Gulf Coast News

Floyd Stuck, 41, was arrested after Lee County deputies said he kidnapped a woman and took her across the country for three weeks. Stuck was taken into custody after a pursuit in Collier County. https://www.gulfcoastnewsnow.com/article/lee-county-kidnapping-sheriff-arrest-collier/71492304 

Adam Cannon, a UPS driver, rushed into a burning home in Cape Coral on Wednesday to save a woman after he heard her cries for help. MORE: http://www.gulfcoastnewsnow.com/article/house-fire-rescue-ups-driver-cape-coral-florida/71498003 

Jason Drew went "Gulfcoasting" at Aroma Joe's in Cape Coral to preview the new dirty sodas being added to the menu. More: https://www.gulfcoastnewsnow.com/article/aroma-joes-cape-coral-dirty-soda-summer-drink/71496062 

Floyd Stuck, 41, is accused of kidnapping a Lee County woman and driving her across the country for three weeks, reportedly claiming that they were going to fly to New York to visit family. MORE: https://www.gulfcoastnewsnow.com/article/lee-county-kidnapping-sheriff-arrest-collier/71492304 

Gulf Coast meteorologist Jim Dickey is here with a quick update on the tropics 🌀

The Lee County Sheriff's Office is conducting an investigation in the 200 block of West 13th Street in Lehigh Acres after deputies said two people died in a shooting. More: https://www.gulfcoastnewsnow.com/article/lee-county-deputies-scene-200-block-w-13th-st-lehigh-acres/71484753 

Cape Coral BMX will be sending 14 riders to Australia in July to represent Southwest Florida in the UCI BMX World Championships. More: https://www.gulfcoastnewsnow.com/article/bmx-uci-world-championships-australia-florida/71483897 

A 19-year-old Estero High School student was arrested on charges of extortion and sexual assault after a teen reported he forced her to perform oral sex in a parked car at a Cape Coral Target in 2024. https://www.gulfcoastnewsnow.com/article/estero-student-blackmail-teen-snapchat-florida/71487733 

In November, Florida voters will decide whether to cut property taxes that many of you pay across the state. Cities like Cape Coral have big concerns about what those cuts might do to city budgets. https://www.gulfcoastnewsnow.com/article/property-tax-cut-budget-service-cape-coral-florida/71487327 

New 911 calls reveal more about a shooting outside a McDonald's in Cape Coral as police are still searching for the shooter. More: https://www.gulfcoastnewsnow.com/article/shooting-mcdonalds-pine-island-road-cape-coral/71487012 

Jason Drew went "Gulfcoasting" in Cape Coral to spotlight the excitement surrounding the South Cape Run Club’s second annual Global Running Day 5K. More: http://www.gulfcoastnewsnow.com/article/south-cape-coral-global-running-day-5k/71483290 

The Everblades are inching closer to Game 1 of the Kelly Cup Final, and as they await their opponent, they're crediting the success so far to all of Blades Nation. More: https://www.gulfcoastnewsnow.com/article/florida-everblades-kelly-cup-echl-wheeling-nailers/71463339 

City leaders in Bonita Springs and Naples are discussing new rules for e-bikes and scooters as safety concerns and pedestrian conflicts continue to grow. More: https://www.gulfcoastnewsnow.com/article/bonita-springs-naples-ebike-scooter-regulations/71479034 

The Lee and Charlotte County Sheriff's Offices announced that an arrest has been made following a joint investigation into a woman's body that was found in the Peace River in March. More: https://www.gulfcoastnewsnow.com/article/lee-charlotte-sheriff-news-conference-death-investigation/71482201 

A new Florida law is focused on streamlining building permits for certain home improvement projects. The law will take effect on July 1. MORE: http://www.gulfcoastnewsnow.com/article/florida-law-building-permit-process-cape-coral-homeowners/71482619 

Shawn Haines of North Fort Myers has been reunited with 13 of her stolen garden gnomes after deputies arrested a man in connection with the theft. More: https://www.gulfcoastnewsnow.com/article/gnomes-return-theft-man-arrest-fort-myers-florida/71476677 

As a belated Memorial Day tribute, the Fort Myers Mighty Mussels welcomed five Gold Star families to Hammond Stadium before a game against the Jupiter Hammerheads. More: https://www.gulfcoastnewsnow.com/article/fort-myers-mighty-mussels-gold-star-memorial-day/71475307 

A man was arrested Monday after Lee County deputies said they received a tip that he made concerning calls to Rep. Byron Donalds' office in Cape Coral. More: https://www.gulfcoastnewsnow.com/article/byron-donalds-office-threat-arrest-daniel-eberly/71471809 

Cape Coral parents are pushing for new sidewalks along Skyline Boulevard to improve safety for students walking to nearby schools as city leaders consider a state-funded design grant. More: https://www.gulfcoastnewsnow.com/article/strategic-petroleum-reserve-hits-low/71470187 

People living and working in downtown Punta Gorda are wondering when the new traffic light will be active at the intersection of US-41 and Retta Esplanade after multiple crashes in the last month. https://www.gulfcoastnewsnow.com/article/us-41-intersection-traffic-light-crash-punta-gorda/71474749 

Wednesday and Thursday are Gulf Coast Weather Impact Days as a weak late-season cold front barges in. Rain from the front will start to spread into the area with waves of rain continuing both days. https://www.gulfcoastnewsnow.com/article/widespread-rain-gulf-coast-forecast-cape-coral/71471415 

Sanibel city leaders are approving a $278,000 contract with Stantec Consulting Services to design a new fishing pier and replace the old structure damaged by Hurricane Ian. More: https://www.gulfcoastnewsnow.com/article/sanibel-pier-rebuild-hurricane-damage/71470482 

Wednesday and Thursday are Gulf Coast Weather Impact Days as rounds of soaking rain will wash through the area ⚠️🌧️ Gulf Coast Meteorologist Jim Dickey is here with an update.

Crews are working to remove the charred remains of a car from a wooded area after a fire along I-75 just south of the Tuckers Grade exit in Charlotte County. More: https://www.gulfcoastnewsnow.com/article/fire-i-75-in-charlotte-county-car/71467805 

A fire broke out along northbound I-75 in Charlotte County, just south of the Tuckers Grade exit on Tuesday morning. A car appears to be within the blaze in a wooded area. More: http://www.gulfcoastnewsnow.com/article/fire-i-75-in-charlotte-county-car/71467805 

A traffic stop on Sunday afternoon turned into an off-road chase through the woods in Suncoast Estates in Lee County, deputies said. More: https://www.gulfcoastnewsnow.com/article/arrest-off-road-deputy-chase-children-suncoast-estates/71461139 

Drivers on Burnt Store Road near the Charlotte County line will encounter construction trucks, barricades and signs for the next several months as Lee County works to improve safety on the road. More: https://www.gulfcoastnewsnow.com/article/construction-burnt-store-road-safety-cape-coral/71463978 

Charlotte County deputies are investigating a shooting at Jack and Jill's Bada Bing Adult Video on US-41 south of Tuckers Grade, where bullet holes were discovered throughout the building. More: https://www.gulfcoastnewsnow.com/article/adult-store-shooting-investigation-charlotte/71464142 

In the southern part of Estero Bay, a science experiment of sorts is now underway under the water. The idea is that clams can help seagrass – and vice versa. More: https://www.gulfcoastnewsnow.com/article/estero-bay-clam-seagrass-species-water-research-fgcu/71463019 

Michael Lee Burnsed, a 39-year-old registered sex offender, was arrested in the DeSoto County Sheriff's Office lobby after learning he had an active warrant out for his arrest. MORE: https://www.gulfcoastnewsnow.com/article/registered-sex-offender-arrest-desoto-sheriffs-office-warrant/71461996 

Jason Drew went "Gulfcoasting" as the "Stuff the Bus" school supply drive kicks off in Lee County. More: https://www.gulfcoastnewsnow.com/article/stuff-the-bus-school-supply-drive-lee-county/71461316 

Lee County deputies said a Sunday afternoon traffic stop for a driver not wearing a seatbelt and not having a visible license plate turned into an off-road chase in Suncoast Estates. MORE: https://www.gulfcoastnewsnow.com/article/arrest-off-road-deputy-chase-children-suncoast-estates/71461139 

NOAA satellite coverage on the first day of Hurricane Season shows Saharan air moving over the ocean. This is a fairly dry and stable air mass that helps limit tropical activity.

Construction has begun on a 250-foot flagpole in Cape Coral's Bernice Braden Park. The flagpole will honor America's 250th birthday and become Florida's tallest flagpole. MORE: https://www.gulfcoastnewsnow.com/article/cape-coral-construction-florida-tallest-flagpole/71459079 

Hurricane season begins Monday! Chief Meteorologist Allyson Rae has the first look at what to expect. More: https://www.gulfcoastnewsnow.com/article/hurricane-season-june-1-tropics-tracking-florida/71454411 

Collier County’s first diverging diamond interchange is now open at I-75 and Pine Ridge Road, aiming to improve traffic flow and safety while construction continues through 2027. More: https://www.gulfcoastnewsnow.com/article/collier-county-first-diverging-diamond-open-i-75-pine-ridge-road/71452746 

The Florida Everblades defeated the Wheeling Nailers in Game 5 of the Eastern Conference Finals on Saturday night by a score of 6-1. More: https://www.gulfcoastnewsnow.com/article/everblades-defeat-nailers-6-1-advance-fourth-kelly-cup-final/71451350 

A fatal crash near the Pine Ridge Road exit on southbound I-75 in Collier County is forcing drivers to detour to the new diverging diamond. More: https://www.gulfcoastnewsnow.com/article/five-injured-three-trauma-alerted-after-semi-trailer-crash-on-i-75-in-collier-county/71451918 

Gulf Coast weekend headlines: Crews closed eastbound and westbound Pine Ridge Road under I-75 Friday night. It's for the diverging diamond interchange project.

A North Fort Myers woman is seeking the return of her stolen garden gnomes after more than 25 were taken from her property, leaving her heartbroken and frustrated. More: https://www.gulfcoastnewsnow.com/article/garden-gnomes-stolen-heartbreak-florida-woman/71447945 

Charlotte County deputies investigated two bomb threats Thursday night at a Walmart and a Wawa, ultimately finding no credible threats at either location. More: https://www.gulfcoastnewsnow.com/article/investigation-walmart-murdock-cir-port-charlotte/71437607 

The David Lawrence Centers for Behavioral Health in Naples is losing a federal grant that has funded free mental health training for the past four years, but it is striving to keep the program free. https://www.gulfcoastnewsnow.com/article/mental-health-training-program-funding-loss-naples/71422735 

Deputies in Lehigh Acres arrested a man accused of abusing two dogs and assaulting his partner after months of alleged mistreatment. More: https://www.gulfcoastnewsnow.com/article/man-arrest-animal-abuse-dogs-lehigh-acres-florida/71446145 

A team from Sanibel is training for the Tunnel to Towers Foundation’s tower climb in New York, raising funds to honor the memory of September 11, 2001, and support families of fallen first responders. https://www.gulfcoastnewsnow.com/article/memorial-tower-climb-fallen-new-york-sanibel/71378151 

Cape Coral firefighters put out a fire that broke out at a home in the 4600 block of SW 6th Avenue on Friday afternoon. MORE: https://www.gulfcoastnewsnow.com/article/residents-dog-house-fire-sw-6th-ave-cape-coral/71445643 

Jason Drew went "Gulfcoasting" at Lee County Domestic Animal Services, as they offer an adoption fee discount for Take Your Pet to Work month. More: https://www.gulfcoastnewsnow.com/article/lee-county-domestic-animal-services-pets-adoption-sale/71442153 

The Cape Coral Rowing Club staged a silent protest during the opening of Tropicana Park, expressing frustration over the city council’s decision to deny its relocation to the park. More: http://www.gulfcoastnewsnow.com/article/cape-coral-rowing-club-protests-tropicana-park/71443984 

Viewer video captured the moment a car drove backward on Seagate Drive in Naples. Some have questioned the legality of the action, since the car technically drove with the flow of traffic. We break it down: http://www.gulfcoastnewsnow.com/article/video-car-drives-backward-naples-florida/71442457

Have you been waiting for something that only happens once in a blue moon? Well you don't have to wait much longer; we have one coming up on Sunday. More: https://www.gulfcoastnewsnow.com/article/what-makes-sunday-full-moon-rare-blue-moon/71442413 

Massive fireball lights Space Coast as Blue Origin New Glenn rocket explodes. Read More: https://www.gulfcoastnewsnow.com/article/blue-origin-rocket-explosion-cape-canaveral-video/71442481 

The Gulf Coast News Hurricane Special: Plan, Prepare, & Protect airs Friday night live on Gulf Coast NBC at 8 p.m. Be sure to tune in for tips on how to prepare for the upcoming hurricane season.

After leading the Bucs over the past two seasons, former FSW head basketball coach Darrin Wallace has joined FGCU's program as an assistant coach, marking his third stint with the program. https://www.gulfcoastnewsnow.com/article/fsw-basketball-darrin-wallace-fgcu-assistant-coach/71433748 

A five-mile pursuit in Collier County ended with the arrest of 32-year-old Laken Badley, who is facing charges of DUI, fleeing police and drug possession. More: https://www.gulfcoastnewsnow.com/article/chase-woman-arrest-dui-drug-collier-county/71437508 

Cape Coral police used drones, K9 units, and aerial support to track down five suspects, including three juveniles, tied to vehicle burglaries, a stolen SUV, and other crimes. https://www.gulfcoastnewsnow.com/article/crime-spree-arrests-vehicle-theft-burglaries-cape-coral/71433111 

Manufactured homeowners in Charlotte County face rising insurance costs despite Citizens Insurance announcing an 8% statewide rate decrease this year, which excluded older and manufactured homes. https://www.gulfcoastnewsnow.com/article/homeowners-insurance-manufactured-florida-citizens/71437343 

A woman in Lehigh Acres claims trash is turning her community into a dump. While the site is clear now, trash was piling up along Congress Avenue, leaving neighbors like Corey Leon fed up with the mess. https://www.gulfcoastnewsnow.com/article/trash-illegal-dumping-lehigh-acres-fight-lee/71435167 

Two people were arrested on Wednesday morning after they were accused of stealing cooking oil from restaurants throughout Charlotte County. More: https://www.gulfcoastnewsnow.com/article/cooking-oil-theft-restaurants-charlotte-florida/71435066 

Jason Drew went "Gulfcoasting" at the Luminary Hotel & Co. in downtown Fort Myers as it prepares to host Liberty & Legacy: An All‑American Dinner Series. More: https://www.gulfcoastnewsnow.com/article/luminary-hotel-liberty-legacy-american-dinner-series/71430795 

Cape Coral city leaders are seeking public input on the future of the Cape Coral Parkway widening project. MORE: https://www.gulfcoastnewsnow.com/article/cape-coral-survey-feedback-cape-coral-parkway-widening/71430615 

Despite what one model was hinting at yesterday, tropical development is NOT expected through the first week of hurricane season 🌀 Meteorologist Jim Dickey is here with an update.

A woman was arrested after a traffic stop led to a drug bust in Lee County on Tuesday afternoon. More: https://www.gulfcoastnewsnow.com/article/drug-bust-traffic-stop-arrest-us-41-lee-county/71424036 

People on the water every day say speeding in the back bay of Fort Myers Beach isn’t just dangerous for wildlife. It’s dangerous for people too. More: https://www.gulfcoastnewsnow.com/article/manatee-turtle-boat-strike-gulf-fort-myers-beach/71426378 

A change in the wind direction will influence the time of day our rain chances are highest starting May 28. Here's a look at how things change on the Gulf Coast. https://www.gulfcoastnewsnow.com/article/weather-forecast-cape-coral-punta-gorda-rain-weekend-today-southwest-florida-wednesday/71420382 

Residents in northwest Cape Coral are raising concerns about the financial strain of the Utilities Extension Project, which aims to replace well water with city water, sewer, and irrigation services. https://www.gulfcoastnewsnow.com/article/cape-coral-uep-north-3-project-design-homeowners/71425546

Fort Myers leaders are moving forward with new plans for the future of McCollum Hall after Wednesday's town meeting. More: https://www.gulfcoastnewsnow.com/article/historic-mccollum-hall-fort-myers-reopen-plans-restaurant/71424073 

Anabelle, a tiny but confident beagle, is settling in with her new family in Bonita Springs after the team at Guardians of Florida Animal Rescue rescued beagles from Ridglan Farms last month. More: https://www.gulfcoastnewsnow.com/article/ridglan-farms-beagle-rescue-bonita-springs-florida/71423686 

LSU Tigers WR Winston Watkins came back home to Southwest Florida and hosted a free youth football camp at Buckingham Park on Saturday. Watkins is preparing to suit up for the Tigers this fall. https://www.gulfcoastnewsnow.com/article/winston-watkins-football-camp-lsu-fort-myers-lee/71423734 

The Florida Everblades will continue the Eastern Conference finals in Wheeling, West Virginia, against the Nailers as they look to keep their pursuit of another Kelly Cup alive. More: https://www.gulfcoastnewsnow.com/article/florida-everblades-east-conference-final-wheeling/71409938 

Los Angeles Rams defensive back and South Florida native Kamren Kinchens returned to his home state this week with a message for students at the Guadalupe Center: success can take many different forms. https://www.gulfcoastnewsnow.com/article/kamren-kinchens-los-angeles-rams-immokalee/71413802 

A juvenile black bear climbed up a tree near Tarpon Bay Blvd in Collier County and remained in it for hours before it came down and ran across the roadway. MORE: http://www.gulfcoastnewsnow.com/article/black-bear-tree-tarpon-bay-fwc-collier-county/71423471 

Jason Drew went "Gulfcoasting" at Vybe, a new spot at Bell Tower, to enjoy some delicious food and drinks. More: https://www.gulfcoastnewsnow.com/article/vybe-bell-tower-fort-myers-restaurant-bar/71420604 

Collier County deputies and Florida Highway Patrol troopers converged along I-75 near Pine Ridge Road on Wednesday afternoon. MORE: https://www.gulfcoastnewsnow.com/article/investigation-i-75-southbound-collier-county-delays/71422501 

A father was arrested on Saturday after being accused of driving 100-plus mph on State Road 82 in Lehigh Acres with his 3-year-old child in the backseat, not wearing a seatbelt. More: https://www.gulfcoastnewsnow.com/article/lehigh-acres-father-dui-arrest-driving-speed-child/71411193 

Residents in Villas are raising concerns after several homes were targeted in a ding-dong ditch prank Monday night, with some fearing the prank could escalate into dangerous situations. More: https://www.gulfcoastnewsnow.com/article/prank-safety-ding-dong-ditch-villas-fort-myers-lee/71415613 

The Lee County Mosquito Control District is rolling out a new futuristic weapon by using a drone to drop thousands of sterilized mosquitoes in Fort Myers. More: https://www.gulfcoastnewsnow.com/article/drone-sterilized-mosquitoes-edison-ford-estates-fort-myers/71413819 

Florida lawmakers avoided a government shutdown by agreeing on a $115 billion budget that includes raises for law enforcement, education funding, and Everglades restoration. More: https://www.gulfcoastnewsnow.com/article/florida-lawmakers-finalize-budget-education-funding/71414017 

A push of tropical air will boost rain chances later this week. We'll keep you ahead of it on Gulf Coast News. More: https://www.gulfcoastnewsnow.com/article/moisture-rain-chances-tuesday-florida-forecast/71409785 

Mullock Creek Marina in south Lee County has been closed for over a year, leaving residents frustrated as Lee County has yet to provide a timeline or schedule for renovations. More: https://www.gulfcoastnewsnow.com/article/mullock-creek-marina-lee-county-closed-renovation/71414591 

The City of Cape Coral has lifted the temporary burn ban originally issued on Jan. 2, citing improving drought conditions as the reason why. More: https://www.gulfcoastnewsnow.com/article/cape-coral-lifts-burn-ban-fire-florida-drought/71409465 

A woman and her dog were rescued after their mobile home along Cherry Tree Lane in Collier County became engulfed in flames Tuesday. More: https://www.gulfcoastnewsnow.com/article/fire-dog-rescue-mobile-home-lely-florida/71412472 

Lee County deputies said Jorge Garcia, 40, was caught driving 102 mph on State Road 82 in Lehigh Acres over the weekend with his 3-year-old child not properly restrained in the backseat. MORE: https://www.gulfcoastnewsnow.com/article/lehigh-acres-father-dui-arrest-driving-speed-child/71411193 

Every year on Memorial Day, hundreds of thousands across the U.S. and abroad take part in the Murph workout, not just for pride, but for a purpose. More: http://www.gulfcoastnewsnow.com/article/swfl-locals-tribute-fallen-soldiers-memorial-day-murph-workout/71401883 

A shirtless man was caught on camera stealing mail from a business on US-41 at Ricardo Avenue. Fort Myers police are looking for the suspect. More: https://www.gulfcoastnewsnow.com/article/shirtless-man-stealing-mail-fort-myers-shopping-plaza/71403010 

On Memorial Day, Southwest Florida locals joined others across the country to participate in the "Murph" workout, paying tribute to military members killed in the line of action. More: https://www.gulfcoastnewsnow.com/article/swfl-locals-tribute-fallen-soldiers-memorial-day-murph-workout/71401883