Collier County

Friends of the Everglades sues Florida over ‘Alligator Alcatraz’ records

Friends of the Everglades filed suit against the Florida Division of Emergency Management, alleging the agency is withholding public records tied to the state’s Everglades immigration detention center, nicknamed “Alligator Alcatraz,” according to court records obtained by Local 10 News on Tuesday.

Florida awarded FEMA reimbursement for state-run detention facilities, including Alligator Alcatraz

A spokesperson for the Department of Homeland Security confirmed to Local 10 News Thursday that Florida did submit an application for FEMA reimbursement after building the Alligator Alcatraz immigration detention center, and on Tuesday (a day before the government shutdown), was awarded the full amount it applied for -- $608 million.

‘Alligator Alcatraz’ to stay open for now as panel pauses federal judge’s ruling

An appeals court on Thursday blocked a federal judge’s order to close Florida’s “Alligator Alcatraz” migrant detention facility.

Judge to soon decide whether ‘Alligator Alcatraz’ detainees were unlawfully kept from attorneys

While the operation of the “Alligator Alcatraz” immigration detention center in the Everglades appears to be over, a judge will soon decide whether the detainees who were kept there were unlawfully kept from their attorneys.

Efforts continue to ramp down at ‘Alligator Alcatraz’ but questions remain

Tractor trailers going in and out has become a common scene at the rural Everglades detention center dubbed ‘Alligator Alcatraz.’

Judge’s ruling against ‘Alligator Alcatraz’ detention center could affect detainee rights case

A federal judge’s order to shut down a controversial immigration detention center in the Everglades is already reverberating beyond environmental law — with another judge set to weigh how the ruling could impact a separate case over detainees’ legal rights.

Push for transparency continues as ‘Alligator Alcatraz’ fights to stay operational

It is not just immigrants, but public information that also appears to be detained within the tents of Alligator Alcatraz.

New federal lawsuit filed by ‘Alligator Alcatraz’ detainee looks to halt all new arrivals

A third federal lawsuit has been filed surrounding the temporary makeshift detention center dubbed ‘Alligator Alcatraz.’

Florida AG says state will ‘continue operating’ facility dubbed ‘Alligator Alcatraz’ despite judge ruling

The effort to reverse a judge’s ruling to shutdown ‘Alligator Alcatraz’ is ramping up.

Miami-Dade mayor calls Alligator Alcatraz ‘reckless and dangerous’ after judge’s shut down order

The days at “Alligator Alcatraz” may be numbered after a federal judge ordered the state to begin winding down operations at the detention center within two months.

Congressman on ‘Alligator Alcatraz’ tours: ‘Deliberate cruelty packaged for optics’

On Wednesday, U.S. Congressman Maxwell Frost, a Cuban-American Democrat from Central Florida, returned to the remote state-run immigration detention facility in the Everglades state officials call ‘Alligator Alcatraz.”

Civil rights attorneys mark victory for Alligator Alcatraz detainees

After a hearing in federal court on Monday in Downtown Miami, civil rights attorneys said there was more clarity about the migrant detainees’ legal recourse while held in Alligator Alcatraz, in the Florida Everglades.

Arguments to continue in Miami in federal lawsuit against Alligator Alcatraz

A federal judge in Miami will continue to hear arguments Monday over whether detainees at Florida’s temporary immigrant detention center dubbed Alligator Alcatraz have been denied their legal rights.

Mass service at ‘Alligator Alcatraz’ calls for justice for families in detention

More than a hundred people gathered outside the Everglades Detention Center, also known as “Alligator Alcatraz,” Saturday for a milestone Mass hosted by Father Frank O’Laughlin.

Federal judge will decide if ‘Alligator Alcatraz’ can remain open

Months of debate has left the future of the ICE detention facility known as ‘Alligator Alcatraz’ in the hands of a federal judge.

Hearings continue as environmental advocates push for closure of Alligator Alcatraz

The judge who ruled against new construction at the immigration detention center in the Everglades known as Alligator Alcatraz is being asked to shut down the entire camp.

Sunday prayer vigil planned outside ‘Alligator Alcatraz’ as judge halts construction

Sunday afternoon, people are planning to gather at ‘Alligator Alcatraz’ for a weekly vigil outside the immigrant detention facility.

Bear hunt proposal moves forward in Florida following fatal attack; protesters push back

Florida wildlife officials are moving forward with plans to reinstate a state-sanctioned bear hunt, a decision drawing both support and opposition in the wake of the state’s first fatal bear attack earlier this year.

Judge orders temporary halt to construction at Florida’s ‘Alligator Alcatraz’ detention center

A federal judge on Thursday ordered a temporary halt to construction of an immigration detention center — built in the middle of the Florida Everglades and dubbed “Alligator Alcatraz” — as attorneys argue whether it violates environmental laws.

Weekly vigils outside ‘Alligator Alcatraz’ begin Sunday night

Starting this week, vigils are expected to take place every Sunday outside of the Everglades detention center known as “Alligator Alcatraz.”

Environmentalists continue fight to preserve area where Everglades detention camp was built

Battle lines were drawn in federal court Wednesday as the state of Florida is trying to move a lawsuit filed by environmental groups over the migrant detention camp in the Everglades out of the Southern District.

Deportation flights from Florida’s ‘Alligator Alcatraz’ detention center have begun, DeSantis says

Gov. Ron DeSantis held a news conference Friday morning at the “Alligator Alcatraz” immigration detention facility in Collier County and said deportation flights from the remote Everglades lockup began in the past few days.

‘Alligator Alcatraz’ detainees’ families speak about poor health conditions, medical issues

A detainee held at the migrant detention facility known as “Alligator Alcatraz” is sharing details of his experience.

Environmentalists’ lawsuit to halt Alligator Alcatraz filed in wrong court, Florida official says

Florida’s top emergency official says a judge should resist a request by environmentalists to halt an immigration detention center known as Alligator Alcatraz in the middle of the Florida Everglades because it was filed in the wrong jurisdiction.

Florida environmentalists take fight against ‘Alligator Alcatraz’ to courts

Another powerful group has petitioned to join a federal lawsuit to shut down the Everglades migrant detention camp known as “Alligator Alcatraz,” given that the state has given no end date, and no assurances that this will not become a permanent facility.

Gov. DeSantis appoints Blaise Ingoglia as Florida’s new chief financial officer

Gov. Ron DeSantis on Wednesday appointed state Sen. Blaise Ingoglia as Florida’s new chief financial officer, elevating the conservative lawmaker to a powerful cabinet post that oversees state finances, insurance regulation and emergency response operations.

Questions remain over who exactly is being held at ‘Alligator Alcatraz’

Just days after lawmakers toured Alligator Alcatraz for the first time, Local 10 News is working to uncover who exactly is being detained at the facility.

Republicans tour Alligator Alcatraz and joke detainees shouted, ‘Vote Trump!’

Florida Sen. Blaise Ingoglia wore a University of Florida golf polo with an alligator icon to a guided tour of Alligator Alcatraz on Saturday in Collier County.

Demonstrators outside Alligator Alcatraz describe scene as ‘heartbreaking’ and ‘sad’

Andrew Closson was among the civilians standing outside the Alligator Alcatraz on Saturday afternoon in Collier County.

Lawmaker doesn’t think Saturday’s ‘Alligator Alcatraz’ tour will paint true picture of facility

Local 10 News heard from Florida lawmakers Friday who are suing the state for access to the “Alligator Alcatraz” migrant detention facility, just hours before they join fellow Democrats and Republicans on a tour of the controversial center.

Lawsuit filed after Florida lawmakers turned away from ‘Alligator Alcatraz’ facility

South Florida lawmakers are demanding answers about what’s happening inside a controversial migrant detention site some have dubbed “Alligator Alcatraz,” as concerns mount over the treatment of hundreds being held at the remote Everglades Detention Center.

Attorney says she was denied access to client at Alligator Alcatraz migrant detention site

Roughly 600 people are currently being detained at the migrant detention facility in South Florida known as “Alligator Alcatraz,” authorities told Local 10 News Wednesday.

Environmentalists raise concerns over latest work done at ‘Alligator Alcatraz’

Newly-released aerial photos taken over the remote airport site of the state-built migrant detention facility “Alligator Alcatraz” led environmental groups to question whether it contradicted officials’ claims that no new construction would be done at the site.

State lawmakers denied entry to ‘Alligator Alcatraz’ as first migrants arrive at Everglades facility

As the first wave of migrant detainees prepares to arrive, Florida officials are finalizing construction on what critics are now calling “Alligator Alcatraz.”

Trump to visit ‘Alligator Alcatraz’

The Federal Aviation Administration has issued what it calls a “VIP Movement Notification” for Tuesday in Ochopee, and we know the notification is specific to Air Force One.

DeSantis defends ‘Alligator Alcatraz’ as work continues on Everglades migrant facility

Florida’s familiar logistics of temporary mass housing is well underway at an old air strip in the Florida Everglades, with mass migrant detention the goal.

Florida Panther hit and killed by car on I-75; 10th death of 2025

A tenth Florida Panther has died this year.

Florida officers capture 3 black bears during probe into deaths of man and his dog

A man has died after encountering a bear in Collier County, Gulf Coast News reported Monday.

Endangered Florida panther deaths reported

Two endangered Florida panthers have died, after authorities said they were hit by vehicles.

Woman reports seeing Florida black bear killing dog before her father vanished

A man has died after encountering a bear in Collier County, Gulf Coast News reported Monday.

Miami woman busted after statewide baby formula stealing spree, deputies say

A Miami woman has been arrested after deputies say she went on a statewide stealing spree.

WILD FLORIDA: Couple gets unexpected visit from family of black bears

A southwest Florida couple got a very unexpected visit at their front door.

Everglades airboat crash victims hire attorneys, speak about incident

As an investigation is underway after an airboat collision last week, one of the injured is recalling his terrifying ordeal with Local 10 News.

Investigation underway after at least 24 were injured during Everglades airboat collision

An investigation was underway on Saturday after at least 24 people were injured when two airboats collided in the Florida Everglades grasslands.

16 hospitalized after 2 airboats collide in Ochopee

Sixteen people were hospitalized following a collision between two airboats in Collier County on Friday afternoon, according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.

Florida Humane Society looking to find furry felines their forever homes

The Florida Humane Society works to save animals in Broward and Collier counties.

Python swallows deer whole in Southwest Florida

Scientists from the Conservancy of Southwest Florida found a Burmese python who ate a full-size white-tailed deer.

Stone crab season begins Oct. 15

South Florida, it’s that time of year again. Stone crabs will be back in season beginning on Tuesday, Oct. 15.

Man admits to stealing cash while working as U.S. Customs and Border Protection officer in Florida

A 43-year-old man recently admitted to stealing from airline passengers while he worked as a U.S. Customs and Border Protection officer.

Flash flood advisory issued for parts of Broward, Miami Dade, Monroe counties

A tornado warning was issued for extreme western Broward County Wednesday morning.

New report details survivors’ escape from I-75 plane crash

A newly-released incident report details the moments before a private jet crashed on Interstate 75 near Naples, killing two pilots from Broward County, and how a flight attendant helped the survivors escape before the plane exploded.

911 calls released from I-75 plane crash that claimed lives of South Florida pilots

Collier County dispatchers were inundated with 911 calls after a private jet crashed on Interstate 75 Friday afternoon, killing two pilots from South Florida. Authorities have now released those phone calls.

Video shows moments plane crashed onto I-75

Newly released video shows the moment a plane crashed onto I-75 and burst into flames on Friday.

Homeowner describes hearing plane crash along I-75

A South Florida homeowner described what he experienced when a small plane crashed behind his home.

Pilot before fatal fiery crash on I-75 near Naples: ‘We are not going to make the runway’

A private jet crashed on Interstate 75 in Collier County Friday afternoon, bursting into flames and killing at least two people, according to authorities.

FHP: Toy-gun-toting Tamarac man leads troopers on 120+ mph chase

According to the Florida Highway Patrol, a man from South Florida led troopers on a high-speed chase on Interstate 75 on the state’s west coast Wednesday morning, ending in a PIT maneuver — and handcuffs.

Sen. Rick Scott reports criminals ‘swatted’ his home in Naples

Sen. Rick Scott reported Thursday morning that criminals attempted to “terrorize” his family by making a prank call to emergency services.

Man wins $1 million prize playing Lottery scratch-off game at Florida Publix

A Florida man turned $5 into a $1 million prize after playing the Gold Rush Doubler scratch-off game, Lottery officials confirmed this week.

Wildlife activists raced to rescue raccoon caught in jarring encounter

Wildlife activists rescued an animal that was stuck in a very tight spot in Naples.

Some Florida counties requiring permission from parents before teachers call kids by their nicknames

If a child's birth name is William, but everyone calls him Billy, his teacher cannot call him Billy without getting a permission slip from his parents.

Florida law enforcement searches for 11-month-old baby who vanished in May

The Florida Department of Law Enforcement asked the public for help on Friday night after a baby girl from Collier County vanished.

Cuban authorities accuse pilot who defected in Soviet-era biplane of ‘air piracy’

The Cuban pilot who defected in a Soviet-era biplane was supposed to be working on agricultural spraying work when he fled Friday to the United States, according to a Cuban government agency.

Search, recovery process underway as Hurricane Ian death toll rises in Florida

Evacuation and relief efforts continued in Southwest Florida on Tuesday, as the death toll surpassed 100 from the devastation caused by Hurricane Ian.

Punta Gorda residents waiting for relief after Hurricane Ian rips through city

With many people in the Florida Gulf Coast area still without power, residents in Punta Gorda were working to rebuild the city after homes were badly damaged and boats were pushed by the storm surge of Hurricane Ian.

Gas station stores in Lee, Collier counties become havens amid Hurricane Ian’s havoc

Hurricane Ian’s aftermath in Lee and Collier counties means driving through inundated streets despite a gas shortage, shopping only with cash at the few stores open, staying away from damaged electric poles, and finding boats stuck in unlikely areas.

‘Nightmare’ in Naples: Ian’s storm surge goes over dunes, drags cars, gets into homes

James Spinuzza was overwhelmed on Thursday morning. He found sand, fish, and mud inside his garage and home after Hurricane Ian made landfall north of his home in Naples.

Mother shares videos of Ian’s storm surge after staying in apartment near Naples beach

Hurricane Ian’s storm surge was so high a mother who was with her son, as her police officer husband worked, was prepared to evacuate her second-floor apartment in Naples.

FHP: Cement truck slams into Alligator Alley toll plaza, creating backups

A cement truck slammed into Alligator Alley’s eastbound toll plaza Monday, leading to traffic congestion heading into South Florida, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.

Felony theft suspects from Collier County located by BSO deputies in Fort Lauderdale

Deputies caught up with the suspects in Fort Lauderdale along West Sunrise Boulevard near the Florida Turnpike.

COPS: Florida woman goes on several Publix shopping sprees with 93-year-old woman’s credit card

A home health aide has been arrested for allegedly stealing from a 93-year-old woman she was hired to care for.

Trapper, wildlife officer hit python jackpot in Big Cypress

A python contractor and a Florida wildlife officer hit the motherlode in Big Cypress National Preserve Monday night, finding two female Burmese pythons, nearly 20 hatchlings and nearly 100 hatched and unhatched eggs amid efforts to rid Florida of the invasive species.