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Tuesday, May 5, 2026 · Lee County

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 5, 2026
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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 5, 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 5, 2026

Cape Coral Man Charged After Hosting Party With Minors and Alcohol

Cape Coral police arrested a 25-year-old man who hosted a party with about 30 people, including minors, at his home and promoted it on social media.

Tuesday, May 5, 2026

Lee County schools hit 98% on-time bus rate after enrollment surge

Lee County schools achieved a 98% on-time bus rate this year, up 15 percentage points, while absorbing 14,000 additional daily riders through a tiered start-time system.

Tuesday, May 5, 2026

Cape Coral man arrested for swapping Lego barcodes at Walmart self-checkout

A Cape Coral man faces grand theft charges after police say he scanned discount barcodes for high-priced Lego sets at Walmart self-checkout over three months, stealing more than $1,300.

Tuesday, May 5, 2026

Cape Coral Man Arrested in $2,500 Ramen Noodle Barcode Scam

A 67-year-old Cape Coral man faces theft charges after police say he scanned cheap ramen noodle barcodes while bagging expensive groceries at a Publix self-checkout, stealing $2,500 in items over five months.

Tuesday, May 5, 2026

Cape Coral Wins Tree City of the World for Second Year

Cape Coral received the 2025 Tree City of the World designation, its second consecutive honor from the Arbor Day Foundation.

Tuesday, May 5, 2026

House Cleaner Accused of Stealing from Clients Over Nine Months

Cape Coral police arrested a 59-year-old house cleaner accused of stealing cash and jewelry from clients over nine months.

Tuesday, May 5, 2026

Cape Coral Police Issue 96 Citations in Six-Hour Distracted Driving Crackdown

Cape Coral Police issued 96 citations during a six-hour distracted driving enforcement operation on May 15, with 36 distracted driving violations among the citations issued.

Tuesday, May 5, 2026

Cape Coral Police Issue 87 Citations in Six-Hour Speed Enforcement Operation

Cape Coral Police issued 87 citations during a six-hour enforcement operation targeting speeding and aggressive driving on May 18.

Tuesday, May 5, 2026

Cape Coral Police Issue 67 Citations During Impaired Driving Operation

Cape Coral Police issued 67 citations during a May 28 impaired driving crackdown, stopping 76 drivers and making five arrests over eight hours.

Tuesday, May 5, 2026

Cape Coral Police Make 5 Arrests in Impaired Driving Crackdown

Cape Coral Police arrested five drivers and issued 67 citations during a May 28 impaired driving enforcement operation.

Tuesday, May 5, 2026

Cape Coral Police Make 5 Arrests in Impaired Driving Operation

Cape Coral police issued 67 citations and made five arrests during an eight-hour impaired driving operation May 28.

Tuesday, May 5, 2026

Cape Coral Police Make 5 Arrests in Impaired Driving Sweep

Cape Coral police arrested five drivers and issued 67 citations during a nighttime impaired driving enforcement operation on May 28.

Tuesday, May 5, 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 5, 2026

Cape Coral Police Issue 110 Citations in Six-Hour Traffic Crackdown

Cape Coral Police issued 110 citations during a six-hour traffic enforcement operation on June 2, focusing on speeding and aggressive driving.

Tuesday, May 5, 2026

Cape Coral Police Charge 19-Year-Old With Sexual Battery, Extortion

Cape Coral police arrested a 19-year-old on sexual battery and extortion charges after a girl reported he coerced explicit photos from her online, then sexually assaulted her in a parking lot.

Tuesday, May 5, 2026

LCEC Hardens Power Grid Ahead of Storm Season

Lee County Electric Cooperative has spent three years reinforcing its power grid and preparing emergency response procedures for the 2026 hurricane season.

Tuesday, May 5, 2026

Man Arrested for Burglary While Heading to Court on Prior Burglary Charge

A Cape Coral man en route to court for a prior burglary charge was arrested after attempting to break into a residential RV. Police also found methamphetamine in his backpack.

Tuesday, May 5, 2026

Fort Myers City Employees Raise $25,764 for United Way

Fort Myers city employees raised $25,764 for United Way during the organization's annual campaign, part of more than $400,000 contributed by city staff over three decades.

Tuesday, May 5, 2026

Cape Coral Youth Council Names Five Excellence Award Winners

The Cape Coral Youth Council honored five local high school students with its 2026 Excellence Awards across arts, athletics, civic engagement, and leadership.

Tuesday, May 5, 2026

Fort Myers Fire Department Marks 122 Years Serving 102,000 Residents

The Fort Myers Fire Department has protected the city since 1901 and now serves 102,000 residents across eight stations.

Tuesday, May 5, 2026

Fort Myers Plans July 4th Celebration, Earns Top Bond Rating

Fort Myers celebrates America's 250th birthday July 3-4 with a free downtown event. The city earned an A+ bond rating for its financial stewardship.

Tuesday, May 5, 2026

Downtown Fort Myers Celebrates America's 250th With Two Days of Music, Art and Fireworks

Downtown Fort Myers celebrates America's 250th birthday July 3-4 with free concerts, an art walk featuring 60+ artists, and a fireworks and drone show.

Tuesday, May 5, 2026

Lee County's New Elections Supervisor Outlines 2026 Primary Deadlines

Lee County residents must register to vote by July 20 for the 2026 primary. Vote-by-mail ballot requests are due August 6.

Tuesday, May 5, 2026

State Rep. Jenna Persons-Mulicka Brings Law Degree, Deep Roots to District 78

State Rep. Jenna Persons-Mulicka, a Fort Myers native and lawyer, has chaired two House subcommittees since her 2020 election to District 78.

Tuesday, May 5, 2026

Division of Professional Standards Oversees Department Development

Fort Myers' Office of Professional Standards manages professional development, training, and accreditation for the department, ensuring high operational standards.

Tuesday, May 5, 2026

Fort Myers Fire Department Trains Personnel in Emergency Medical Services

Fort Myers firefighters complete rigorous annual medical training through the department's Division of Emergency Medical Services and Health & Safety, established in 2021.

Tuesday, May 5, 2026

Fort Myers Fire Department Administration Oversees Budget, Personnel, Long-Range Planning

Fort Myers Fire Department Administration manages budgets, personnel, and long-range planning for the department's facilities and operations.

Tuesday, May 5, 2026