Author | Lightnews

Gulf Coast News @gulfcoastnewsnow.bsky.social · 4h

Babcock Ranch Eco-Tours offers an informative tour-guide-led drive through the swamp, and you never know what animal you might see next. More:https://www.gulfcoastnewsnow.com/article/gulfcoasting-swamp-buggy-babcock-ranch-eco-tours/69164395

Gulf Coast News @gulfcoastnewsnow.bsky.social · 7h

A man is accused of stealing a brand-new 2026 white Hyundai Palisade from the Enterprise car rental lot at the Punta Gorda Airport. More: https://www.gulfcoastnewsnow.com/article/man-arrested-for-stealing-suv-from-punta-gorda-airport-rental-lot/69159465

Gulf Coast News @gulfcoastnewsnow.bsky.social · 7h

The first of two cold fronts moves into the Gulf Coast Monday night.

Two cold fronts set to move through SWFL this week

The first of two cold fronts moves into the Gulf Coast Monday night.

www.gulfcoastnewsnow.com

Gulf Coast News @gulfcoastnewsnow.bsky.social · 8h

Category 5 Hurricane Melissa nears Jamaica. More: https://www.gulfcoastnewsnow.com/article/hurricane-melissa-track-forecast-cat5-jamaica-florida-1761554481/69161485

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Gulf Coast News @gulfcoastnewsnow.bsky.social · 8h

Hurricane Melissa reaches Category 5 strength as it nears Jamaica.: MORE: https://www.gulfcoastnewsnow.com/article/hurricane-melissa-track-forecast-cat5-jamaica-florida-1761554481/69161485

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Gulf Coast News @gulfcoastnewsnow.bsky.social · 11h

The hurricane will bring a life-threatening rain, wind and flooding threat to Jamaica and parts of Hispaniola.

Hurricane Melissa expected to make landfall in Jamaica late Monday or early Tuesday

The hurricane will bring a life-threatening rain, wind and flooding threat to Jamaica and parts of Hispaniola.

www.gulfcoastnewsnow.com

Gulf Coast News @gulfcoastnewsnow.bsky.social · 18h

A 54-year-old man was arrested for stealing a Hyundai SUV from the Enterprise car rental lot at Punta Gorda Airport, with deputies locating him driving the vehicle on Tamiami Trail.

Man arrested for stealing SUV from Punta Gorda Airport rental lot

A 54-year-old man was arrested for stealing a Hyundai SUV from the Enterprise car rental lot at Punta Gorda Airport, with deputies locating him driving the vehicle on Tamiami Trail.

www.gulfcoastnewsnow.com

Gulf Coast News @gulfcoastnewsnow.bsky.social · 1d

Sunday's forecast has some slight changes compared to the weather we've seen over the last few days.

Above-average temperatures and low rain chances on tap for Sunday

Parts of the Gulf Coast could see a little rain this afternoon and evening.

www.gulfcoastnewsnow.com

Gulf Coast News @gulfcoastnewsnow.bsky.social · 1d

The storm reached hurricane status 2 p.m. Saturday and strengthened from a Category 1 to a Category 4 in that time. It is forecasted to continue intensifying and reach Category 5 strength early this week.

Hurricane Melissa rapidly intensifies into a Category 4 storm

The hurricane will bring significant rain, wind and a flooding threat to the eastern Caribbean.

www.gulfcoastnewsnow.com

Gulf Coast News @gulfcoastnewsnow.bsky.social · 1d

Volunteers continue to recover debris in the mangroves of Estero Bay for the 24th annual Monofilament Madness event hosted by Keep Lee County Beautiful, highlighting the ongoing impact of the storm on local waterways and wildlife.

Volunteers clean up Estero Bay for 24th annual Monofilament Madness event

Volunteers continue to recover debris in the mangroves of Estero Bay for the 24th annual Monofilament Madness event hosted by Keep Lee County Beautiful, highlighting the ongoing impact of the storm on local waterways and wildlife.

www.gulfcoastnewsnow.com

Gulf Coast News @gulfcoastnewsnow.bsky.social · 1d

A bicyclist was killed in a crash with a vehicle on Evans Avenue in Fort Myers Saturday, according to the Fort Myers Police Department.

Bicyclist dead after crash on Evans Ave in Fort Myers Saturday

A bicyclist was killed in a crash with a vehicle on Evans Avenue in Fort Myers Saturday, according to the Fort Myers Police Department.

www.gulfcoastnewsnow.com

Gulf Coast News @gulfcoastnewsnow.bsky.social · 1d

Expect breezy conditions through Saturday evening with wind gusts maxing out at 29 mph. The breezes could help spark a few isolated pockets of rain, but most of us will stay dry.

Forecast: Warm, windy weather this weekend

Rain chances remain low, but temperatures will be high for this time of year.

www.gulfcoastnewsnow.com

Gulf Coast News @gulfcoastnewsnow.bsky.social · 2d

Hurricane Melissa has formed in the Caribbean Sea, and it is expected to reach major hurricane status Sunday. More: https://www.gulfcoastnewsnow.com/article/hurricane-melissa-track-forecast-jamaica-caribbean/69154452

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Gulf Coast News @gulfcoastnewsnow.bsky.social · 2d

Hurricane Melissa has formed in the Caribbean Sea Saturday afternoon, and it is expected to become a major hurricane on Sunday.

Hurricane Melissa forms in the Caribbean

The hurricane will bring a significant rain, wind and flooding threat to the eastern Caribbean.

www.gulfcoastnewsnow.com

Gulf Coast News @gulfcoastnewsnow.bsky.social · 2d

Tropical Storm Melissa is expected to become a hurricane on Saturday. More: https://www.gulfcoastnewsnow.com/article/hurricane-melissa-forecast-jamaica-caribbean/69153400

Gulf Coast News @gulfcoastnewsnow.bsky.social · 2d

This weekend will consist of above-average temperatures and breezy winds across the Gulf Coast. Our average high for Saturday is 85 degrees, but the forecast for most of the Gulf Coast peaks in the upper 80s this afternoon.

Warm and breezy conditions stick around for the weekend

Rain chances remain low, but temperatures remain high for this time of year.

www.gulfcoastnewsnow.com

Gulf Coast News @gulfcoastnewsnow.bsky.social · 2d

Because of Melissa's expected movement, a hurricane warning was issued for Jamaica and a hurricane watch is active for portions of Haiti.

Tropical Storm Melissa expected to become a hurricane later today

The storm will bring a significant rain, wind and flooding threat to the eastern Caribbean.

www.gulfcoastnewsnow.com

Gulf Coast News @gulfcoastnewsnow.bsky.social · 2d

Five suspects are accused of cashing over $20,000 in fake checks, defrauding local businesses Hamsher Homes and Palmer Revocable Trust in Charlotte and Sarasota counties.

Five suspects accused of cashing $20K worth of fake checks in Charlotte County

Five suspects are accused of cashing over $20,000 in fake checks, defrauding local businesses Hamsher Homes and Palmer Revocable Trust in Charlotte and Sarasota counties.

www.gulfcoastnewsnow.com

Gulf Coast News @gulfcoastnewsnow.bsky.social · 2d

Friday night will feature mostly dry and comfortable weather for the Gulf Coast. With drier air around, our temperatures will be allowed to cool down to the upper 60s inland and near 70 degrees west of Interstate 75.

Pleasant & dry conditions continue for the Gulf Coast, breezy weekend ahead

Expect mostly dry weather and lower humidity on Friday night for Southwest Florida.

www.gulfcoastnewsnow.com

Gulf Coast News @gulfcoastnewsnow.bsky.social · 3d

We're nearing the end of the regular season for high school football in Southwest Florida, and Gulf Coast Gridiron is here to preview games coming up in week 10 of the season. MORE: https://www.gulfcoastnewsnow.com/article/football-high-school-charlotte-lee-collier-sports/69132691

Gulf Coast News @gulfcoastnewsnow.bsky.social · 3d

20 years later, Hurricane Wilma still marks the lowest pressure for an Atlantic storm. Here's what that means.

Gulf Coast News @gulfcoastnewsnow.bsky.social · 3d

A man is accused of raping a woman he met at Paddywagon Irish Pub in Port Charlotte.

Port Charlotte man accused of rape and strangulation after meeting woman at local pub

A man is accused of raping a woman he met at Paddywagon Irish Pub in Port Charlotte.

www.gulfcoastnewsnow.com

Gulf Coast News @gulfcoastnewsnow.bsky.social · 3d

Austin Staiano is accused of attacking a Lee County Sheriff's Office K-9 while fleeing deputies who found him hiding under a trailer home along Laurel Lane in North Fort Myers. MORE:https://www.gulfcoastnewsnow.com/article/wanted-man-attack-lee-county-sheriffs-office-k-9/69139401

Gulf Coast News @gulfcoastnewsnow.bsky.social · 4d

Drier air will also make it feel comfortable Thursday night. Lows will once again drop below the 70-degree mark, and many locations will see lows in the upper 60s.

Comfortable & dry weather expected for many across the Gulf Coast

Expect mostly dry and comfortable weather for Southwest Florida on Thursday night.

www.gulfcoastnewsnow.com

Gulf Coast News @gulfcoastnewsnow.bsky.social · 4d

A Port Charlotte woman is accused of stealing over $1,000 worth of groceries from a Publix store over the course of a month. More: https://www.gulfcoastnewsnow.com/article/port-charlotte-woman-steals-groceries-publix/69131594