Lee County

Ozzie and Harriet made the nest their home every year from fall to spring beginning in 2006. After Ozzie died in 2015. Harriet bonded with M15. Online cameras have watched the nest for 12 years

The first round of federal assistance was announced Oct. 24 to provide outreach, emergency shelter, rapid rehousing and other assistance. However, Collier and Lee counties have yet to specify plans for their shares.

Florida is a magnet for retirees — not just for those who can afford exclusive gated communities, but also for those on fixed incomes. Now, many face a wrenching reality: rebuilding is not an option.

The Florida Department of Health reports 28 cases and six deaths in Lee County from vibrio vulnificus, a bacterial infection that thrives in warm, brackish water.

In 2010 the Southwest Florida county changed from a ‘Just in Case’ to a ‘Just in Time’ protocol for emergency management to avoid “over-evacuation.” The protocol was followed — with potentially deadly consequences.

The assistance is available in Charlotte, Collier, DeSoto, Hardee, Lee, and Sarasota counties, those hardest hit by Hurricane Ian

Hundreds of Lee County residents remain in a shelter more than three weeks after Hurricane Ian swept through the region. Some are hopeful of getting jobs and places to live, but those who were homeless before Ian face an even tougher recovery.

At San Carlos Park Elementary, Gov. Ron DeSantis announced $2 million has been awarded to support local education foundations in six school districts hardest hit by the storm.

As public schools in Lee County begin reopening this week for the first time since Hurricane Ian, the district’s counseling and mental health services teams are working to help students and staff reintegrate.

Gov. Ron DeSantis issued an executive order that makes it easier for voters in Sarasota, Charlotte and Lee counties to cast ballots in next month’s midterm election.

Lee County Sheriff Carmine Marceno says those found guilty of looting will be "charged to the fullest extent.”

As Hurricane Ian tore through Lee County, some of the evacuees fled to Palm Beach County. They discuss their decision to leave, their gratitude toward those who helped them here — and what they found when they returned home.