Naples News! What just happened in Collier County, FL

(new)  Connie Mack meets with supporters at Coconut Point Mall -
Congressman Connie Mack is drumming up support for his Senate run. The Republican is kick-starting his campaign to unseat Democratic Senator Bill Nelson.

[congressman connie mack]


Edited by More Naples local news today at 04:24 am GMT

(new)  Collier Judge Turner files for re-election -
Turner served as Assistant State Attorney in the 20th Judicial Circuit from 1974 to 1977. He entered private practice until 1983 when he was appointed to the Collier County Court.

[assistant state attorney]

(local)
Edited by More Naples local news today at 03:13 am GMT

(new)  One of a kind jet boat set to launch out of Tin City -
Its a one of a kind vessel. Its the first of its kind in North America and its right here in southwest Florida.

[kind vessel]


Edited by More Naples local news today at 03:02 am GMT

(new)  Former President George W. Bush talks about presidency, faith at Naples summit -
The 43rd president of the United States was just one of several notable speakers on Friday at the annual Legatus summit, which is being held at The Ritz-Carlton, Naples beachfront resort off Vanderbilt Beach

[ritz carlton naples]

(local)
Edited by More Naples local news today at 12:15 am GMT

(new)  Gaming bills demise isnt stopping developers of FM casino -
Plans to turn Florida into an East Coast gambling destination are on hold. A bill aimed at expanding gaming resorts in the state died in the House today.

[gambling destination]


Edited by More Naples local news yesterday at 11:33 pm GMT

(new)  City of Cape and firefighters finally reach an agreement -
The Cape Coral Professional Firefighters have released a statement summarizing the concessions made in negotiations between themselves and the City of Cape Coral.

[city of cape coral]


Edited by More Naples local news yesterday at 11:19 pm GMT

(new)  House approves Florida water pollution rules -
Legislation that would clear the path for a pair of state water pollution rules supported by business, agriculture and utility interests won approval Friday from the Florida House. Some environmental groups, though, say the rules are too weak and prefer tougher federal standards.

[pollution rules]

(environment)
Edited by More Naples local news yesterday at 10:29 pm GMT

(new)  Killers life sentence stands -
Chad Moreland asked a judge to revoke his guilty plea in a Lee County courtroom.

[guilty plea]


Edited by More Naples local news yesterday at 09:52 pm GMT

(new)  Hundreds of Miami girls camp out to get glimpse of Justin Bieber -
Pop sensation Justin Bieber is in Miami-Dade and hundreds of teenage girls camped outside The Hit Factory recording studio in North Miami Beach.

[north miami beach]

(entertainment/news)
Edited by More Naples local news yesterday at 09:11 pm GMT

(new)  AL, GA and FL team up to promote Move Over laws -
Concerned with the safety of law enforcement officers who have pulled over to the side of the road, Alabama, Florida and Georgia are teaming up to promote so-called "Move Over" laws that require motorists give police more space.

[motorists]


Edited by More Naples local news yesterday at 08:43 pm GMT

(new)  Lorenzo is Taking on the Paradise Coast with "One Woman, One Cat" -

Lorenzo The Cat at the Hilton Naples Hotel

LorenzoTheCat is the talk of the town tonight in Naples & Marco Island at the "One Woman, One Cat" exhibit opening tonight at The Marco Island Center for the Arts Le Petite Gallery.

I first became a fan & follower of Lorenzo The Cat & his mom-lady, journalist  Joann Biondi when they chose the Hilton Naples Hotel as Lorenzos lair-on-location a few weeks back. JoNell Modys, public relations and communications manager from our local CVB, introduced Lorenzo and his mom-lady to our hotel when they came over to scout out photo locations in the Naples area. Our team was stunned at the amount of publicity Lorenzo had garnered with 18,158 Fans on Facebook and close to 4,000 followers on Twitter. 

Lorenzos mom-lady has given him the voice that appeals to cat and animal lovers from all over the globe who love to post their own pics and share stories.  Lorenzos main claim to fame has been his affinity to wear stylish clothes and his mom-lady who likes to photograph him in his dapper digs.  The stories and peoples obvious infatuation with Lorenzo make it compelling, light-hearted content to lift ones spirits.

The art gallery showing of Joanns Lorenzo-related fine art photography will be featured this weeknd at the Marco Island Center for the Arts. A donated Lorenzo print will be auctioned off for the local For The Love Of Cats rescue organization.  Info about the exhibit can be found at http://www.marcoislandart.org/ or by calling 239-394-4221

Keep up with Lorenzos antics and read all about Lorenzos beginnings:
http://twitter.com/lorenzothecat
https://www.facebook.com/lorenzothecat#!/pages/LorenzoTheCat/180201188453
http://lorenzothecat.wordpress.com/


Associated Press story from Aug. 2010: http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/38857101/ns/today-today_pets_and_animals/t/meet-lorenzo-cat-complete-clotheshorse/

USA Today story from June 2010: http://www.usatoday.com/life/lifestyle/pets/2010-06-23-pettalk23_ST_N.htm

[joann biondi]


Edited by More Naples local news yesterday at 08:25 pm GMT

(new)  Deputies: 2 busted in undercover crack cocaine deal -
Two East Naples men are accused of selling crack cocaine to undercover deputies on numerous occasions. Jakhari Durden, 22, and Jonathon Wright, 19, of the 3100 block of U.S. 41 East were arrested Thursday by Collier deputies at home.

[east naples]

(business/legal)
Edited by More Naples local news yesterday at 08:16 pm GMT

(new)  Letter to the Editor: Over the bridge -
When we built our home on the dream location her back in 1978, we became accustomed to heading up to the big box hardware and garden places in Naples for things not available on Marco.During the past months we have had occasions to use local merchants for these things and we are very pleased.The service, attitude ... outstanding. The variety of items stocked is substantial.

[service attitude]

(opinion/letters)
Edited by More Naples local news yesterday at 08:07 pm GMT

(new)  Letter to the Editor: A way forward: How a grassroots selection process here on Marco Island can work? -
Any substantive, worthwhile change takes hard work and common vision. But the way forward is pretty simple: a citizen-run, candidate selection process built on the 3 principles of voter education and involvement, accountability, and removing special-interest money from the process. Using these, we can restore citizen control to a non-responsive government.

[citizen control]

(opinion/letters)
Edited by More Naples local news yesterday at 08:04 pm GMT

(new)  House passes Fla. legislative, congressional maps -
Florida legislative and congressional redistricting maps have cleared the state House.

[congressional redistricting]


Edited by More Naples local news yesterday at 08:01 pm GMT

(new)  Lee detectives: I-75 traffic stop reveals identity theft tax scheme -
A traffic stop on Interstate 75 on Wednesday ended with two people arrested, accused of stealing the identity of 100 people to commit tax fraud.

[tax fraud]

(bonita_news)
Edited by More Naples local news yesterday at 07:44 pm GMT

(new)  Suspicious woman leads police to fugitive -
A New Hampshire man wanted by police on child sex assault charges is in custody after a woman in Florida used an Internet search engine to check up on him.

[sex assault charges]


Edited by More Naples local news yesterday at 07:20 pm GMT

(new)  Man guilty of killing store clerk wants to retract his plea -
The man who plead guilty to killing a convenience store clerk now wants to take his plea back. But a judge said no.

[convenience store clerk]


Edited by More Naples local news yesterday at 06:34 pm GMT

(new)  Artists flock to Fort Myers for major art event -
ArtFest Fort Myers runs Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is free.

[artfest fort myers]


Edited by More Naples local news yesterday at 06:19 pm GMT

(new)  Car crashes into house in Pt. Charlotte -
A vehicle has crashed into a house at 22099 Hernando Ave. in Port Charlotte.

[port charlotte]


Edited by More Naples local news yesterday at 05:50 pm GMT

(new)  Beasley profits up more than 26 percent -
Beasley Broadcast Group Inc. saw its profits rise more than 26 percent last year.

[beasley broadcast group inc]

(/)
Edited by More Naples local news yesterday at 03:49 pm GMT

(new)  Fla. House blocks casino bill -
Florida lawmakers are rejecting a plan to bring three major casinos to South Florida.

[florida lawmakers]


Edited by More Naples local news yesterday at 03:46 pm GMT

(new)  CCSO arrests 2 for burglary; weapons and coins stolen -
Charlotte County Sheriffs detectives Thursday arrested a man and a woman for burglary to an Englewood East home on Klamath Falls Avenue.

[klamath falls]


Edited by More Naples local news yesterday at 03:34 pm GMT

(new)  Islander crafts knitted hats for local agencies -
Marco Islander Sandy Boy is a soft dynamo of a woman with the pixyish smile and twinkle in her eye. Her passion is caps. Her goal: nit a cap for every migrant child and cancer patient.

[migrant child]

(lifestyles/features)
Edited by More Naples local news yesterday at 03:01 pm GMT

(new)  Open wide: Pets need proper dental care too -
Doggie breath is no joke. It may be the first symptom that could lead to a more serious health problem. The American Veterinary Dental Society says more than 80 percent of dogs and 70 percent of cats develop gum disease by age 3. February is Pet Dental Health Month, and was established to raise awareness of the importance of a good dental health for pets.

[dental health month]

(lifestyles/features)
Edited by More Naples local news yesterday at 02:59 pm GMT

(new)  CHURCH LADY: Annual Prayer Breakfast marks a special occasion for Islanders -
It will be a time of patriotism, prayer and heart, as participants celebrate their first amendment right at the 29th annual Marco Island Prayer Breakfast on Marco Island. Local clergy will offer prayers during the event which will take place, drum roll please on Valentines Day.

[prayer breakfast]

(lifestyles/features)
Edited by More Naples local news yesterday at 02:55 pm GMT

(new)  Jury says PETA breached confidentiality agreement that resulted in Lee deputy losing job -
A federal jury has agreed People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals breached a confidentiality agreement with a Lee County Sheriff's deputy who lost his job after confirming a tip that a K9 officer was abusing his dog.

[lee county sheriff]

(business/legal)
Edited by More Naples local news yesterday at 02:00 pm GMT

(new)  Ethnic festivals recreate native lands with dance, stories, food, music -
The next few weekends, you have a little United Nations of ethnic festivals to choose from, girdling the globe to bring the culture, cuisine and performances of far-off lands to a venue in Naples.

[ethnic festivals]

(eating)
Edited by More Naples local news yesterday at 09:00 am GMT

(new)  Letter: What they say, do -
Beth Hamilton, Naples: When listening to the Republican candidates, they all have the same slogan -- smaller government.

[beth hamilton]

(opinion/letters-to-editor)
Edited by More Naples local news yesterday at 09:00 am GMT

(new)  Parvo cases among dogs on the rise in Lee County -
Dog lovers listen up! Parvo is on the rise in Lee County. Its a disease that can kill your pooch in a matter of hours. Veterinarians in southwest Florida say this is the worst outbreak theyve ever seen.

[southwest florida]


Edited by More Naples local news yesterday at 05:58 am GMT

(new)  Gas prices up 50 cents from last year, could rise to $4 -
The roller coaster of gas prices in recent years has Southwest Florida drivers and their wallets running on empty.

[florida drivers]


Edited by More Naples local news yesterday at 03:48 am GMT

(new)  Family of teen killed on U.S. 41 in Estero calls for traffic light, crosswalk -
The Estero High School sweethearts, who were engaged last summer, spent every afternoon together. At night theyd walk to U.S. 41 where they parted ways. That daily parting took a tragic turn Wednesday nigh

[high school sweethearts]

(killerroads)
Edited by More Naples local news yesterday at 02:34 am GMT

(new)  Fort Myers woman learns scammer puts her home up for rent -
A Fort Myers woman says her house has been on the market for years, so she was shocked to find out someone listed it for rent!

[fort myers]


Edited by More Naples local news yesterday at 02:09 am GMT

(new)  Lee-based Hope Hospice opens adult day center in North Naples -
Hope Hospice officials finally are seeing long-awaited plans come to fruition of operating an adult day program in North Naples.

[hope hospice]

(lifestyles/health-fitness)
Edited by More Naples local news yesterday at 12:50 am GMT

(new)  Trio of burglars nabbed by footprints -
Robert Brown owns MSB Auto Darts on Dalewood Drive. He came in to work a couple of weeks ago to find that someone had broken into his shop.

[darts]


Edited by More Naples local news yesterday at 12:11 am GMT

Jindal heads to Florida to talk to Catholic group -
Gov. Bobby Jindal is heading to Florida to speak to an organization for Catholic business leaders.

[bobby jindal]


Edited by More Naples local news on Feb. 2

Nelson outpacing Mack, Republicans in Senate race fundraising - (2 clicks)
Nelson, who replaced Macks father in the Senate in 2001, raised $1.23 million over a three-month period ending Dec. 31, according to campaign finance reports released this week. That was more than Mack and

[campaign finance]

(local)
Edited by More Naples local news on Feb. 2

Naples High students bank between books -
Saving for the future while saving on time are two of the biggest draws to the new Suncoast Schools Federal Credit Union student-run branch at Naples High School.

[naples high school]


Edited by More Naples local news on Feb. 2

Senate panel clears PIP fraud-fighting bill -
A Senate panel has cleared a bill aimed at cutting down the massive fraud plaguing the states personal injury protection coverage.

[personal injury protection coverage]


Edited by More Naples local news on Feb. 2

McDonalds closes longtime location at Naples mall -
Naples shoppers took it for granted that they could always get a Big Mac or a Happy Meal at the malls food court, but McDonalds closed its Coastland Center location this week after operating there for more than 25 years.

[coastland center]

(eating)
Edited by More Naples local news on Feb. 2

Local couple scammed out of thousands -
It started with a phone call and an offer of millions of dollars. A Bokeelia couple, who asked not to be identified, talked with someone who claimed to be from Publishers Clearing House, telling them they won money.

[publishers clearing house]


Edited by More Naples local news on Feb. 2

Police beat: Feb. 2, 2012 -
Collier and Lee county arrest reports and mug shots

[mug shots]

(business/legal)
Edited by More Naples local news on Feb. 2

Dueling arts events cause controversy in Ft. Myers -
Dueling arts events are creating a stir in Fort Myers. Art Fest is getting a permit from the city for its annual weekend event; Art Fair did not get a permit for this Saturday. Some are angry over that.

[creating a stir]


Edited by More Naples local news on Feb. 2

State Forest Day To Celebrate Nature, Safety -
The Collier County Sheriffs Office and the Caloosahatchee Forestry Center have teamed up to host the second annual Picayune Strand State Forest Day on Feb. 4.

The event will celebrate 76 years of Florida state forests, while promoting safety in a fun way for the entire family. Representatives from CCSO will be on hand to share safety tips with the community. Kids can enjoy pony rides, playing on a bounce house and seeing a Florida panther from the Kowiachobee Animal Preserve.

The CCSO will also conduct child fingerprinting.

Food and water will be provided by Boy Scout Troop 951, with proceeds to benefit troop activities. Parking will be at the entrance to the state forest and free shuttles to and from the event will be offered.



[florida state forests]


Edited by More Naples local news on Feb. 2

Home free: Miromar brings stores expertise forward for talks, events for five-year celebration -
The Home Design Show is underway at Miromar Design Center today and Saturday, featuring trends in home decor, furniture lines and interior design experts offering creative ways to furnish, remodel or update your home.

[interior design experts]

(lifestyles/home-garden)
Edited by More Naples local news on Feb. 2

$13k in marijuana seized in grow house bust - (3 clicks)
A 60-year-old man is facing felony charges after detectives discovered a poolside marijuana grow operation at his North Naples residence Wednesday.

[north naples]


Edited by More Naples local news on Feb. 2

Man accused of threatening girlfriend with knife, choking her at McDonalds -
A Naples man is accused of threatening his girlfriend with a knife and then later choking her at McDonalds.

[mcdonalds]

(business/legal)
Edited by More Naples local news on Feb. 2

PHOTOS: All aboard Key West Express shows off their Big Cat on sunset cruise -
The Big Cat Express, the new Key West Express catamaran offering round trips to Key West, dwarfs every other vessel at Rose Marina. At 150 feet long, and able to accommodate 300 passengers, the space between the two hulls is tall enough to take your runabout right in between and underneath. You might not even have to lower the Bimini top.So its odd, standing on the Big Cat Expresss bridge, to note what the ship it really seems too big to be just a boat doesnt have. Theres no steering wheel.

[key west express]

(business/business)
Edited by More Naples local news on Feb. 2

Gardening: Learning how to propagate plants is an exciting way to share your plants with others -
Plants can be propagated by sexual or asexual means. Sexual propagation is starting plants from seed. Multiplying of plants from vegetative plant parts such as shoots, roots and leaves or bulbs and corms is called asexual propagation.Asexual propagation will grow plants with the same characteristics as the parent plant. It is the best method of reproduction when a plant produces seeds which are difficult to germinate. The most common method of asexual propagation is from cuttings. Cuttings can be made from stems, roots and leaves. Cuttings should be taken from healthy plants and placed in a warm, humid environment to encourage root development and prevent them from drying.

[sexual propagation]

(news/columnists/eileen-ward)
Edited by More Naples local news on Feb. 2

Marco Island gears up for Super Sunday -
Marco Island residents and visitors have several important decisions to make before Super Bowl Sunday. Sports bar or house party? New England Patriots or New York Giants? And, of course, chicken wings or chili?Winn-Dixies playbook calls for frying up additional wings for its Wings Bar. Publix is kicking off game day with cakes emblazoned with the logo of your favorite team. The food and beverages fly off supermarket shelves at the same pace before the big game as they do before Thanksgiving and Christmas, according to Publix staff.

[new england patriots]

(entertainment/news)
Edited by More Naples local news on Feb. 2

Recognize anyone? Five easy pieces unite to tackle lifes hardest lessons in Island Players Im Herbert ... and Other Strangers -
If you cant find your mother, children or grandparents in Im Herbert ... and other Strangers, youre not looking hard enough.The Island Players collects five vignettes of 60s and 70s relationships and lets them take off to wherever they will. Love, sex, divorce, senility are all fair game for this performance, studded with comical scenes and heart gripping realities.

[sex divorce]

(entertainment/arts-theater)
Edited by More Naples local news on Feb. 2

City signs $39,550 contact for cul-de-sac median improvements and maintenance on Marco Island -
On Wednesday, the Beautification Advisory Committee learned the islands 302 cul-de-sac medians will see some upgrades. Tim Pinter, public works director, announced a contract with Affordable Landscaping for the cul-de-sac medians to receive clean-up maintenance twice this year. In addition, 70 cul-de-sac medians will be refurbished from the ground up.

[affordable landscaping]

(news/local)
Edited by More Naples local news on Feb. 2

Marco Island City Council defers utility rate decisions hoping $4.2 million deficit can be explained -
Consultants told Marco Islands City Council Wednesday it could consider postponing rate increases on water/sewer bills until Oct. 1. Councilors met in a special meeting to discuss a revenue sufficiency study received from Burton & Associates. During that meeting, councilors also learned that an unexplained $4.2 million deficit could require further review before any rate decisions could be made.

[rate decisions]

(news/local)
Edited by More Naples local news on Feb. 2

Estero teen killed in traffic accident -
A local 17-year-old lost her life after a traffic fatality Wednesday evening.

[traffic fatality]


Edited by More Naples local news on Feb. 2

Review: Naples Players present stirring production of "Doubt" -
The Naples Players went back to school - Catholic school - Wednesday with John Patrick Shanley drama "Doubt." Gossip, whispers, shouts, sermons, certainties, doubts and screams flash across the stage. What do we know? When do we know it? And are we ever certain of anything?

[john patrick shanley]

(entertainment/movies)
Edited by More Naples local news on Feb. 2

More charges against 3 suspects in a string of burglaries -
Charlotte County Sheriffs detectives continue their lengthy and detailed investigation into a burglary crime spree east of Punta Gorda.

[crime spree]


Edited by More Naples local news on Feb. 2

Grow House Bust In North Naples Nets $13K In Pot -
A 60-year-old man is facing felony charges after detectives discovered a poolside marijuana grow operation at his North Naples residence Wednesday.

David Scott Krause, 151 Conners Ave., was arrested and charged with manufacturing marijuana and possession of marijuana over 20 grams, both felonies. He was also charged with possession of narcotic paraphernalia, a misdemeanor.

Detectives with the Collier County Sheriffs Office Vice and Narcotics Bureau conducted a narcotics investigation at Krauses residence after receiving a tip about a possible marijuana grow operation, according to sheriffs reports.

Sheriffs reports gave this account:

Detectives walked up the driveway and immediately smelled a strong odor of raw marijuana coming from the garage. One of the garage doors was wide open and detectives could see two marijuana buds that were hanging on a string drying in plain view.

Detectives then made contact with Krauses wife, who gave detectives written and verbal permission to search the residence. Krause arrived at the residence while detectives were there.

Detectives found four marijuana plants that were growing in pots by the outdoor pool. The plants had an estimated street value of $12,000.

The search also turned up some more marijuana in a vehicle at the residence, along with 5.9 grams of suspected hashish and six marijuana pipes containing marijuana residue. The additional marijuana had an estimated street value of $1,500.

So far this year VNB detectives have shut down six marijuana grow operations in Collier County, making five arrests and uncovering a total of 124 plants with a combined estimated street value of $372,000. Five of the grow operations were inside residences and one, Krauses residence, was outside.

Detectives have also seized two firearms and $20,500 in U.S. currency in 2012.

In 2011, detectives seized a total of 447 marijuana plants with a combined estimated street value of $1.3 million from 14 marijuana grow operations. Nine were indoor grow houses and five were outdoor operations. Children were discovered in two of the indoor grow houses.

The Collier County Sheriffs Office reminds residents that public awareness about grow houses and tips from citizens have helped deputies make arrests.

There are plenty of easy-to-spot indicators that a marijuana grow house may be operating in your neighborhood, including:

• More than one air-conditioning unit in operation

• Windows and blinds that are never open

• Frequent loading and unloading of equipment, especially at night

• Toys as props, but never any children

• Gates and "Beware of Dog" signs

• Little traffic, except for odd hours, weekends and nights

Anyone who sees suspicious activity and suspects a marijuana grow house operation should call the Collier County Sheriffs Office at 239.775.TIPS, or you can make an anonymous report via the CCSO website and deputies will investigate.

To make an anonymous report, go to http://www.colliersheriff.org/, then go to the tab labeled How Do I? and click on Report a grow house or abandoned ho

[]


Edited by More Naples local news on Feb. 2

CCSO issues Silver Alert for missing, elderly man -
George J. Overton has been missing since Thursday morning.

[overton]


Edited by More Naples local news on Feb. 2

2 Ft. Myers men arrested for home invasion robbery -
Two men were arrested in Fort Myers on Wednesday for Home Invasion Robbery after hitting the victim and taking his wallet.

[home invasion]


Edited by More Naples local news on Feb. 2

New debate: When is medical marijuana "usable?" -
When police knocked on Josh Brewers door to check for marijuana, even one of the nations most liberal medical marijuana laws was put to the test.

[medical marijuana laws]


Edited by More Naples local news on Feb. 2

Fla. Senate considers taxing Internet sales -
Some Florida lawmakers want to force online retailers to collect the states sales taxes.

[florida lawmakers]


Edited by More Naples local news on Feb. 2

Logon issues preventing access to NDN eEdition this morning -
A technological issue is preventing readers from logging on to the NDN eEdition this morning.

[ndn]

(business/dailynews)
Edited by More Naples local news on Feb. 2

State Senate passes bill allowing student-led prayer in schools -
TALLAHASSEE -- The Senate on Wednesday passed a measure that will allow school districts to let students offer inspirational messages, including prayer, at school events as long as adults stay out of the way.

[inspirational messages]

(education)
Edited by More Naples local news on Feb. 2

New bill would allow South Florida casinos, slots at dog tracks -
TALLAHASSEE -- A key test for casino gambling in Florida, a House subcommittee Friday will take up a revised bill that would allow up to three resort casinos in Miami-Dade and Broward counties.

[house subcommittee]

(local)
Edited by More Naples local news on Feb. 2

FHP searches for Naples SUV owner involved in fatal hit-and-run -
Florida Highway Patrol is searching for the owner of SUV registered in Naples that was involved in a fatal hit-and-run accident in Hialeah.

[florida highway patrol]

(killerroads)
Edited by More Naples local news on Feb. 2

Estero teen hit by van, killed on U.S. 41 -
A 17-year-old Estero girl was hit by a van and killed Wednesday night on U.S. 41, just north of the Coconut Point mall, in Estero.

[coconut point mall]

(bonita_news)
Edited by More Naples local news on Feb. 2

Guest column:Kevin Gerrity ... Fire commissioners, it is time to act -
Now that we have heard loudly and clearly from the voters, via a straw poll and millage referendums, that they no longer want their taxes wasted on decentralized, inefficient, independent fire districts, can we get on with the taxpayers' business and consolidate the fire and emergency medical services (EMS) operations into one independent district within Collier County?

[emergency medical services]

(allblogs)
Edited by More Naples local news on Feb. 2

Teen struck by car in Estero dies -
A 17 year old girl has died following an accident on US 41 in Estero.

[old girl]


Edited by More Naples local news on Feb. 2

Catch of the Day: Southwest Florida anglers show off the big ones -
The Naples Daily News and naplesnews.com are showcasing fishing photos from throughout the region. Anyone can submit a photo for inclusion.

[naplesnews com]

(banner/sports)
Edited by More Naples local news on Feb. 2

Teen hit by vehicle, killed in Estero -
A 17-year-old girl was hit by a vehicle and killed Wednesday night on U.S. 41 in Estero, just north of the Coconut Point Mall.

[coconut point mall]

(killerroads)
Edited by More Naples local news on Feb. 2

Fatal shooting in Fort Myers -
Fort Myers Police are investigating a deadly shooting on Pauldo Street.

[fort myers]


Edited by More Naples local news on Feb. 2

Bonita Springs City Council to start drawing new district maps -
Bonita Springs population grew about 34 percent from 32,797 to 43,914 residents between 2000 and 2010, according to the 2010 Census. Of the citys six districts, District 6 grew the most, Bonita Spring

[bonita spring]

(bonita_news)
Edited by More Naples local news on Feb. 2

In the money: Kreegel raises most cash in cluttered field of congressional candidates -
Kreegel, a four-term Republican state legislator, has raised $157,520 and had $140,051 in the bank at years end, the Federal Election Commission reported Wednesday. Other Republican candidates Chauncey G

[federal election commission]

(local)
Edited by More Naples local news on Feb. 2

Tax referendum failures could renew consolidation talk -
The failure to approve an increased cap could mean more reductions whether it be in levels of service or staffing in fiscal 2012-13 if property values continue to decline. But proponents of consolidation

[property values]

(local)
Edited by More Naples local news on Feb. 1

Lee may institute lower impact fees on new construction -
Lee county is getting a recommendation for lower impact fees on many types of new construction. However, the cuts would be modest, and some in the building industry are disappointed, saying they want deeper cuts in fees.

[impact fees]


Edited by More Naples local news on Feb. 1

Parents,educators react to school prayer bill -
A bill that would allow prayer and other "inspirational messages" at school assemblies cleared the Florida Senate Wednesday.

[florida senate]


Edited by More Naples local news on Feb. 1

Contractors pull 35 single-family home permits in Lee County last month -
In January, contractors pulled 35 permits to build single-family homes with a total value of more than $7 million in unincorporated Lee County. That compares to 34 permits issued in January of last year and six issued in December 2011.

[lee county]

(bonita_news)
Edited by More Naples local news on Feb. 1

Tourism season returns with a vengeance in Naples -
The roads are busier for a reason. It's season, and tourism is on the rise in Southwest Florida.

[southwest florida]

(business/business)
Edited by More Naples local news on Feb. 1

DEA: sharp drop in Fla. oxycodone purchases -
A combination of tough new laws and a high-profile crackdown is chipping away at Floridas dubious distinction as the nations leading illicit source of powerful prescription painkillers for drug addicts and dealers, federal and..

[prescription painkillers]


Edited by More Naples local news on Feb. 1

Rental scam catches homeowner by surprise -
The Lee County Sheriffs Office Fraud Line recently received a phone call from a local homeowner who discovered the home she has for sale is also being advertised for rent online by a scammer looking to make a quick buck.

[lee county sheriffs office]


Edited by More Naples local news on Feb. 1

Fla. House moves ahead with $69.2 billion budget -
The Florida House is moving ahead with a $69.2 billion budget that raises college tuition and eliminates thousands of state jobs but provides more money for the states public schools.

[state jobs]


Edited by More Naples local news on Feb. 1

South Florida man adopts girlfriend in legal battle -
WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (AP) A wealthy Florida polo club founder has adopted his adult girlfriend as part of a legal battle stemming from a fatal 2010 car crash.

[west palm beach fla]

(business/legal)
Edited by More Naples local news on Feb. 1

Loud music stop ends in arrest of man on drug charges, Naples police say -
A Naples man is facing drug charges on suspicion of possessing marijuana and paraphernalia after officers say they pulled him over for loud music.

[drug charges]

(business/legal)
Edited by More Naples local news on Feb. 1

East Naples man cashed stolen checks, deputies say -
An East Naples man is accused of stealing several checks from a man's office and cashing them.

[east naples]

(business/legal)
Edited by More Naples local news on Feb. 1

Construction industry still suffering in SWFL -
New figures released Wednesday reveal another 1,200 construction workers lost their jobs in the Cape Coral-Fort Myers area last year. One of the plants that produces raw construction materials is feeling the affects.

[cape coral]


Edited by More Naples local news on Feb. 1

Tips lead FMPD to weapons and drugs -
The Fort Myers Police Department recently received information in reference to people inside a residence with handguns and rifles. Police responded to a home on South Street to investigate.

[handguns]


Edited by More Naples local news on Feb. 1

Englewood men rescued by Coastguard after boat capsizes -
Two Englewood residents are safe after being rescued by the U.S. Coast Guard approximately 13 miles west of Stump Pass, Tuesday.

[englewood residents]


Edited by More Naples local news on Feb. 1

Police beat: Feb. 1, 2012 MUG SHOTS -
Collier and Lee County arrest reports

[lee county]

(business/legal)
Edited by More Naples local news on Feb. 1

Ciao: Defending Washington, D.C. and Naples, Fla. -
Washington, D.C.: First in war, first in peace and last in the American League. For years that was the moniker given to our nations capital in recognition of the futility of both iterations of the old Washington Senators who, from the retirement of Hall of Fame pitcher Walter Johnson in the 1920s, rarely had even a glimpse of the first division in the American League (then an eight-team division), let alone a sniff of the pennant. In 1972 they were moved to Minnesota which became a winning and profitable franchise.

[washington senators]

(citizen/columnists/bill-klauber)
Edited by More Naples local news on Feb. 1

"Soul Train" creator Don Cornelius found dead in Los Angeles home -
Soul Train creator Don Cornelius was found dead in his Los Angeles home early Wednesday morning.

[don cornelius]

(entertainment/news)
Edited by More Naples local news on Feb. 1

Police in riot gear close down Occupy Miami site -
Police wearing riot gear swept through the downtown location where Occupy Miami has been entrenched for more since the fall, making at least one arrest.

[riot gear]


Edited by More Naples local news on Feb. 1

Romney says GOP fight strengthens him for fall -
Barreling out of Florida with money and momentum on his side, Republican presidential front-runner Mitt Romney said Wednesday that the bare-knuckled nomination fight thus far has toughened him up for contests to come...

[nomination]


Edited by More Naples local news on Feb. 1

Fla. House GOP wont hike state worker premiums -
Thousands of state workers as well as legislators and Gov. Rick Scott may get to keep a perk that keeps their health insurance premiums low for the coming year.

[health insurance premiums]


Edited by More Naples local news on Feb. 1

Money $marts: The global warming energy follies -
Global warming, also known as climate change, is the theory that the earth is warming rapidly (in relative historical terms) due to the growing concentration of atmospheric greenhouse gases emanating from mankinds burning of fossil fuels coal and oil in particular for energy.

[atmospheric greenhouse gases]

(citizen/business)
Edited by More Naples local news on Feb. 1

Editorials: Voters issue few surprises, give orders for consolidation -
Southwest Florida voters went with what they know — even Mitt Romney, who they backed for the GOP presidential nomination four years ago — but not with their fire districts where tax cap hikes were concerned.

[presidential nomination]

(opinion/editorial)
Edited by More Naples local news on Feb. 1

FYI-Food: Feb. 1, 2012 -
Weekly news briefs for foodies in Southwest Florida.

[southwest florida]

(neapolitan)
Edited by More Naples local news on Feb. 1

In the Know: When are Randys Shrimp, Docs Pizza and Handels ice cream opening? -
This weeks local Q&A column tackles the comings and goings of area restaurants.

[comings and goings]

(news/columnists/in-the-know)
Edited by More Naples local news on Feb. 1

Editorial Cartoons: Feb. 1, 2012 -
Check out the editorial cartoons from recent events and people in the news.

[editorial cartoons]

(opinion/editorial)
Edited by More Naples local news on Feb. 1

Guest column: Sister Patricia Roche ... Do we really need Catholic schools? -
As the newly appointed principal of St. John Neumann Catholic High School, I would like to share with you the many reasons why the institution of Catholic educaiton in our community enhances the fabric of society for us.

[st john neumann]

(allblogs)
Edited by More Naples local news on Feb. 1

Guest essay: Robert E. Dimond ... Chorus of the Everglades, a joyful noise to lovers of barbershop singing. -
There is a new sound in town, and the music emanating from the Chorus of the Everglades is a joyful noise indeed to lovers of barbershop singing.

[joyful noise]

(allblogs)
Edited by More Naples local news on Feb. 1