Community News
Tuesday, May 12, 2026 · Fort Myers Beach
Collier County Celebrates Picayune Strand Everglades Completion
A cornerstone Everglades restoration project spanning 55,000 acres in Collier County has reached full completion, restoring natural water flows and revitalizing wetlands. The Picayune Strand Restoration Project marks another victory in Florida's massive Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan. Officials hailed the milestone as a model of federal-state collaboration.
Florida Bills Slash No-Fault Auto, Shield Homeowners from Roof Hikes
Florida's 2026 insurance reforms repeal the state's no-fault auto system and protect homeowners from coverage denials over old roofs, aiming to curb skyrocketing premiums amid hurricane risks. Effective July 1, new laws mandate fault-based liability for crashes and require human review of AI claim denials. Drivers and residents from Miami to Tampa face a transformed market promising rate relief.
Tuesday, May 12, 2026
Florida's Heat Wave Eases Slightly Friday After Record-Breaking Thursday
South Florida and Central Florida residents get a brief respite from scorching temperatures Friday, with highs dropping into the upper 80s at the coast and low 90s inland—but forecasters warn the dangerous heat pattern will persist through the weekend. Thursday's near-record temperatures set the stage for what meteorologists are calling one of the hottest stretches of the year so far.
Tuesday, May 12, 2026
DeSantis Signs 2026 Farm Bill in Sebring, Boosting Rural Florida
Gov. Ron DeSantis signed Senate Bill 290 into law Monday in Sebring, delivering wins for Florida farmers with protections for gas-powered equipment and farmland preservation. The measure bans local bans on gasoline tools, makes the Farmers Feeding Florida program permanent and curbs high-density rural development. Critics decry potential sprawl from related land-use changes.
Tuesday, May 12, 2026
Fort Myers Beach Plans Recovery Strategy With Community Input
Fort Myers Beach launched a community input process this month to guide its Recovery and Resilience Plan, which will shape the town's rebuilding and long-term preparedness after Hurricane Ian.
Tuesday, May 12, 2026
Sanibel Natural Resources Department Tackles Water Quality and Habitat Restoration
Sanibel's Natural Resources Department manages conservation efforts focused on habitat protection and improving surrounding water quality.
Tuesday, May 12, 2026
Sanibel's 26-Mile Shared Use Path Connects Island Beaches
Sanibel's Shared Use Path system offers more than 26 miles of separated biking and hiking trails connecting the island's eastern and western ends.
Tuesday, May 12, 2026
How Sanibel Residents Can Reduce Stormwater Pollution
Sanibel residents can protect local waterways by properly managing household chemicals and yard waste. Lee County offers resources on best management practices for stormwater pollution control.
Tuesday, May 12, 2026
New Year’s Eve Dinner at Toro Toro Miami
Toro Toro Miami will offer a four-course prix fixe menu with live entertainment for New Year’s Eve 2024, featuring dishes like Wagyu Short Rib and Pan Seared Chilean Sea Bass.
Tuesday, May 12, 2026
Sanibel Causeway Closed Due to Serious Crash
The Sanibel Causeway is closed in both directions due to a serious crash, with the Lee County Sheriff’s Office managing the closure for several hours.
Tuesday, May 12, 2026
Sanibel Causeway Closed After Serious Crash
The Sanibel Causeway is closed in both directions after a serious crash. All access to Sanibel Island is blocked.
Tuesday, May 12, 2026
Diocese of Venice Opens Extended Confession Hours Before Easter
The Diocese of Venice opens extended confession hours Friday and Saturday before Easter, giving Lee County Catholics the chance to receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation.
Tuesday, May 12, 2026
Fort Myers Beach Boaters Must Follow Safety Rules, Equipment Requirements
Florida law requires boaters on Fort Myers Beach waterways to carry specific safety equipment and obtain proper certification. Those born after 1988 must complete a boating safety course to operate motorized vessels.
Tuesday, May 12, 2026
Bay Oaks Recreational Center Closes for Electrical Repairs
Fort Myers Beach closed Bay Oaks Recreational Center on May 15 due to electrical damage caused by groundwater intrusion. The facility will remain shut until repairs are complete.
Tuesday, May 12, 2026
Groundbreaking Held for Affordable Housing in Immokalee
A groundbreaking ceremony was held in Immokalee for Casa San Juan Diego, an 80-unit affordable housing development by the Diocese of Venice and National Development of America, Inc.
Tuesday, May 12, 2026
DeSantis Rejects Florida Gas Tax Pause Amid $4/Gallon Spike
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis shot down calls to suspend the state's 25-cent gas tax, warning drivers won't feel relief at pumps hitting $4 a gallon. Despite pleas from Democrats and Palm Beach County leaders, he cited past failures and oil market volatility. As global tensions rise, Florida motorists brace for pain at the pump.
Tuesday, May 12, 2026
DeSantis Signs 9 Key Florida Laws on Safety, Schools and Traffic
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis signed nine new laws Thursday in Tallahassee, tackling unlicensed drivers, church security and body camera privacy amid rising public safety concerns. Most take effect July 1, joining nearly 60 others passed this year. From stricter traffic penalties to expanded school guardians, the measures aim to bolster security across the Sunshine State.
Tuesday, May 12, 2026
Florida's Lab-Grown Meat Ban Survives Federal Court Challenge
Nearly two years after Governor Ron DeSantis signed legislation banning cultivated meat sales in Florida, a federal appeals court upheld the controversial law as constitutional. The 11th Circuit Court of Appeals rejected a challenge from California-based Upside Foods, cementing Florida's status as the first state to prohibit lab-grown meat—a move critics say protects the traditional livestock industry rather than consumers.
Tuesday, May 12, 2026
Florida Launches Mandatory Hurricane Drills Across All 67 Counties
With hurricane season looming just weeks away, Florida's Division of Emergency Management has rolled out mandatory public safety drills statewide to sharpen readiness. The initiative targets all 67 counties, urging residents to stock seven days of supplies and master evacuation protocols. Officials warn that recent storms underscore the need for swift action amid rising threats.
Tuesday, May 12, 2026
DeSantis Greenlights UFC, Colleges in Florida's New License Plates
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis has signed a bill unleashing eight new specialty license plates, from UFC fighters to South Florida high schools and military academies. Drivers can start pre-ordering Oct. 1, but only if 3,000 vouchers sell in two years. With over 2.3 million special tags already on roads, these could boost scholarships, mental health and more.
Tuesday, May 12, 2026