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Venice Gondolier

partner publisher · 9.3K followers
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'I don't want to see the bullies win:' Pine View teacher will fight for license

OSPREY — Since September, multiple state officials have called for further investigation into Pine View teacher Liz Ballard, despite Sarasota County Schools finding her innocent of allegations involving two students stemming back years.

Sarasota County, FL · 1d

venicegov.com

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Clearing the way for Seaboard's future

The City of Venice is clearing the way for the next chapter of one of the community's oldest districts. Demolition recently took place at the City's former Public Works facility on Seaboard Avenue, removing structures from property that sits near the heart of the City's long-term vision for redevelopment of the Seaboard area. Seaboard has historically served as Venice's industrial district, with its growth tied to the railroad and the original John Nolen plan for the community. Today, the City is working to guide its transition into a walkable mixed-use district that can accommodate residential, commercial, retail and continued light-industrial activity. The demolition also increases the flexibility of a significant block of City-controlled property. The former Public Works site comprises approximately 2.5 acres and is adjacent to 3.3 acres of cleared property also owned by the City, bringing the combined area to approximately 5.8 acres.

Venice, FL · 7h
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hoodline.com

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Punta Gorda's A.C. Freeman House Nears Reopening, But Its Future Use Is Still Up For Debate

A.C. Freeman House — Historic House Facing Public-Use Debate. The A.C. Freeman House, a Victorian-era landmark that has weathered hurricanes, relocations, and periods of vacancy, is finally nearing the end of a renovation that began in December 2025. But even as crews put the finishing touches on the 1903 home, Punta Gorda officials still haven't decided exactly what the building will become once the doors reopen.

Punta Gorda, FL · 1d
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The Financial Wire

partner publisher · 66.7K followers
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UnitedHealthcare says Lee Health intends to leave its Medicare Advantage network Jan. 1, 2027, and Sarasota Memorial says renewing its contract appears very unlikely

UnitedHealthcare sent Lee Health a proposal on Oct. 30 to keep its Medicare Advantage and commercial members in network, and the insurer’s Lee Health notice, updated Nov. 3, says the Lee County system still intends to leave both networks starting Jan. 1, 2027. Across the Gulf Coast in Sarasota, Sarasota Memorial Health Care System says... The post UnitedHealthcare says Lee Health intends to leave its Medicare Advantage network Jan. 1, 2027, and Sarasota Memorial says renewing its contract appears very unlikely appeared first on The Financial Wire .

Lee County, FL · 2d

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

Bradenton Herald

partner publisher · 16.5K followers

The true cost of losing Sarasota Bay's natural infrastructure | Opinion

My family has called Florida home for six generations. When I am out on the water or walking with my family through the wetlands and uplands that remain in Sarasota and Manatee counties, I often find myself recalling how my ancestors saw these same waters and wetlands generations ago. They focused on progress and infrastructure that facilitated development, often at the cost of natural resources. Between 1950 and 1990, Sarasota Bay lost more than 1,800 acres of wetland habitat, approximately 38% of its wetlands, largely due to dredge-and-fill activities associated with coastal development, and we’ve continued to document reductions in natural areas since then. These habitats are the nurseries that support the fish and wildlife that make Sarasota Bay special. They sustain the food web that connects our “coastal corridor” of ecosystems, our fisheries, and the wildlife that draws people to these waters. Habitats need breathing room. Unlike roads, buildings and seawalls, natural shorelines are not static. They are living systems that are shaped by tides, storms and rising water. Their ability to adapt and expand is jeopardized when development surrounds them on one side and rising waters push from the other. Scientists call this process “coastal squeeze.” The result

Manatee County, FL · 1d

WINKNEWS.com

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North Port city manager Jerome Fletcher says it's time to move on

NORTH PORT, Fla. (WINK)—North Port City Manager Jerome Fletcher plans to resign on Nov. 13 after more than five years in the job. Fletcher became North Port's city manager on Oct. 1, 2021. “It just gets exhausting to the point where your reputation is being damaged by people who...

North Port, FL · 1d

gulfshorebusiness.com

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Punta Gorda to choose mayor, set 2027 funding agenda

Punta Gorda City Council will hold two meetings Nov. 16 and 18, first to swear in three council members and select the city’s next mayor and vice mayor, then to establish its legislative agenda for 2027. Jeannine Polk and Greg Julian, who are beginning their second terms on the...

Punta Gorda, FL · 3d

WFLA

partner publisher · 250.6K followers

Venice couple fights $56,000 ‘fraudulent’ SBA loan, Social Security payments at risk

A Venice couple is fighting to clear their name after discovering that someone allegedly took out a $56,000 Small Business Administration loan in the husband's name during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Venice, FL · 21h

Venice Gondolier

partner publisher · 9.3K followers

Venice High locks down after social media threat

VENICE — On Thursday morning, Venice High School was locked down due to a threat toward the campus on social media, according to officials.

Venice, 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

High School On SI

partner publisher · 52.6K followers

Venice Visits Chaminade-Madonna to Kick Off Florida’s Inaugural Open Division Playoffs

Venice visits Chaminade-Madonna on Nov. 13 to open Florida’s Open Division football playoffs. Key players, matchups and Pool A stakes.

Venice, FL · 3d

WINKNEWS.com

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Growing Grounds in Bokeelia invites neighbors to Thanksgiving meal

BOKEELIA, Fla. (WINK) — A Bokeelia business owner is opening his family's Thanksgiving celebration to the community at Growing Grounds Farm and Market in Lee County. Since opening Jan. 1, Growing Grounds has grown from a produce stand and patch of farmland into a business with more for customers to see and take home.

Bokeelia, FL · 22h

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 · 1d

englewoodreview.com

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Mote Marine Stats Are In: Sarasota County Beaches Experience a Wave of Turtle Nests

Sea turtle nesting season wrapped up on October 31, 2026, for most of Florida, including the West Coast’s Gulf beaches. Some areas keep protections in place until November 15, depending on the county. With the season over, Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium released its latest nesting stats. This year,...

Sarasota County, FL · 1d

WINKNEWS.com

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Boca Grande's Banyan Street gets 14 new trees after hurricane damages

BOCA GRANDE, Fla. (WINK)—Fourteen new banyan trees arrived on Banyan Street this week as crews worked to restore the iconic road after years of hurricane damage. "This project is to restore the historic canopy to this iconic street on the island," Rick Joyce, president and certified arborist with Forestry Resources Ecological, said.

Boca Grande, FL · 2d

capecoralbreeze.com

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On the Water with Capt. Bill Russell | Now is a fun time to get out on the water and enjoy it

Finally, we put together a week of good weather. If you were on the water fishing, you probably noticed mullet and baitfish everywhere and a lot of them. The water is alive with activity from fish of all sizes, dolphins, manatees and birds right now. It’s a fun time to get on the water and enjoy it.

Bokeelia, FL · 1d

gulfcoastnewsnow.com

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Punta Gorda issues precautionary boil water notice for part of Knollwood Drive

PUNTA GORDA, Fla. — The City of Punta Gorda Utilities issued a precautionary boil water notice Thursday for some residents on Knollwood Drive. According to the city, the homes in the affected area are between Pebble Beach Lane and Tam O Shanter Lane. Residents are being notified through door hangers and signage.

Punta Gorda, FL · 1d

cleared4takeoff.com

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Charlotte County Business Filings: Strong 16.5% Rise

The Charlotte County business environment just posted a number worth a second look. From January through September 2026, 3,578 new businesses registered here. That’s up from 3,070 during the same months of 2025. In other words, filings jumped 16.5%, or 508 more new ventures in nine months. What the...

Charlotte County, FL · 1d