News
IN THE SPOTLIGHT: JoEllen Wilson
November 20, 2025
Childhood shaped by local waters
For marine scientist JoEllen Wilson, protecting Southwest Florida’s juvenile tarpon habitats isn’t just part of the job. It carries forward a family history roote…
State Briefs
November 20, 2025
State makes Waccasassa watershed purchase
The Florida Department of Environmental Protection purchased 21,600 acres within the Waccasassa Watershed Florida Forever Project in Levy County, expand…
Letters: Thanks for donations to Humane Society
November 20, 2025
To the Editor:
The Suncoast Humane Society would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who participated in our recent pet food and cat litter donation drive. Your generosity ma…
‘They were so old, and so great’
November 20, 2025
It was like another death on Gilchrist when a Cuban laurel, or Ficus retusa, was taken down the week before last. Milton’s salt water was too much. Owners Susan and Tom Bowers estimated the trees t…
EcoWatch: The blessings of Thanksgiving
November 20, 2025
Breaking bread with the ones we love. Giving thanks to the heaven above. Sharing our bounty with those in need. The sanctity of giving is a noble creed. Returning to traditions creates ties that bin…
SW Florida Fishing: 2025 G.I.F.T. tourney is here …
November 20, 2025
BY CAPT. WILL WATERHOUSE
The 30th annual Gasparilla Island Fly Fishing Tournament is only a few days away! This year’s event will have prizes for all three of our back country slam species, redfi…
Water main break causes outage at north end of island
November 19, 2025
UPDATE: As of 1:19 p.m, according to GIBA, “all repairs are complete, and all water service has been restored”.
An accidental break by a contractor on Shore Lane has taken water service out on th…
Lee Commissioners select Cecil Pendergrass as Chairman; David Mulicka as Vice Chairman
November 18, 2025
The Lee Board of County Commissioners on Tuesday, Nov. 18 selected District 2 Commissioner Cecil Pendergrass to serve as Board Chairman for the coming year and District 3 Commissioner David Mulicka…
Recalling the Major of St. Lo, Tom Howie, a man of outstanding character
November 13, 2025
BY JIM COCHRUN
In the mid-50s, my little hometown of Naples, Fla., had a substandard school system. It was shortly after my father picked me up from school one day that my life would change forev…
Placida ramp project revised eight times for approval
November 13, 2025
On Tuesday, the Charlotte County Board of Commissioners approved several items to advance the Placida Boat Ramp renovation project.
The Nov. 12 meeting agenda included an amendment to #19-523, Ma…