonight. I have so much energy in me and adrenaline. But, you know, I just want to get to work for Southwest Florida. Everything I own, all my family, everyone's here, so I only have Southwest Florida as my best interest, so I'm ready to go to work." During

Lee County, FL · 2d

flguide.com

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Lee County Domestic Animal Services announces ‘November to Remember’ adoption promotion

Lee County Domestic Animal Services is making November a month to remember with special adoption savings designed to help more pets find loving homes. Throughout November, adult dog and cat/kitten adoptions will be just $25. Anyone adopting a cat or kitten can adopt a feline friend at no additional charge, giving two deserving cats the chance to find a home together.

Lee County, FL · 1d

gulfcoastnewsnow.com

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Fort Myers Beach reviews policies to comply with new DEI law

FORT MYERS BEACH, Fla. — Fort Myers Beach Local Planning Agency has taken steps to ensure town policies and programs comply with a new state law restricting local governments from funding, promoting, or taking official actions related to diversity, equity, and inclusion. Leaders officially moved the item onto the...

Fort Myers Beach, FL · 3d

Herald-Tribune

partner publisher · 37.9K followers

Florida Vibrio vulnificus cases rise to 36, with 6 deaths

Florida has reported another case of Vibrio vulnificus, bringing the state's total to 36 cases and six deaths, surpassing last year's total of 33 cases and five deaths. The latest case involved a person between the ages of 80 and 84 in Charlotte County, according to state health data . It is the county's second case this year. At least 14 people have died from Vibrio vulnificus infections in southern coastal states this year. Louisiana had reported 21 cases and seven deaths as of Nov. 10. South Carolina's health department confirmed four cases and one related death, although the total could be higher because the state doesn't require vibriosis deaths to be reported. Dozens of cases have been reported in Alabama , Mississippi , North Carolina , and Texas . Vibrio vulnificus infections are rare, but they can become life-threatening within days and cause excruciating pain as the infection eats through skin and muscle. The bacteria can enter through wounds exposed to contaminated water or through raw or undercooked seafood, particularly shellfish. Florida recorded 82 cases and 19 deaths in 2024, most after large areas of the state were flooded by Hurricanes Helene and Milton. What is Vibrio vulnificus? Vibrio

Florida · 1d

The News-Press

partner publisher · 40.6K followers

Lee County continues heavy GOP preference - with exceptions

Lee County continued to reliably vote Republican in the November 3 general election. But there were exceptions. For example Precinct 417, which votes at Suarez Hall in Schandler Hall Community Park in Tice, voted for every Democrat on the ballot. One majority-black precinct in Lee County That is no surprise as Precinct 417 is in and of itself an anomaly in Lee County. The precinct has 4,583 active voters. Of those 2,294 are Democrats and 1,199 are registered without party affiliation. Some 870 – just less than 19% – are Republicans. Democrats are a slim majority with 50.05%. Precinct 417 is the only Black-majority precinct in Lee County. There are six majority-Hispanic precincts, all of them in Lehigh Acres. There are also six majority-Democrat precincts out of 99 in Lee County. As of November 9 there are 252,405 registered Republicans in Lee County. There are 111,422 Democrats and 147,069 registered with another party or no party. The difference was glaringly obvious in the two Lee County commission races. Precinct votes all Democrats In District 2, Democrat Elliot Taylor took 76% of the vote over winner Cecil Pendergrass in Precinct 417. No Party Affiliation candidate DeMaria Artis took 68% of the

Lee County, FL · 3d