News

Fort Myers Beach receives Community Assistance Visit from FEMA

07/21/2025

Following the Town of Fort Myers Beach’s recent release from probation, it was informed of a Community Assistance Visit (CAV) from FEMA, scheduled for July 15-17. This visit was a standard part of the process as it works toward full reinstatement in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). Since receiving this notice, its team has…

Coolest housing markets? Florida has two in the top 5

07/17/2025

According to a new report from ConsumerAffairs, two of the five coolest housing markets are in Florida. Naples has the coolest housing market in the country, with 88.7% of homes selling below their listing price over a three-month period. The median time for homes to spend on the market is 67 days, and only 3.3% of homes sold above list…

LeeCares assistance still available for hurricane recovery

07/17/2025

Lee County residents that experienced home damage from Hurricanes Helene or Milton can complete a pre-application to be screened for initial eligibility for the LeeCares Program. This program may assist eligible homeowners to make necessary repairs, replace, or reconstruct damaged housing. Applications are being accepted until Dec. 31. Funded by Community Development Block Grant-Disaster Recovery…

State releases hurricane recovery update

07/15/2025

Key Messages As of July 14, more than 700 FEMA staff are on the ground in Florida to help survivors recover from Hurricanes Milton, Helene and Debby. FEMA continues to process applications, receive and manage appeals, conduct inspections and assist applicants and local officials with questions and information about recovery programs. FEMA may call Floridians…

Bank of America names Julie Schmelzle president of Southwest Florida

07/09/2025

Bank of America has named Julie Schmelzle, senior relationship manager, Global Commercial Banking, president of Bank of America Southwest Florida. She succeeds Gerri Moll, who successfully led the market since 1997 and is retiring at the end of July after 41 years with Bank of America. As president and head of the market, Schmelzle will…

Housing Alliance Receives grant to support its Housing Navigator Program

07/09/2025

 The Housing Alliance, a non-profit organization that provides information, education and advocacy for accessing and developing attainable housing solutions in Collier County, announced its affiliate HELP (Housing Education Lending Program) received a grant of $10,000 from the United Way of Collier and the Keys to support its Housing Navigator Program. With this funding HELP will be able to expand its home buyer…

Fort Myers Beach appoints Dr. Traci Kohler as Deputy Town Manager

07/09/2025

The Town of Fort Myers Beach announced the promotion of Dr. Traci Kohler to the position of Deputy Town Manager. Dr. Kohler has served with distinction as the Assistant to the Town Manager and brings with her a dynamic background in leadership, strategic planning, and community engagement. With over 30 years of experience in public…

Lloyd Roofing expands SWFL division, relocates to larger office in Fort Myers

07/07/2025

Lloyd Roofing has expanded its Southwest Florida division to accommodate a growing portfolio of commercial and residential customers across the region. The company relocated its Southwest Florida headquarters to a larger location in south Fort Myers that features 3,000 square feet of office space and 2,100 square feet of warehouse space. The new location at…

Scott Fischer Enterprises acquires Milwaukee and West Bend Harley-Davidson stores

07/07/2025

Motorsports industry leader Scott Fischer Enterprises has completed the purchase of two Harley-Davidson dealerships in Wisconsin, the home state of the Harley-Davidson Motor Company. Florida-based Scott Fischer Enterprises, which has owned Harley-Davidson stores throughout the U.S., has acquired Milwaukee Harley-Davidson and West Bend Harley-Davidson. Led by industry veterans Scott Fischer and John Greene, Scott Fischer…

Slipaway Food Truck Park & Marina announces opening weekend July 4-6

07/03/2025

Slipaway Food Truck Park & Marina announces its opening weekend as Cape Coral’s first food truck park and marina. Located at the base of the Cape Coral Bridge at 1811 Cape Coral Parkway E., the waterfront destination features 10 on-site food trucks, a full-service bar, shaded seating options, 30 boat slips, a fuel dock, Ship…