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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
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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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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
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suncoastsearchlight.org

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After Lake Manatee Dam flooding, county turns to high-tech solution

As local officials released water from the Lake Manatee Dam to manage rising reservoir levels during Tropical Storm Debby, residents felt they were left with little warning to prepare for the flooding. Now, Manatee County officials are using a real-time data monitoring system, implemented after the dam flood, to help...

Manatee County, FL · 12h
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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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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

Mysuncoast.com

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Palm Ave Pushback

SARASOTA, Fla. (WWSB) - Fun, Smart, Talk. Our take on what’s making headlines on the Suncoast. Today, one of our Hot Topics included a discussion about how Sarasota’s long‑running fight over a controversial downtown condo tower is far from over. If you have ideas for what topics...

Sarasota, 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

WFLA

partner publisher · 250.6K followers

Polk County farm among 3 permanently protected from future development

Nearly 830 acres of working Florida agricultural land in Polk County and two other counties have been permanently protected.

Polk County, FL · 1d

The News-Press

partner publisher · 40.6K followers

New Florida affordable housing projects take shape with hefty demand

Southwest Florida is seeing a growing push to create and preserve affordable housing as communities look for ways to help workers, families and longtime residents remain in the region . Last week marked the opening of a 144-unit affordable housing community in Fort Myers, while a new workforce housing development with 15 below-market-rate apartments is scheduled to debut Wednesday on Sanibel. Housing preservation organizations are also expanding locally in an effort to help existing homeowners stay in their homes. The projects come as national data continues to show housing affordability pressures making homeownership harder to achieve for many Americans. Rising home prices, elevated mortgage rates and a limited supply of attainable housing have pushed many would-be buyers to the sidelines. The local activity mirrors concerns outlined in last week's new National Association of Realtors' 2026 Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers, which found first-time purchasers remain historically underrepresented in the housing market and continue to enter homeownership later in life. Here's what to know. What new affordable housing opened in Southwest Florida last week? While affordability concerns persist nationwide, several Southwest Florida projects are aimed at increasing housing opportunities for workers and lower-income residents. Thursday brought the official opening of

Fort Myers, FL · 3d

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

WINKNEWS.com

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Sanibel Fishing Pier to reopen following Hurricane Ian damage

SANIBEL, Fla. (WINK)—The City of Sanibel plans to reopen the Sanibel Fishing Pier with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Wednesday, Nov. 18. The city said the ceremony will begin at 9 a.m. at the Sanibel Fishing Pier in Lighthouse Beach Park. The Sanibel Fishing Pier Restoration Committee partnered with the city on the event.

Sanibel, 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

Mysuncoast.com

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Camden Bedinghaus prepares to bring a younger voice to Manatee County School Board

MANATEE COUNTY, Fla. (WWSB) - For Camden Bedinghaus, the future of Manatee County Schools isn’t just policy. It’s personal. “Don’t let anyone look down on you because you’re young,” Bedinghaus said. “And I believe that’s 100 percent true. I just proved it.”. Bedinghaus...

Manatee 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

wslr.org

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Energy blockade, mass migration affect Cuba—and Florida

An observer who will speak in Sarasota this Friday weighs in. Host: Let’s start with a reminder: Havana is almost exactly the same distance from Sarasota as Tallahassee. History has taught us that whatever happens in Cuba makes big ripples here. This Friday, the Sarasota World Affairs Council will host a speaker who will give us an update on what’s happening across the Florida Strait.

Sarasota, FL · 2d

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

gulfcoastnewsnow.com

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Bunche Beach to close for repairs after Hurricane Isaias damage

LEE COUNTY, Fla. — Hurricane Isaias caused erosion and damage at Bunche Beach in Lee County, prompting a temporary closure for repairs. Steve Brown, a frequent visitor to the area, said Bunche Beach has been impacted by multiple hurricanes over the years, including Hurricane Ian. "There was a lot...

Lee County, FL · 2d

Mysuncoast.com

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Red cross removed from former Sarasota church property

SARASOTA, Fla. (WWSB) - A large red cross outside the former church property at 3005 S. Tuttle Ave. was moved Tuesday at 1 p.m. Parkinson Place, which purchased the property, is donating the cross to Campbell RV on Cattlemen Road. Crews worked for two hours to remove it. Campbell RV...

Sarasota, FL · 2d

Mysuncoast.com

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Third annual Wellen Park Wine Festival returns Saturday in Venice

SARASOTA, Fla. (WWSB) - The third annual Wellen Park Wine Festival returns Saturday, Nov. 14, with more than 40 vintners and eight local restaurant partners. The Grand Tasting runs from 1 to 4 p.m., with VIP entry at noon. The ticketed, outdoor event allows guests to sip, shop and sample a variety of wines, along with small bites from Downtown Wellen restaurant partners.

Venice, FL · 2d