Fort Myers city leaders brainstorm ways to keep people downtown

FORT MYERS: The City of Fort Myers is making mega money on weekends. But mid-week, things get slow. City leaders want to make some changes to keep the party going all week long.

Deputies: Live grenade found in North Fort Myers man's car

NORTH FORT MYERS: The Lee County Bomb Squad was called to a North Fort Myers Sweetbay parking lot after a man found a live grenade in his car, according to officials with the Lee County Sheriff's Office.

Republicans turning local and state races into a referendum on Obama

By Adam C. Smith, Times Political Editor Wednesday, September 8, 2010 Glance at the website for Republican Attorney General candidate Pam Bondi and you might think she's running for Congress. "Bondi vs. Pelosi,'' it declares, promising she will "stand up to Washington." Likewise the Florida GOP TV ads almost sound like Democratic gubernatorial candidate Alex Sink must be running for office in ...

New Florida immigration chief says felons are top priority

Defiant Florida church says Koran burning to go ahead

A small Florida church shrugged off global outrage and vowed to go ahead with a Koran burning ceremony amid growing fears it will ignite a wave of Islamic rage.

Miami notebook: Hurricanes could be facing record crowd Saturday at Ohio State

Penn West Energy Trust Announces Plans for Corporate Conversion, Increases to Capital Program, and Changes to Monthly ...

CALGARY, ALBERTA--(Marketwire - Sept. 8, 2010) - (TSX:PWT.UN) (NYSE:PWE) Fueled by a deepening inventory of light oil-weighted development opportunities across western Canada, Penn West Energy Trust (" Penn West ") has been actively evolving from an income trust model and to an exploration and production model poised for sustained growth. A key area of focus for Penn West has been the large ...

USF excited about opportunity to face Florida

TAMPA — Skip Holtz relishes the opportunity to take South Florida into The Swamp for the Bulls' long-awaited shot at playing Florida. Win or lose on Saturday, the USF coach says it's just one game and won't determine whether this season is a success or failure.

USF excited about opportunity to face Florida

TAMPA — Skip Holtz relishes the opportunity to take South Florida into The Swamp for the Bulls' long-awaited shot at playing Florida. Win or lose on Saturday, the USF coach says it's just one game and won't determine whether this season is a success or failure.

Fort Myers PD mourns death of K9 officer

Flags fly at half-staff at Fort Myers PD as the department mourns the loss of one of its own.

Activities, fund-raisers planned for Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month

Just before doctors diagnosed Melanie Finley with ovarian cancer three years ago, the Fort Lauderdale woman had been experiencing bloating, discomfort, fatigue and irregular menstrual cycles.

News Wrap: Fla. Pastor Sticking to Quran-Burning Plans

Listen to the Audio In other news Wednesday, Pastor Terry Jones says he will continue with plans to burn Qurans on the anniversary on 9/11 despite opposition from around the world. In Afghanistan, hundreds flocked to the Kabul Bank to withdraw savings after two directors were forced to step down after allegations of corruption surfaced. HARI SREENIVASAN: The pastor of a small church in Florida ...

FSU-Oklahoma marks first Stoops vs. Stoops for brothers

By Brian Landman, Times Staff Writer Wednesday, September 8, 2010 TALLAHASSEE — When he finally decided to accept the job as Florida State's defensive coordinator, Mark Stoops naturally telephoned his confidante and brother Bob, the coach at Oklahoma. "I'm going to do this," he said. "That's great. Congratulations." Moments later, Bob called back. "You realize I'm not going to talk to you for a ...

Ferrari World theme park built for speed in Middle East

Back in the pre-recession go-go days, virtually every major theme park company (except Disney) and wannabe player had billion-dollar plans for the United Arab Emirates: Universal Studios, Six Flags, Legoland, SeaWorld, Busch Gardens, Warner Bros., DreamWorks and Marvel. So far, none of those parks has opened for business in the Middle East’s desert oasis playground. But [...]

Florida minister determined to hold 9/11 Quran burn

The pastor of a tiny Florida church remains defiant against worldwide criticism of his threat to burn copies of the Muslim holy book on Saturday, the ninth anniversary of 9/11.

Florida church defiant

GAINESVILLE (Florida) - A SMALL Florida church on Wednesday shrugged off a wave of global outrage and vowed to go ahead with a Quran burning ceremony, as local officials drew up plans to tamp down the protest. Condemnation rained in from top US officials, the military, the Vatican and other religious leaders, but the church refused to rethink plans to torch the Islamic holy book on the ...

Weekend Time Schedule

All Times EDT Saturday BASEBALL American League Tampa Bay at Toronto, 1:07 p.m. Minnesota at Cleveland, 7:05 p.m. Baltimore at Detroit, 7:05 p.m. Kansas City at Chicago White Sox , 7:05 p.m. N.Y. Yankees at Texas, 8:05 p.m. Seattle at L.A. Angels, 9:05 p.m. Boston at Oakland, 9:05 p.m. National League Florida at Washington, 1:05 p.m. St. Louis at Atlanta, 4:10 p.m. Philadelphia at N.Y. Mets, 4 ...

Florida football news: UF running backs address fumbling problem

With all of the attention on Mike Pouncey's struggles in the season opener, the UF running backs' fumbling problem has gone almost unnoticed.

Florida imam hopeful church will call off Koran-burning event

Imam Muhammad Musri of Orlando meets with the Rev. Terry Jones and says they found common ground in the denunciation of terrorism. Jones, however, still plans to burn the Muslim holy book. Imam Muhammad Musri, president of the Islamic Society of Central Florida in Orlando, emerged from a meeting with the Rev. Terry Jones on Wednesday hopeful that the fervently anti-Islam church leader would call ...

Florida Marlins doctor finds no structural damage in Josh Johnson's right shoulder

Florida pastor not backing down on Quran-burning

GAINESVILLE (Florida), Sept 9 — An obscure US Christian pastor whose plan to burn copies of the Koran on September 11 has sparked an international outcry said yesterday he will go ahead with the event despite warnings it will endanger American troops in Afghanistan and Iraq. Pastor Terry Jones, leader of a tiny Protestant church in Gainesville, ...

Florida pastor not backing down on Quran-burning

GAINESVILLE (Florida), Sept 9 — An obscure US Christian pastor whose plan to burn copies of the Koran on September 11 has sparked an international outcry said yesterday he will go ahead with the event despite warnings it will endanger American troops in Afghanistan and Iraq. Pastor Terry Jones, leader of a tiny Protestant church in Gainesville, ...

Florida State linebacker Robinson arrested

TALLAHASSEE — Florida State starting linebacker Mister Alexander was arrested for missing a court date for driving without a license. Alexander, who is from Texas, was arrested Tuesday for failure to appear, a spokesman for the Leon County sheriff's office said. The athlete turned himself in after learning about a warrant for his arrest. He was released on $125 bail. A court date is set for Sept ...

Seven Tampa Bay area banks cited as vulnerable to failing

By Jeff Harrington, Times Staff Writer Wednesday, September 8, 2010 Seven Tampa Bay area banks are viewed as "troubled" and most vulnerable to failing based on a new analysis from BauerFinancial. The Coral Gables financial firm rates banks every quarter on a five-star system that looks at loan losses and assets, among other financial criteria. Receiving zero out of five-stars were: Cortez ...

Three dozen children have died in hot cars so far this year in the U.S.

From New York to California, from as far north as Wisconsin to southern Florida, children are dying in hot cars at alarming rates. At least 36 children have died so far this year in the United States, with more summer weather still to come.

Hundreds show up to Fort Myers job fair

FORT MYERS : Hundreds of people attended a job fair in Fort Myers Tuesday, even though only two-dozen positions were available. But despite those tough odds, some say the fair is a sign the economy is turning around.

Florida-Based Financial Agent Pleads Guilty in Municipal Bid-Rigging Probe

A Florida-based agent for a financial products company pleaded guilty to rigging bids for investments sold to states and local governments, the sixth person to admit participating in an industrywide conspiracy to profit at taxpayer’s expense.

Florida pastor's plan to burn Muslim holy book sparks opposition across South Florida

Counter events planned across region Virgil Villata believes his son, a U.S. soldier who left last week to return to his post in Kuwait, is fighting for many things dear to our country, including a Florida pastor's rights to burn the Muslim holy book on the anniversary of the 9-11 attacks.

Florida pastor's plan to burn Muslim holy book sparks opposition across South Florida

Counter events planned across region Virgil Villata believes his son, a U.S. soldier who left last week to return to his post in Kuwait, is fighting for many things dear to our country, including a Florida pastor's rights to burn the Muslim holy book on the anniversary of the 9-11 attacks.

Homestead-Miami off 2011 IndyCar schedule

Homestead-Miami Speedway is off the 2011 Indy Racing League schedule, a decision that some of the series' top drivers are not thrilled about.

3 charged with operating prostitution business

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (WSVN) -- Three local residents faced a judge on charges related to operating a high-end prostitution business in South Florida.

Florida banks' health improves slightly

Florida's banks saw a tiny improvement in their financial health last quarter, but they're still suffering greatly from the real estate bust, a bank rating firm said Wednesday.

Florida banks' health improves slightly

Florida's banks saw a tiny improvement in their financial health last quarter, but they're still suffering greatly from the real estate bust, a bank rating firm said Wednesday.

FSU starting linebacker Mister Alexander charged with failure to appear in court

College Football: The Ultimate Ohio State Buckeyes Vs Miami Hurricanes Breakdown

Saturday, for only the second time in its 84 years of football, the University of Miami (FL) will travel to Columbus to take on Ohio State. The schools' previous meeting in Columbus was won by the Buckeyes, 10-0 in 1977. Since then, the Hurricanes and Buckeyes have squared off twice. They played in the 1999 Kickoff Classic in East Rutherford, N.J (won by Miami 23-12) and in the 2003 Fiesta ...

South Florida at Florida: Gators Look To Rebound After Shaky Start

This Saturday, the No. 6-ranked Florida Gators will host the South Florida Bulls . It is the first time these two in-state teams will square off on the football field. Florida kicked off the 2010 season with solid 34-12 win over Miami (OH). South Florida also got the season started with a win, as they easily beat Stony Brook, 59-14. If you are interested in the college football odds for this ...

Teen appears before judge

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (WSVN) -- A South Florida teen, who's no stranger to the courtroom, appeared before a judge. Jeremy Jarvis pleaded not guilty to burglary and theft charges Wednesday.

Florida pastor not backing down on Koran-burning

GAINESVILLE, Florida (Reuters) - An obscure U.S. Christian pastor whose plan to burn copies of the Koran on September 11 has sparked an international outcry said on Wednesday he will go ahead with the event despite warnings it will endanger American troops in Afghanistan and Iraq.

Miami students host 9/11 remembrance

OXFORD - Miami University students will host public conversations to commemorate 9/11 from 11 a.m.

Miami VOA and Liberty Twp. offer free arts buffet

WEST CHESTER - A Free Arts Buffet with something for the entire family will take place at the Miami University Voice of America Learning Center from noon to 4 p.m.

Acevedo is transferred to the state prison system

Disgraced former Keys schools administrator Monique Acevedo has formally entered Florida's prison system. Tuesday night, the Monroe County Sheriff's Office took Acevedo, 42, to the South Florida Reception Center in Doral. From there, she was likely transferred to the Broward Correctional Institute in Fort Lauderdale, where females are transitioned into the prison system.

USF dedicates Brookside building

The building, also known as Bass Mansion, has been part of USF since 1944. Over the years it has been used for classrooms, residences, and the university’s library.

Key Wester closes its doors

The doors to Key Wester closed abruptly Tuesday. The Florida Keys-themed seafood restaurant, which opened along Route 59 in Naperville in August 1996, was described as a labor of love on the part of restaurant owner Dick Portillo, and closing it was a "tough decision."

Key Wester closes its doors

The doors to Key Wester closed abruptly Tuesday. The Florida Keys-themed seafood restaurant, which opened along Route 59 in Naperville in August 1996, was described as a labor of love on the part of restaurant owner Dick Portillo, and closing it was a "tough decision."

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Disgraced former Keys schools administrator Monique Acevedo has formally entered Florida's prison system.

Brenner Real Estate Group Reports Three Office Leases in Melbourne, FL

South Florida - Brenner Real Estate Group, a full service commercial real estate firm based in Fort Lauderdale with offices in Melbourne, FL at 6767 N. Wickham Rd., #400, has announced three new leases.

Six Florida Students Awarded Verizon Foundation Scholarships

TAMPA, Fla., Sept. 8 /PRNewswire/ -- Paying for college just got easier for six Florida students. They are among 675 students nationwide who received scholarships for the 2010-2011 academic year through Verizon's scholarship program for the children and dependents of company employees. The students will each receive $5,000 annually toward their college expenses. The scholarship program selects ...

Fort Bend Baptist excited for Florida trip

On Thursday morning the Fort Bend Baptist Academy football team will depart on a trip even some of the state’s most noteworthy big public school programs don’t get to take.

Report issued today examines improving long-term climate forecasts

( University of Miami Rosenstiel School of Marine & Atmospheric Science ) Operational forecasting centers produce climate predictions that provide input for important decisions regarding water management, agriculture, and energy. Published today, "Assessment of Intraseasonal to Interannual Climate Prediction and Predictability," a report from the National Research Council/NAS, examines current ...

Florida pastor ignores Petraeus' warning not to burn Qurans on 9/11

ORLANDO, Fla. — The pastor of a tiny Gainesville, Fla., church refused to heed pleas Tuesday from Gen. David Petraeus, the U.S. commander in Afghanistan, and religious leaders to abandon plans to mark Saturday's anniversary of the 9/11 attacks with a bonfire fueled by 200 copies of the Quran, the Islamic holy book.