The Charlotte County Fire EMS responded to the report of a brush fire around noon. Firefighters found smoke and flames on Brig Circle south and Barge Lane in Placida.

The largest Florida black bear ever captured has been relocated.

According to the forest service, since the affected land is mostly wet and marshy, nearby homes are buffered from the flames.

Arthur Hohensee is the owner of the Gateway house that was the center of a hostage situation yesterday evening. It all ended when the house went up in flames.