Dave Elias

Fort Myers

Chief Political Correspondent at WBBH-TV (Fort Myers, FL)

@NBC2 NEWS Chief Political Correspondent Fort Myers, FL named by Washington Post among the "Most Outstanding Political Reporters" to follow on Twitter in 2020.

Articles

Florida’s housing market cools, forcing sellers to adjust

2 weeks ago | gulfcoastnewsnow.com | Dave Elias

After years of record-breaking price growth, Florida’s once-sizzling housing market is beginning to lose heat — and the effects are reverberating through neighborhoods across the Gulf Coast. Property values in many parts of Southwest Florida are softening, homes are lingering longer on the market, and some investors are tapping the brakes. Real estate professionals say the shift may not signal a crash, but a correction appears to be underway.
Dark web dealer back in court after bomb scare and gun bust

2 weeks ago | gulfcoastnewsnow.com | Dave Elias

WITH A POOL PARTY AT THE END OF NAPLES TAPESTRY COLLECTION BY HILTON. THE DARK WEB POISON DEALER IS BACK IN THE HEADLINES TONIGHT. 30 YEAR-OLD JESSE KORFF ONCE TRIED TO SELL A MURDER WEAPON DISGUISED IN A CANDLE LAST MONTH. POLICE SAY HE HELD A WOMAN HOSTAGE AND TOLD POLICE HE HAD BOMBS. REPORTER DAVE ELIAS IS OUTSIDE THE FEDERAL COURTHOUSE IN DOWNTOWN FORT MYERS WITH SOME NEW INFORMATION ON THIS CASE.
Drag queens defy threats ahead of Naples Pride Fest

2 weeks ago | gulfcoastnewsnow.com | Dave Elias

As Naples prepares for its eighth annual Pride Fest this weekend, tensions are rising between festival organizers and local groups planning to protest the event. Critics, including church and community leaders, have voiced concerns over children being exposed to drag performances. But organizers and performers insist the event is family-friendly, and say they won’t be intimidated. The festival is scheduled for Saturday at Cambier Park and is expected to draw thousands of attendees.
Dining deception ends July 1: Restaurants must show their fees

2 weeks ago | gulfcoastnewsnow.com | Dave Elias

Starting July 1, Florida restaurants will be required to clearly notify customers of any automatic service charges, tips or operational fees before an order is placed.The new rule, signed into law by Gov. Ron DeSantis, is part of a broader measure focused on hotel regulations, but it’s gaining attention for how it could affect diners statewide.The law mandates that any extra charges — excluding taxes — must be disclosed on physical menus, restaurant walls, websites and mobile apps.
Lost home, vanished contractor, now a breakthrough for two sisters in North Fort Myers

2 weeks ago | gulfcoastnewsnow.com | Dave Elias

Nearly three years after Hurricane Ian ravaged their North Fort Myers home, sisters Paula Colose and RoseAnn Cutler are finally seeing a glimmer of hope in their long and frustrating fight to rebuild. Since the storm destroyed over half their residence, the sisters have been living in limbo, navigating a maze of red tape, permit delays and broken contractor promises. Despite paying thousands to a contractor, the necessary paperwork to begin reconstruction was never filed.
Audiences tickled pink by ‘Legally Blonde’ at Broadway Palm

2 weeks ago | gulfcoastnewsnow.com | Dave Elias

Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre’s production of Legally Blonde The Musical is a high-energy, feel-good hit that bursts with comedy, heart, and a whole lot of pink. Under the sharp direction of Victor Legarreta, this Southwest Florida staging is a non-stop delight that brings the beloved story of Elle Woods to vibrant life. At the center of the show is Kendall Parrett as Elle, who dazzles in the role she was clearly born to play.
Gov. DeSantis warns potential loss of FEMA funds

3 weeks ago | gulfcoastnewsnow.com | Dave Elias

>> IF INITIAL START OF HURRICANE SEASON IS JUNE FIRST THIS SUNDAY. BUT NOW GOVERNOR DESANTIS IS WARNING THAT FEMA MAY NOT BE READY TO HELP THE WAY IT DID LAST YEAR. THE GOVERNOR IS WARNING THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT IS PULLING BACK SUPPORT AFTER DISASTERS ON DISASTERS AFTER HUGE CUTBACKS AND THE DISASTER SALES TAX HOLIDAYS ARE NOW UP IN THE AIR, TOO. SO WE SENT CHIEF POLITICAL CORRESPONDENT DAVE ELIAS TO FIND OUT WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT AS YOU PREP FOR A STORM THIS SEASON.
Lee County letters ignite fresh fear in flood-prone neighborhoods

3 weeks ago | gulfcoastnewsnow.com | Dave Elias

Just when homeowners along Florida’s Gulf Coast thought the storms were behind them, another blow has arrived — this time by mail. Residents in parts of Lee County, particularly unincorporated areas of North Fort Myers, are now receiving letters from the county demanding documentation for hurricane repair work. These letters, spurred by Federal Emergency Management Agency regulations, are reviving stress for many who believed their homes — and their lives — had finally been restored.
Florida faces potential government shutdown amid budget standoff

3 weeks ago | gulfcoastnewsnow.com | Dave Elias

As Florida’s budget negotiations remain deadlocked, the state faces the looming threat of a government shutdown — an unprecedented scenario that could affect everything from state parks to employee paychecks. The budget impasse, if not resolved by June 30, would mean the start of the new fiscal year on July 1 without an approved spending plan.
Sassy, soulful and full of heart: 'Vanities' wows Fort Myers

3 weeks ago | gulfcoastnewsnow.com | Dave Elias

Now playing at Players Circle Theater along McGregor Boulevard, "Vanities: The Musical" delivers a nostalgic, funny, and unexpectedly poignant portrait of friendship, femininity, and personal growth. This spirited production, running through June 8, captures the essence of Jack Heifner and David Kirshenbaum’s off-Broadway gem while adding a local charm all its own.