Mike Walcher
Instructor, FGCU Journalism Program-
Investors have built model homes and say they're close to selling places in Glades County, on the northwest side of Lake Okeechobee. And they're marketing heavily to Orthodox Jews looking for affordable homes. Lakefront Estates is planned for up to 1,000 single-family homes and 300 rental units.
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The leading advocacy group for the deaf community in Southwest Florida, is stepping up efforts to help first responders interact with deaf people out on the street.
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The city of Fort Myers is admitting that it did not follow procedures, after high amounts of coliform bacteria showed up in test samples last November.Some city representatives, however, said they didn't know.
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The National Hurricane Center is watching a tropical system that's crossing Florida from the Atlantic, heading west to the gulf. The center says the storm has the potential to dump heavy rain and cause flash flooding in some places in Florida.
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One of the most historic small towns in Southwest Florida is undergoing a revitalization. Arcadia in DeSoto County is re-branding its downtown to attract new and younger visitors.
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Generators and gas. Mops, buckets and tarps. Food and water. These are Just some of the items being stockpiled and placed in strategic places around Pine Island. A non-profit group that has helped hundreds of people since Hurricane Ian is preparing for this hurricane season.
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Fifteen years of talk and promises, and no cargo airport to show for it. That's the reality in Hendry County, where people have heard great expectations for Airglades airfield, a few miles west of Clewiston. An investment group sees a place with lots of jobs, flying in produce and flowers from Central and South America. But where do these high-flying dreams stand?
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Punta Gorda on the south side of Charlotte Harbor is preparing for hurricane season. Some residents still are dealing with homes that were flooded by Hurricanes Helene and Milton last fall. A few owners are elevating homes, while others are tearing them down to build back newer and higher.
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A historic school in Southwest Florida will be remodeled and is expected to reopen in just over two years. That's according to an agreement announced Monday between the Lee County School District and the City of Bonita Springs.
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Shorebirds are starting to lay eggs in nests on and near Southwest Florida beaches. The nesting birds include Wilson's and Snowy Plovers and Least Terns. This also is nesting time for Black Skimmers. Audubon of Florida and state wildlife officials remind beach-goers to stay away from nests, and keep dogs on leashes near or along the shoreline.