Mold Remediation in Lehigh Acres, FL

Follow all of the latest news and developments in Lee County for Hurricane Milton, a powerful hurricane that is forecast to impact Southwest Florida in a variety of ways, including storm surge, flooding debris and widespread power outages.

Be informed:Sign up for text message updates and crucial information on Hurricane Milton

Our team of journalists, reporters, photographers, videographers and editors are providing urgent updates to help residents of the region prepare for the storm. Mandatory evacuations have been ordered in coastal communities like Fort Myers Beach, Marco Island and Sanibel Island. Shelters are open in Lee and Collier counties.

AIRPORT:No flights will be operating at Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW) on Wednesday, Oct. 9 and Thursday, Oct. 10. The short-term parking garage is full.

SCHOOLS: Both Lee and Collier County schools are closed through Friday, Oct. 11 due to Hurricane Milton.

Here are some helpful links:

EVACUATION ZONES FOR LEE COUNTY: Find out where yours his HERE.

FLOOD ZONES IN LEE COUNTY: Find out where you flood zone is HERE.

WEATHER: Go HERE for Lee County weather watches, warnings and advisories.

POWER OUTAGES: LCEC power map is HERE

POWER OUTAGES: FPL's tracker is HERE

Lee County shelters

These shelters Lee County shelters are available for residents in Evacuation Zones A and B, as well as those in mobile and manufactured homes under the mandatory evacuation order. More than 500 people were sheltering at Hertz Arena Tuesday, with a total of 1,651 residents now across all open shelters in the county.

READ the full story from Mickenzie Hannon HERE.

What's happening on Sanibel Island?

Stuff’s getting real for Sanibel, as the island city evacuates before Hurricane Milton.

Deadline for everyone to be off the island was 10 p.m. Tuesday, said City Manager Dana Souza.

That’s also when a curfew goes into effect, Souza said, and will remain until further notice. Anyone on or trying to get on the island after that by vehicle or by boat could be arrested, he said.

Mayor Richard Johnson was emphatic: “It is not time to be a hero,” said Johnson. “It’s not time to try to stand against the storm surge that’s coming,” Johnson said. “Get everything you can out of the way of the water, especially yourself, your family and your pets.”

READ the full story by Amy Williams HERE.

What's happening on Fort Myers Beach?

Fort Myers Beach announced evacuations and declared a state of emergency on as Hurricane Milton bore down on Estero Island. It’s the fifth such order since 2022 when Hurricane Ian smashed the town, which is still in recovery mode.

Councilors met Sunday afternoon to discuss the storm, which is expected to arrive as a dangerous Category 3. In cooperation with Lee County, said Town Manager Andy Hyatt, residents should have been off the island by 3 p.m. Tuesday.

READ the full story by Amy Williams HERE.

What's happening on Cape Coral?

From reporter Kate Cimini:

Tuesday the city of Cape Coral reminded residents of the measures it has taken to ensure they are still informed, even if the internet, cell towers or electricity go out.

One, look for signs outside every fire station, the city announced. These will indicate when you can get crucial updates about Hurricane Milton. If power and cell service go out, head to the nearest fire station for the latest information.

Two, tune your hand crank radio into B 103.9 for daily updates from the city during the storm.

Finally, before Milton makes landfall, sign up for AlertLee to receive emergency updates straight to your phone, and follow the city of Cape Coral on social media for real-time information.

30 Photos: What's happening in downtown Fort Myers

What's happening in Bonita Springs?

From reporter Laura Layden:

The city of Bonita Springs encourages residents living near the Imperial River and canals to continue monitoring water levels. The level of the Imperial River is currently at 10.73 feet. To check water levels, click here.

In other news, Bonita Springs Utilities has been working to prepare its water supply system for Hurricane Milton's effects. It reports that its supply system is performing well, and it's prepared to weather storm conditions, while continuing to provide water to residents. Residents are reminded to limit water use to ease stress on sewer operations and to help prevent backups or spills. Here are some tips:

•Keep toilet flushing to a minimum

•Abstain from running dishwashers and clothes washers

•Limit the amount of water used during a shower or the amount to fill your bathtub

Boil water notices will be posted on the following web page: https://bsu.us/service-alerts/.

Two Lehigh Acres man faces federal charges after separate indictments accuse them of COVID relief fraud.

United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg on Tuesday announced the return of an indictment charging Thakur Sukhdeo, 38, with wire fraud and illegal monetary transactions. If convicted, Sukhdeo faces a maximum penalty of 30 years in federal prison for each wire fraud count and up to 10 years in federal prison for each illegal monetary transaction count.

Handberg also announced the arrest of Lester John Parker Jr., 55, on a 15-count indictment related to his alleged involvement in a multi-million-dollar COVID-19 relief fraud scheme.

What is Thakur Sukhdeo accused of?

Court officials said the indictment notifies Sukhdeo that the United States intends for him to forfeit a 2018 Jaguar F-Pace, a 2020 GMC Sierra 3500 HD and $414,000 in proceed related to the alleged misuse of COVID relief funds.

According to the indictment, beginning in approximately July 2021, Sukhdeo schemed to defraud the Small Business Administration by misrepresenting the use of Economic Injury Disaster Loans in documents.

Officials said Sukhdeo's false representations caused the SBA to fund a $414,000 loan for his company, J.R. Handyman Pro's LLC. Instead of using the proceeds for working capital, officials said, Sukhdeo used the funds for unauthorized purposes and for his own personal enrichment and the enrichment of others.

Authorities said this included the purchase of a luxury car for $68,984.61 and a pickup for $93,994.42.

The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act is a federal law enacted March 2020 designed to provide emergency financial assistance to millions of Americans who have suffered the economic effects resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic.

One source of relief provided by the CARES Act was the expansion of an existing disaster-related program, the EIDL Program. The EIDL program was designed to provide economic relief to small businesses experiencing a loss of revenue due to the pandemic, according to the Department of Justice. Proceeds can cover an array of working capital and normal operating expenses, such as continuation of health care benefits, rent, utilities, and fixed debt payments.

More SWFL COVID fraudCape Coral man, 44, sentenced to 2 years in federal prison for COVID fraud

Another SWFL caseAppeals court upholds convictions for Fort Myers man in COVID relief fraud case

What is Lester John Parker Jr. accused of?

Court officials said Parker’s charges include one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud; five counts of wire fraud; one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering; one count of access device fraud; four counts of aggravated identity theft; and three counts of engaging in monetary transactions in criminally derived property.

If convicted, Parker faces up to 20 years in federal prison for each count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, wire fraud, and conspiracy to commit money laundering. He also faces up to 10 years’ imprisonment for each count of access device fraud and engaging in monetary transactions in criminally derived property, while the aggravated identity theft counts carry a mandatory penalty of two years in federal prison consecutive to any other penalties imposed.

According to the indictment and court records, between 2020 and 2021, Parker devised a scheme to defraud the Small Business Administration and various SBA-approved lenders by submitting fraudulent Paycheck Protection Program loan applications, which included forged bank statements and IRS records.

The PPP loans were one of the sources of economic relief provided by the CARES Act.

Court officials said Parker has been linked to dozens of fraudulent PPP loan applications, which resulted in more than $3 million in fraudulent loan payouts in 2020 and 2021.

Tomas Rodriguez is a Breaking/Live News Reporter for the Naples Daily News and The News-Press. You can reach Tomas at TRodriguez@gannett.com or 772-333-5501. Connect with him on Threads @tomasfrobeltran, Instagram @tomasfrobeltran and Facebook @tomasrodrigueznews.

Lee County is bracing for impact from Hurricane Milton. Milton strengthened into a major, Category hurricane on Monday (Oct. 7). Landfall is still predicted to be somewhere along Florida's west coast from North of Tampa to around Fort Myers.. The expectations are there will be significant storm surge in coastal areas, wind, rain and along with it flooding and power outages throughout the region.

This is continues to be developing story and our reporters and photographers are providing coverage from different locations in Lee County today, contributing the latest updates on the forecast, evacuations, shelters and supplies and what you need to know.

EVACUATION ZONES FOR LEE COUNTY: Find out where yours his HERE.

FLOOD ZONES IN LEE COUNTY: Find out where you flood zone is HERE.

WATCHING THE TROPICS: Here's the latest information on Hurricane Milton's track.

Helpful links

WEATHER: Go HERE for Lee County weather watches, warnings and advisories | FORECAST: Go HERE for latest forecast from AccuWeather | POWER OUTAGES: LCEC power map is HERE | POWER OUTAGES: FPL's tracker is HERE | POWER OUTAGES: HERE for United States power outage tracker | AIRPORT: RSW's flight tracker for delays, cancellations

Collaboratory is opening the Hurricane Milton Relief Fund

From Laura Layden:

In preparation for Hurricane Milton, Collaboratory is opening the Hurricane Milton Relief Fund to collectively help Southwest Florida rebuild. The fund supports nonprofits helping people and areas of most pressing need in the five-county region. Donors can contribute at collaboratory.org.

“There is only one way through this disaster, and that is working together,” said Dawn Belamarich, president and CEO of Collaboratory. “I am grateful for the spirit of collaboration that we share with the hundreds of nonprofits that are responding tirelessly to the many needs of hundreds of thousands of our fellow residents.”

Contributions are tax deductible.

The scene at RSW this morning

Airport spokesperson Victoria Moreland at RSW: "We are open until the last flight arrives tonight unless conditions change. Some airlines though have cancelled flights."

City of Fort Myers offering free parking

From reporter Amy WIlliams:

Free hurricane parking in downtown Fort MyersDowntown garages in the city of Fort Myers will offer free parking starting Tuesday at 8 a.m.City of Palms, Main Street, and the Luminary Hotel garages will have the entrance/exit equipment removed and are available to the public for free.If you're driving a vehicle with lithium batteries, please park on higher levels to avoid potential water intrusion.

Army Corps addresses Lake Okeechobee releases

Lake Okeechobee releases may be in our future, but the U.S. Army Corps says it won’t send water out of the lake before Hurricane Milton passes Florida.

In prior years, the Army Corps would sometimes release water from the lake to make room for anticipated rainfall.

That strategy changed this year with the adoption of new set of lake management protocols.

The surface of the lake was at 15.6 feet above sea level Monday, according to South Florida Water Management District records.

The Caloosahatchee River is one of the main ways the Army Corps can lower the lake.

The river was artificially connected to Okeechobee about a century ago in order to drain the Everglades for farming and development.

Nowadays the Caloosahatchee is dependent upon lake water during dry times.

Supplies: Walmart link provides updates, store status

As Walmart prepares for Hurricane Milton’s landfall, you can check here for real-time updates on store/club status and community support. As customers prepare, it's aiming to make it easier for them to get what they need with its Emergency Preparedness Shoppable Lists. With these lists, customers can hit the “Add all to cart” button. Customers can also adjust the order by removing unwanted items or increasing the quantity of items in the list, based on their own needs.

Today's weather: What to expect ahead of Hurricane Milton

From reporter Chad Gillis:

Rain is in the forecast for much of the day as the National Weather Service is calling for a 70% chance of rain today.

Hurricane Milton is speeding toward the Sunshine State, and the storm is on track to be a storm of catastrophic scale by the time it makes landfall early Thursday morning.

A weak low-pressure system has made its way across South Florida the past two days, and that system is what has brought the recent rains.

Milton will bring a variety of threats, from high winds to deadly storm surge and inland flooding.

Winds will be blowing offshore all day as the storm approaches from the southwest.

RSW busy this morning as people look to leave the region

Southwest Florida International Airport warned that while it may be operating today, passengers should "look for delays and cancellations." No flights will operate Wednesday or Thursday, as previously announced.

Reporter Dustin Levy is at RSW this morning and he reports that all departing flights are full, according to RSW staff.

RSW will provide updates for operations on Friday after evaluating impact from the hurricane.

Harry Chapin Food Bank's mobile food distribution sites

From reporter Laura Layden:

Harry Chapin Food Bank will have three mobile food distribution sites open this morning to help individuals and families prepare for Hurricane Milton.

The distribution centers will be open from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. at the following locations:

A day ahead of Milton's predicted landfall: today's forecast

As Southwest Florida finalizes preparations and evacuates, weather is expected to be mild today.

Rains have been falling across the region for a few days, and there's a 50% chance of rain across the area on Tuesday, according to NWS forecasts.

The real rains will start Wednesday and continue into Thursday as Hurricane Milton makes landfall and crosses the state.

Reporter Chad Gillis breaks down the Tuesday forecast here.

After Ian, after Helene: Sanibel brace for Hurricane Milton

Stuff’s getting real for Sanibel, as the island city evacuates before Hurricane Milton.

Deadline for everyone to be off the island is 10 p.m. Tuesday, said City Manager Dana Souza.

Read Reporter Amy Williams' Sanibel report.

Monday's Hurricane Milton headlines

Poll: Will you stay, or will you go?

Photos: Fort Myers Beach residents 'here we go again'

Hurricane prep video: Time is running out

See more videos of Southwest Florida preparing for Hurricane Milton

Lee County Emergency Management urges residents to stay off roads and stay home if possible as Hurricane Helene’s inclement weather continues to impact Southwest Florida this afternoon and evening.

• If you must drive, avoid standing water, use caution at all intersections in case traffic signals are not functioning, and monitor local law enforcement social media for road information.

Lee County Government has announced it will re-open Friday after a one-day closure due to Hurricane Helene.

• Go to LeeGov.com/departments for specific office or operational information, as some may have slight adjustments in the wake of the storm.

Lee County Solid Waste’s haulers will resume collection of trash, yard waste and recycling Friday.

• Regular household collections are delayed by one day for the remainder of the week. Today’s collections will be picked up Friday, and Friday’s collections will be picked up Saturday. Collections will resume as normal on Monday, Sept. 30.

• All Lee County disposal facilities will be open regular hours on Friday and extended hours on Saturday.

The Department of Community Development asks that any unincorporated Lee County Residents with water intrusion in their homes, or those residing in the Special Flood Hazard Area with wind damage, send an email to FIRMinfo@leegov.com for assistance with permit requirements and resources.

• Residents also can visit LeeGov.com for information.

The Lee County Emergency Operations Center (EOC) remains activated, and county staff and partners continue to work closely with state and federal partners, including the Florida Division of Emergency Management, the National Weather Service and the National Hurricane Center.

• To view the county’s Hurricane Helene update from noon today, go to YouTube.

The EOC is fully staffed today at a Level 2, with nearly all seats filled in Plans and Operations. Public Safety partners, including fire and law enforcement, are coordinating on any response issues that arise due to the strong winds. The Department of Transportation (DOT), Natural Resources and Utilities are pre-positioning crews to respond to impacts once the storm passes.

The EOC is working with FPL and LCEC to monitor power issues across the community.

• Residents who use generators should place generators at least 20 feet from doors and windows and should keep the exhaust pointed away from homes.

Members of the community should continue to take action to stay informed:

• Monitor reputable local media outlets, the National Weather Service-Tampa, and the National Hurricane Center.

• Follow Lee County Government and Lee County Public Safety on social media, including Facebook, YouTube, X and LinkedIn.

• Sign up for AlertLee and download the LeePrepares app from Google Play or the App Store.

• Visit LeeGov.com/Storm.

To receive updates from Lee County Government, sign up for the newsletter HERE. Follow Lee County Government on Facebook.

Source: Lee County Government

Lehigh News

When Rose was diagnosed with breast cancer in March, the hairdresser went through a list of treatments.

“Medicine has taken so much from me,” said Rose. “I have been at a point where I feel like it’s my last moment.”

Although the medicine made her cancer-free, she now battles severe blood clots.

“This is something that can creep up on you in the middle of the night and take your life,” said Rose.

Her blood thinners help keep the clots at bay. She said she can’t afford to miss a dosage, or it could cost her her life.

When Rose picked up her prescription at a Walgreens off Homestead Road North in Lehigh Acres Wednesday afternoon, everything seemed routine until she popped the cap.

“The label is correct, the paperwork is correct, but there is a different medication in the bottle completely,” said Rose.

It’s not a hard difference to spot.

According to her prescription receipt, the blood thinner medication should have been an off-white capsule.

“I open the bottle and I pour one in my hand, and I had like this triangular tablet. And I thought, ‘Well, that’s strange,'” said Rose.

So, she went to ask the pharmacist.

“I set it all down. And I’m like, ‘This pill is not what belongs in this bottle.’ And he’s like, “Oh yeah, that’s a sugar pill. That’s not the right one. Let me get that for you.” And he walks to the back like it’s no big deal,” said Rose.

WINK News reached out to Walgreens, and a spokesperson for the company sent the following statement:

“Had I not paid attention, I would have taken this medication, and God only knows what could have happened the next day,” said Rose. “When you get into the situation where somebody else has the potential of taking your life just based on a medication… it’s terrifying!”

Rose told WINK News she has filed complaints with Florida Health and Walgreens, but nobody has contacted her yet.

The Walgreens spokesperson who gave WINK News that earlier statement says they are looking into this.

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