I-75 at Daniels Parkway interchange overnight ramp closures scheduled for July 20-22

Summer storms mean lightning strikes are likely

While the skies were light bright on the Fourth of July holiday, there have been additional, and far more dangerous ways the night has been illuminated locally. With Florida producing the second most lighting strikes annually in the United States — and the most fatalities — strikes can be expected, especially during the summer months. In recent weeks, Lee County has seen unfortunate events play out due to the presence of lighting within the county. The Fort Myers Beach Fire Control District reported that one person was killed by a lighting strike and three others were hospitalized after being struck by lightning while in the water at the beach on July 3. According to the ...

Beacon of Hope free July art classes continue

The Beacon of Hope Pine Island began offering a free Art Classes for seniors 55 and older starting Wednesday, July 1, at the Beacon of Hope Center of Excellence classroom at 5090 Doug Taylor Circle, St. James City. The classes will be hosted by local artist from ere on the Island The July event is the second in a series of free art classes offered to local islanders.  The Beacon schedule includes: • Today, July 15 — First Light Community Class (10 a.m. to 12 p.m.); and Linda Kroekor – Card Making (12-2 p.m.) • Monday, July 20 – Bobby: Coastal Waves Painting Bobbi (10 a.m. to 12 p.m.) • Wednesday, July 22 – Jan: Flamingo Friends Canvas Painting (1-3 ...

Pine Island couple attends weather survivors summit in Washington, D.C.

Cindy and Alan Bickford were invited to Washington, D.C., June 29 to attend Extreme Weather Survivors Stolen Summers Summit and Advocacy Day. There were over 70 extreme weather survivors from all over the U.S. who attended the summit.  The first day the group heard many survivor stories and everyone was prepped on how to tell their stories of survival to legislators. Bills about FEMA were before Congress at the time of the summit.  The Bickfords met with the Byron Donald’s staff to share their experiences from  Hurricane Ian, dealing with FEMA, insurance, permits and more. They asked that he consider supporting more funding for FEMA and to help with flood insurance to be ...

Residents invited to celebrate ‘The Power Of Parks and Recreation’ during Park and Recreation Month in Lee County

Lee County Parks & Recreation invites residents and visitors to celebrate Park and Recreation Month this July with the theme “The Power Of Parks and Recreation.” The month-long celebration highlights how parks and recreation make Lee County stronger, more vibrant and more resilient. As part of the festivities, Lee County will offer free pool admission and free parking on Saturday, July 25, and Sunday, July 26, at select parks, beach sites, boat ramps and pools. Lee County Parks & Recreation sites offering free swimming or free parking include: • Parks: Caloosahatchee Regional Park, Lakes Park, Hickey Creek Mitigation Park, Manatee Park, and Six Mile Cypress Slough ...