Search is on for cobra that slithered out of Ocala home

OCALA, Fla. (AP) – Police and wildlife officials are searching for a tan and yellow monocle cobra that apparently escaped from a home. A man was shadowing the snake’s owner so he could get a license to handle poisonous or venomous reptiles and snakes, the Ocala Star-Banner reports. He was at the home late Monday […]

Competition to bring BBQ to Fort Myers Beach

FORT MYERS BEACH, Fla. Barbecue lovers can enjoy brisket, pulled pork ribs, and wings at the Sixth Annual Smokin’ in the Mangroves competition. The event takes place from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday in Santini Marina Plaza on 7225 Estero Boulevard. Admission is free. For more information, visit the event’s website.

Missing Englewood 1-month-old found

ENGLEWOOD, Fla. A missing Englewood 1-month-old was found safe and in good health Tuesday, the Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office said. Ashlynn Vanorman was found in St. James City and put in the care of the Department of Children and Families, according to the sheriff’s office. She was found in the company of Andrew Hall and Stephanie […]

Fort Myers man convicted in counterfeit DVD ring

FORT MYERS, Fla. A Fort Myers man was convicted of selling at least $600,000 in counterfeit DVDs, the Justice Department said Tuesday. Jason Sanon, 30, bought movies and TV box sets from a source in China and resold them for a profit, according to testimony. The same Chinese source funneled more than $2.4 million in […]

Crash closes State Road 72 near Arcadia

ARCADIA, Fla. A crash blocked State Road 72 in both directions at County Road 769, a DeSoto County official said. The wreck took place shortly before noon Tuesday. It’s unclear if anyone was hurt. No further information was immediately available.

Collier brush fire 90 percent contained

GOLDEN GATE ESTATES, Fla. The fire that burned approximately 7,230 acres in the Picayune Strand State Forest and destroyed four homes is 90 percent contained, the Florida Forest Service said. Firefighters will work to advance the containment rate and remove any dead trees that could serve as kindling for future hotspots, according to a state […]

Investigation underway for 2 Collier brush fires

NAPLES, Fla. Two brush fires that burned more than 4 acres in Collier County were contained Monday, the Florida Forest Service said. Children sparked a fire near the intersection of Golden Gate Boulevard and Fourth Street Southeast, a state forest service official said. It’s not entirely clear whether any of the children were harmed. The […]

House catches fire in Charlotte County

PORT CHARLOTTE, Fla. A home caught fire Tuesday morning near Cochran Boulevard, a Charlotte County Fire and Emergency Medical Services official said. The blaze began just at around 8:40 a.m. and was extinguished just after 9:30 a.m., according to officials. Smoke and flames could be seen billowing from the residence on 2070 Backton St. Firefighters didn’t […]