Posts by Jacob Ogles
BBB Warning: Price gouging is illegal in Florida
People often find that the cost of high-demand items and services skyrocket after a hurricane. Better Business Bureau has received reports about price gouging after Hurricanes Helene and Milton. The Florida Attorney General’s Office has initiated state price-gouging laws, which automatically go into effect during a declared state of emergency to prevent businesses from overcharging customers. Price…
Read MoreFEMA calls may come from unfamiliar phone numbers
After Floridians apply for disaster assistance, FEMA may call them to schedule an inspection of the damaged home, or to obtain more information to process the application. These calls may come from unfamiliar area codes or phone numbers. It is important to answer the call. A FEMA inspection may be required to determine whether a…
Read MoreLee County continues hosting temporary permitting offices
The Lee County Department of Community Development continues to operate temporary, remote permit offices in the county’s most affected areas. These offices have proved successful in assisting residents in unincorporated Lee County to apply for permits to repair existing buildings damaged by Hurricane Helene and Hurricane Milton. The locations are as follows: NEW – Captiva…
Read MoreHahn Loeser & Parks welcomes John Blackwell to firm
Hahn Loeser & Parks is pleased to announce that John M. Blackwell III has joined the Fort Myers office as an associate in the firm’s litigation practice area. “We are very excited to add John to our litigation team. John will provide support to our clients as they face a variety of new and unique…
Read MoreFEMA inspecting homes after Florida hurricanes
After Floridians apply for FEMA assistance following Hurricanes Milton, Helene or Debby, a home inspection may be necessary to help determine the extent of damage and whether the home is safe, sanitary and livable. Inspectors do not make decisions regarding eligibility for assistance. Information gathered during the inspection is part of several criteria used by…
Read More‘Tween Waters Island Resort & Spa reopens following Hurricane Milton
‘Tween Waters Island Resort & Spa officials reported all team members are safe, the property remains secure, and water service and power have been restored following Hurricane MIlton. The resort, which includes a marina, fuel services and numerous restaurants and amenities, has reopened. “Our top priority is always the safety and well-being of our employees,”…
Read MoreLee County resumes recycling and yard waste collection
Lee County Solid Waste resumes recycling and yard waste collection in all franchised service areas beginning Monday, Oct. 21. For yard waste, residents are asked to use containers, paper lawn and leaf bags, or place in bundles no more than 50 pounds and no more than 6 feet in length. Residents can set their vegetative…
Read MoreDisaster recovery center opens in Charlotte County
EMA has opened a disaster recovery center in Charlotte County to provide one-on-one help to Floridians affected by Hurricane Helene and Hurricane Milton. Survivors of any of the storms can visit any center. Survivors do not need to visit a center to apply for assistance. Survivors are encouraged to apply online at DisasterAssistance.gov or by downloading the FEMA App. FEMA does…
Read MoreLee County Parks & Recreation earns national accreditation in Parks and Recreation
Lee County Parks & Recreation earned its fifth-consecutive accreditation through the Commission for Accreditation of Park and Recreation Agencies and the National Recreation and Park Association. The achievement continues the department’s standing as a nationally distinguished park and recreation agency over the last 23 years. The announcement was made at the 2024 NRPA Annual Conference…
Read MoreECHO hires agriculture specialist from Kenya to lead East Africa Regional Impact Center
ECHO, a Southwest Florida-based international non-profit advocate for sustainable agriculture and food security, has hired a new director for its East Africa Regional Impact Center. Charei Munene, a leader in agroecology/ecological organic agriculture from Kenya, will succeed Erwin Kinsey in Tanzania. “We’re excited to have someone of Charei’s experience as part of our leadership team,”…
Read More