Featured Government & Politics
How Do Voters Choose a Judge?
By Vera Bergermann, Candidate for 20th Judicial Circuit Court, Group 19 Primary elections often have low voter turnout, and many...
Caloosa 80 Hearings Reset as Alva Prepares
Submitted by Concerned Citizens for Lee County | Special to EastLeeNews.com ALVA – Public hearings for the Caloosa 80 proposal...
My Vision for Lee County
A Conversation About Growth, Infrastructure, Conservation and Accountability By Amanda Cochran | Candidate for Lee County Commission, District 5 Lee...
Ola Hawatmeh Is Prepared to Represent District 19
EDITORIAL ENDORSEMENT | By Katrina Salokar, Editor and Publisher of the East Lee County News, The ROAR Florida’s 19th Congressional...
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More Than 100 Trials Prepared Me for the Bench
By Mike Colombo | Candidate for Lee County Court Judge, Group 5 I decided to seek this office because I believe my legal experience, courtroom background, and life experience have prepared me to serve. During more than two decades as a trial attorney, I have completed more than 100 trials...
LeeGOP Chair Calls for an End to Political Smears
By Mercedes Price-Harry, Chairwoman of the Lee County GOP Executive Committee | LeeGOP.org As Chairwoman of the Lee County Republican Executive Committee, I am calling on voters and candidates to reject the growing use of attack ads, negative mailers and online smear tactics in our local elections. These practices have...
East Lee County News Endorses India Palencia for Lee County School Board, District 6
East Lee County News, The ROAR, endorses India Palencia for Lee County School Board, District 6, the countywide at-large seat. Palencia has demonstrated persistence, firsthand involvement and a willingness to ask difficult questions about school safety, district spending and accountability. Her advocacy began when she successfully pushed to have a...
Lee GOP Hosts Candidate Forum at Florida SouthWestern State College
The Lee County Republican Executive Committee and the Ethical Campaign & Accountability Initiative hosted a well-attended candidate forum at Florida SouthWestern State College, drawing engaged voters for an afternoon of discussion, debates, and meet-and-greet opportunities. Republican candidates for Congress, the Florida Legislature, Lee County Commission, School Board, mayoral races, and...
Vote Informed August 18, 2026
Ahead of the August 18, 2026 primary election, the League of Women Voters of Lee County, inc. offers the nonpartisan voter education tool VOTE411.org. This “one-stop shop” for election information provides Lee County voters with information on where candidates stand on issues and tools to help navigate the voting process. VOTE411 provides...
City of LaBelle Continues Environmental Cleanup Following Wastewater DischargeÂ
The City of LaBelle continues its coordinated response and environmental cleanup efforts following the recent wastewater discharge into a nearby drainage ditch. City crews remain actively engaged in remediation efforts and are currently pumping water from the affected drainage ditch. As part of the cleanup process, the affected water has...
Commentary: Progress Is Measured by Every Child
East Lee County News endorses Carline Saintilus for Lee County School Board, District 5. Saintilus is a Christian businesswoman and community advocate who has demonstrated a commitment to the families and neighborhoods of eastern Lee County. We believe her emphasis on student achievement, accountability, responsible spending, school safety and equal...
Lee GOP Chair Urges Voters to Join August Primary
By Mercedes Price-Harry | Lee GOP Chair As Chair of the Lee County Republican Party, I am reaching out to everyone, especially conservative minority voters, independents, and women who may not always participate in elections or who have not traditionally supported Republican candidates. With important elections just months away, including...
Editors Choice
On the Ground at Sebring: Racing, Innovation, and Human Spirit
By: Katrina Salokar | East Lee County News On May 16, 2025, I visited Sebring International Raceway on the first day of an exciting weekend-long
Frustrated and 50: The Dating Dilemma in Southwest Florida
By: Katrina Salokar | East Lee County News If you’re over 50 (even over 40), single, and living in Southwest Florida, you’re not alone—but you
Hung Up on Snags
Submitted by The Coccoloba Chapter of the Florida Native Plant Society  When The Coccoloba Chapter of the Florida Native Plant Society began managing River Oaks
Readying Your Pets For Hurricane Season In Florida
By: Dr. Veja Tillman, DVM | Owner of Just 4 Pets Veterinary Wellness Center Hurricane season in Florida runs from June 1 to November 30,
Preserving What’s Left: Real Options for Landowners
By: James Kennedy | East Lee County News In the May 2025 edition, I wrote about the importance of growing what matters here in East
COMMUNITY CONCERT ASSOCIATION ANNOUNCES 2026 SEASON; TICKETS NOW ON SALE FOR FIVE CLASSICAL PERFORMANCES
Internationally-acclaimed performers from around the world will headline the five concerts planned for 2026 by the Fort Myers Community Concert Association. Tickets are now on
