Samuel Brucker

The Collier County School Board may have three races coming up in the 2026 Florida primaries, but only one is contested, District 5. Learn more about who is running against incumbent Tim Moshier, and why.

Some local community members are speaking out ahead of Florida's 2026 primary election cycle, harping on how the divisive and polarizing political rhetoric across the country is causing harm in an area one may not expect it to: Public school systems.

The Fort Myers City Council recently approved a change impacting parking rates at all three of downtown Fort Myers' parking garages. Visitors are now entitled to two free hours followed by a hourly rate.

Local experts say that with an increase in tropical disturbances, and as the area progresses into a new hurricane season every year, mangroves have little time to recover, and therefore, lack strength to guard our coastlines from inclement weather.

The Town of Fort Myers Beach provides an outlet where stakeholders are able to convey their input on what they believe the island community needs to stay resilient long-term.

Hopsized Brewing Co., along Old US 41 Road in Bonita Springs, gained international recognition with its one-of-a-kind “Chargie,” dubbed the best golden or blonde ale around the globe, just in time for American Craft Beer Week from May 11 to 15. But earning this designation has brought a disconcerting trend to both owners’ attention that they said passionate craft beer connoisseurs cannot ignore.

In 2022, according to visitfortmyers.com, there were more than 4.4 million visitors, with the top three local attractions drawing crowds to the county being the beaches themselves at 66%, the Fort Myers Beach Pier at 36%, and the Sanibel Lighthouse at 26%. However, the year after Hurricane Ian, that number fell to nearly 3 million visitors. The pier’s visitation rate dropped to 15% while the beaches remained No. 1 at 51%. But now, with the promise of a new and improved pier on the horizon, those stats are starting to rebound.

About 30 people attended a Venezuelan advocacy event, held in Golden Gate at the Los Angeles Adult Day Care facility, where attendees expressed their gratitude to the Trump administration and Rep. Mario Diaz-Balart for the support and actions taken to "help the Venezuelan people" bolster the base for a blossoming democracy.

Mullock Creek Preserve in Lee County and surrounding areas were submerged in more than 8 feet of water during Hurricane Ian. To address this, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) updated the emergency flood maps for residents and property owners surrounding the preserve, nearly four years after Ian’s landfall. But there’s a common misconception regarding these maps and why they are revised—one Donald Duke, Ph.D., a Florida Gulf Coast University professor in the Department of Ecology and Environmental Studies, said property owners in all areas need to remain privy to.

The Seven Islands development, a large-scale approximately 48-acre project dating back to 2015, is planning to break ground in Northwest Cape Coral on the east side of the Spreader Canal after it was unanimously passed by the Cape Coral City Council on Jan. 21. But as some residents are happy for the addition to the underdeveloped region of the city, others are circumspect as to how it will impact traffic, environment, infrastructure, and the charm.