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Villas, FL · Events

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

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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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

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 · 23h

capecoralbreeze.com

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Monkey Bar Steak & Seafood marks two decades

Will celebrate milestone anniversary with special $20 menu, daylong live entertainment. A Cape Coral restaurant has been hanging around for quite some time will celebrate a milestone anniversary this Saturday. Monkey Bar Steak & Seafood will mark 20 years of business in the Cape, with $20 specials and entertainment from...

Cape Coral, FL · 1d

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 · 12h

gulfcoastnewsnow.com

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Lee County parents voice concerns over proposed school closures

FORT MYERS, Fla. — The Lee County School District is considering closing Tice Elementary and Orangewood Elementary, a proposal that could affect around 1,000 students and 60 teachers, leaving parents searching for answers and expressing frustration. Nicole Doss, a mother of an Orangewood Elementary kindergarten student, shared her disappointment...

Lee County, FL · 4h

gulfcoastnewsnow.com

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Purple 'exotic massage’ signs pop up around Cape Coral, leaving parents uneasy

CAPE CORAL, Fla. — Bright purple signs featuring a mermaid symbol and advertising exotic massages have appeared across Cape Coral, prompting residents to question their legality and express concerns about their impact on children. Photos of the signs have circulated widely on social media, generating hundreds of comments from...

Cape Coral, FL · 1d

The News-Press

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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

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

The News-Press

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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

WINKNEWS.com

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Waste Pro sues Cape Coral over garbage contract

CAPE CORAL, Fla. (WINK) — Cape Coral's longtime solid waste provider is suing the city over a deal that would hand over trash collection to a different company. Waste Pro filed an 850-page lawsuit against the city that claims Cape Coral didn't follow it's own guidelines for selecting a contractor. Waste Pro has exclusively collected Cape Coral's residential and commercial waste since 2010. Cape Coral twice renewed the deal, which expires in September of 2027.

Cape Coral, FL · 16h

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

capecoralbreeze.com

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Guest Commentary | Transparency: What a load of garbage!

Transparency. We all campaign on it. We all promise it. Apparently, it’s easier to talk on the campaign trail than to actually practice it. Let’s talk trash … Literally. Cape Coral canceled its original Solid Waste RFP (Request for Proposal) and issued another requiring bidders to include plans for a transfer station (aka a DUMP … with a roof!) Meanwhile, Waste Pro had purchased property in District 7 for a reported $13.5 million (Lee County Property Appraiser’s website), and land-use changes were moving through the city.

Cape Coral, FL · 1d

WINKNEWS.com

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Veteran-owned Cape Coral Indian restaurant gives back to those who served

CAPE CORAL, Fla. (WINK)—Masala Mantra Indian Restaurant was voted No. 1 in Cape Coral for six consecutive years and honored veterans with special offers. Masala Mantra Indian Restaurant opened in October 2019 when three friends took a chance on a dream. The team had little restaurant experience and limited money as it worked to bring Indian food and culture to Southwest Florida.

Cape Coral, FL · 1d

The Financial Wire

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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

gulfcoastnewsnow.com

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‘Gulfcoasting’ hits the starting gate at America’s favorite BMX track in Cape Coral

CAPE CORAL, Fla. — When it comes to high-flying action, family fun, and community spirit, one Southwest Florida destination is racing ahead of the competition. Cape Coral BMX has officially been voted America's Favorite BMX Track, and Jason Drew went 'Gulfcoasting' to find out what makes this local gem such a standout.

Cape Coral, FL · 1d

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ECS beats Canterbury 35-14, Sentinels win first playoff game in 17 years

FORT MYERS, Fla. — The high school football postseason officially kicked off on Thursday with the new Independent League playoff format making its debut as two crosstown rivals faced off for the chance to keep playing football. The 9-1 Canterbury Cougars hosted Evangelical Christian in the Pool B Regional...

Fort Myers, FL · 16h

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‘I couldn’t breathe’: Lee County Senior Olympics swimmer recalls near-fatal pneumonia

FORT MYERS, Fla. — Rosemary Niedzwiecki, a Lee County resident in her 70s, nearly lost her life to pneumonia earlier this year after trying to push through her symptoms. “I said, I have to fight. I can't give up,” Niedzwiecki recalled. Known for her active lifestyle and competing...

Lee County, FL · 20h