SWFL tourism, service workers vulnerable during coronavirus crisis

Employees across the region have been whiplashed by sudden layoffs and furloughs. Here are some steps to take right away.

| 1 day ago

Coronavirus takes its toll on SWFL workforce

The people who have lost their jobs because of the coronavirus are more than just numbers in state reports. They’re real people with families to feed, bills to pay and careers that have temporarily been put on hold.

| 2 days ago

Coronavirus updates: Travel advisory for 3 states; US cases top 120K

President Trump said earlier Saturday he was considering imposing a two-week quarantine on New York and parts of New Jersey and Connecticut.

| 1 day ago

Will Florida be next coronavirus epicenter? The state doesn’t have enough tests.

Florida is seeing more coronavirus cases, but hospitals say they don't yet have the needed capacity to test people in a state filled with the elderly.

| 2 days ago

Marco Island to visitors: ‘Please stay home’

The city of Marco Island is telling visitors to stay home and to not come to the island during the coronavirus pandemic.

| 3 days ago

COVID-19: Patriots raise funds for workers

Marco Patriots are donating $50 gift cards to hospitality workers in Marco Island who recently lost their jobs. Here is how to apply.

| 4 days ago

Marco places of worship live-stream services

San Marco Catholic Church suspended mass until after Easter but Marco Lutheran Church and the Jewish Congregation will live-stream services.

| 6 days ago

Three vehicles stolen from driveways on Marco

Three luxury vehicles were stolen from driveways in Marco Island during the early hours of Wednesday morning, according to a police press release.

| 4 days ago

Marco restaurants offering takeout

The order is to "take immediate effect," and could be "terminated or amended" before or after the current May 8 time frame.

| 1 hour ago

Marco restaurants adapt during coronavirus

Marco Island restaurants are changing they way they operate after Gov. Ron DeSantis ordered crowd reductions in restaurants, bars and night clubs.

COVID-19: Marco closes city hall to public

Marco Island announced it closed city hall to the public in a two-sentence news release sent Monday evening.

| 4 days ago

Marco to replace ‘functionally obsolete’ bridge

Thousands in Marco Island every year drive or walk over an obsolete bridge built in 1967 which does not meet current road design standards.

Pharmacist: How to make your own hand sanitizer

As fear of coronavirus COVID-19 spreads across the United States, many people have started buying hand sanitizer.

See Collier County government building closures

What's closed? Here is a list of the current Collier County government building closures.

COVID-19: Marco closes its public beach access

The City of Marco Island announced it will close its public beach access until further notice starting Thursday.

COVID-19: Marco Island events canceled

City of Marco Island also canceled several events and services out of abundance of caution amid the coronavirus pandemic, said top city officials.

COVID-19: Marco declares state of emergency

City of Marco Island declared a state of emergency and canceled events to ensure the safety of residents and visitors amid the coronavirus pandemic.

| 4 days ago

March 27: COVID-19 cases increase to 85 in Collier County

We're tracking the latest numbers of confirmed COVID-19 cases in Collier County. Check back for the latest updates.

| 2 days ago

Social Scene: Newcomers have busy March

March started out as a very busy month. The Newcomers celebrated St. Patrick’s Day by participating in the Marco Island St. Patrick’s Day Parade.

| 3 days ago

Guest commentary: Thinking like epidemiologists

The past couple of weeks all of us living in Southwest Florida have experienced a massive disruption in our lives.

by Dr. Rich Blonna  | 3 days ago

3 To Do: Coloring app anyone?

Adult coloring books are available in-stores and in mobile app stores, so no need to head to the store.

| 3 days ago

March 26: COVID-19 cases increase to 66 in Lee County

We're tracking the latest numbers of confirmed COVID-19 cases in Lee County. Check back for the latest updates.

| 3 days ago

March 26: COVID-19 cases increase to 67 in Collier County

We're tracking the latest numbers of confirmed COVID-19 cases in Collier County. Check back for the latest updates.

| 3 days ago

Collier County sets emergency meeting to weigh stay at home order

Commission Chairman Burt Saunders called the meeting for 1 p.m. Friday.

| 3 days ago

COVID-19: The Marco Players announces closure

The Marco Players discontinued the season's performances as of March 17, according to a news release.

| 4 days ago

Gardening: The folly of man in the garden

Following is a satirical look at man’s environmentally unfriendly landscaping practices.

| 4 days ago

On the Hook: Fishing fun during a tough time

Can’t remember a tougher time, that we American’s have lived through, then since coronavirus appeared on the scene.

| 4 days ago

Fishingcast: SWFL, March 27-April 2

As predicted when last we met, March is going to go out as a “steamer” with p.m. temperatures tickling a full 90 degrees late afternoon.

| 4 days ago

Collier medical society says DeSantis must act with shelter in place order

The medical society also sent a letter to the Collier County Commission urging the board to ask Gov. DeSantis for local authority to issue a shelter in place option for the county.

| 4 days ago

Bookworm: A hauntingly good read

Something doesn't feel right. Things are off a little bit, or a lot. One point's out of place, another seems slightly askew.

| 5 days ago

Collier County to ask Lee County to join request to possibly close nonessential businesses

Collier commissioners expressed alarm Tuesday at the rate of new cases in Collier.

| 5 days ago

COVID-19 concerns prompt closures, changes across Collier County

Efforts to stop the spread of COVID-19 have prompted several businesses to either close or limit hours or the number of customers.

| 5 days ago

3 To Know: Wraps deadline extended, more

The Creative Wraps partners have decided to extend the deadline for submissions for the project until April 30.

| 6 days ago

3 To Do: Meditate, write letters, more

Try lying down with your eyes closed, palms up and while focusing on your breath.

| 6 days ago

Golden Gate sculptor carves new life from pain

Gilbert Sanchez wouldn’t be creating art in his backyard if it wasn’t for the accident that nearly took his life.

| 6 days ago

Horoscopes, March 24-30

Aquarius, no matter how busy your schedule may be, carve out time to take care of some financial issues that have cropped up in the last few weeks.

| 5 days ago

Celebrity Birthdays, March 24-30

I am a singer born in England on March 27, 1988. I began my career writing songs for Miley Cyrus and other artists.

| 5 days ago

This Naples man just learned he has coronavirus. Here’s what he wants others to know.

Charlie McDonald got the call Monday morning confirming he'd tested positive for COVID-19. "I was pretty calm about it."

| 6 days ago

SWFL veterinarians, banks, car dealerships still open for business

Businesses that provide needed services are staying open, but they're adding rigorous precautions to protect customers and staff.

| 6 days ago

Photos: Winterberry bridge