News
Income-eligible homeowners seeking assistance to repair, replace or reconstruct property that was damaged by Hurricane Helene and/or Milton have until March 31 to file applications to LeeCares before the application portal closes. To access the portal and review program guidelines visit www.leeflcares.com. Individuals may also call 239-382-5453 or visit the LeeCares Intake Center, from 9 a.m.…
The Town of Fort Myers Beach is pleased to share an update regarding plans for the upcoming Fourth of July fireworks celebration, which will also serve as a meaningful opportunity to commemorate the nation’s 250th anniversary. The fireworks deposit has been generously donated by the organization What’s Up FMB, a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, and…
The Frank G. Daveler Entrepreneurship Institute at Florida SouthWestern State College (FSW) and Collaboratory (Southwest Florida Community Foundation) have partnered to launch the Fundamentals of Social Venturing Digital Badge. This program bridges the gap between academic training and the specialized skills required for social entrepreneurship. The program features 11 interconnected block achievements integrated into three…
FEMA announced more than $480 million in federal funding to support more than 500 disaster recovery projects statewide in Florida. These local and state-managed projects include $180 million for rebuilding or restoring critical infrastructure and public facilities, more than $136.6 million for emergency measures to protect life and property and $66.3 million for clearing debris from public roads. Some notable announcements include: Nearly $83.9 million for permanent…
Everpath Partners (Everpath) and Cogent Bank (Cogent) announce a strategic agreement and minority growth equity investment that brings together Cogent’s full-service commercial banking platform and Everpath’s expertise in middle-market mergers and acquisitions advisory and private capital solutions. This partnership expands both firms’ abilities to serve middle-market and emerging growth companies throughout the United States. As part of the agreement, Cogent has made a minority growth equity investment…
After being chosen as the only county in Florida to conduct a property fraud prevention pilot program, Lee County Clerk and Comptroller Kevin Karnes is proud to announce the program is complete and a legislative report outlining the pilot’s overview, successes, challenges, and further recommendations has been compiled and sent to state leaders. The two-year…
Five Southwest Florida businesses are among the list of distinguished companies that will be hailed as global innovators during the 2026 Edison Awards, an international competition that culminates in April with a celebratory event in Fort Myers. The Edison Awards released its 2026 finalists on Jan. 20, noting the winners are a “curated collective of…
Avelo Airlines announced today that it is extending its Central Florida flight schedule through Aug. 18, 2026. Avelo Airlines Head of Commercial Trevor Yealy said, “It’s time to start planning summer travel, and we are excited to extend Avelo’s Central Florida flight schedule through August 2026. With Avelo’s affordable fares and industry-leading reliability, it’s the perfect…
The Leadership Collier Foundation, an affiliate of the Greater Naples Chamber, is excited to announce applications are now open for the 2027 class. Leadership Collier is a transformational community leadership experience for both participants and the organizations they lead. Through hands-on experiences and exclusive behind-the-scenes sessions, participants fully explore local government, education, economic development, the…
Junior Achievement of Southwest Florida announced Cheryl Kunkle will join as its CEO and President. With more than 23 years of experience, Kunkle is a seasoned leader in strategic growth and mission impact, recognized for building high-performing teams and securing impactful corporate alliances with mission-driven organizations. “We are excited to welcome Cheryl to lead Junior…