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

Media mogul announces run for Byron Donald's congressional seat

5 days ago | gulfcoastnewsnow.com | Dave Elias

Another Republican candidate is jumping into the race for Byron Donalds' congressional seat after he announced his run for governor. This is the area that includes much of Lee and coastal Collier counties. Media mogul Jim Schwartzel said he wants to be the area's congressman. Schwartzel owns a local Fox radio station, a Trump country radio station and the local C.W. But he says his media interest isn't a conflict in running for this seat.
12th carrier enters Florida insurance market, but are rates improving?

6 days ago | abc-7.com | Dave Elias

>> PORT CHARLOTTE, SOME OF FOCUS NEWS. >> WE HAVE JUST ABOUT A MONTH AND A HALF UNTIL HURRICANE SEASON STARTS. AND THERE'S A NEW INSURANCE COMPANY OPENING IN FLORIDA. THE STATE NOW HAS A DOZEN NEW COMPANIES THAT HAVE ENTERED THE MARKET SINCE STATE LAWMAKERS PASSED REFORMS FOR THE INSURANCE INDUSTRY. STATE LEADERS INSIST THIS IS A SIGN THAT THE MARKET IS IMPROVING. DAVE ELIAS, WHO COVERS THE INSURANCE INDUSTRY FOREST IS LOOKING INTO WHETHER THAT'S REALLY THE CASE.
12th carrier enters Florida insurance market, but are rates improving?

6 days ago | gulfcoastnewsnow.com | Dave Elias

We have just about a month and a half until hurricane season starts, and there is a new insurance company opening in Florida. The state now has a dozen new companies that have entered the market since new legislative reforms were introduced. State leaders insist it’s a sign the market is improving as more companies move prices down. Carol McCarthy lives along a canal in North Fort Myers and knows nearly all of her neighbors. Many of them, she said, had extensive damage from the recent hurricanes.
Gov. DeSantis attacks GOP lawmakers investigating $10M payout

1 week ago | abc-7.com | Dave Elias

Gov. Ron DeSantis accused Republican lawmakers Wednesday of stabbing voters in the back with a terrible agenda. The comment came during a stop Wednesday at the State Police Headquarters in Lee County. DeSantis accused Republican State House leaders of defunding state police. The governor said State House Republicans are denying funding for ballistic armor and failing to replace vehicles with over 100,000 miles, as well as cutting jobs.
Gov. DeSantis attacks GOP lawmakers investigating $10M payout

1 week ago | gulfcoastnewsnow.com | Dave Elias

Gov. Ron DeSantis accused Republican lawmakers Wednesday of stabbing voters in the back with a terrible agenda. The comment came during a stop Wednesday at the State Police Headquarters in Lee County. DeSantis accused Republican State House leaders of defunding state police. The governor said State House Republicans are denying funding for ballistic armor and failing to replace vehicles with over 100,000 miles, as well as cutting jobs.
Florida lawmakers consider ending mockingbird’s 97-year run as state bird

1 week ago | ktvz.com | Dave Elias

By Dave EliasClick here for updates on this story FORT MYERS, Florida (WBBH) — Florida’s mockingbird is fighting to save its title as state bird, which it has held for nearly 100 years, as lawmakers consider replacing it with two other Florida natives. Now lawmakers want the flamingo to represent Florida alongside the Florida scrub jay. It’s being called the “Battle of the Birds.” A showdown is brewing over which bird should get top billing.
Florida lawmakers consider ending mockingbird’s 97-year run as state bird

1 week ago | abc-7.com | Dave Elias

Florida's mockingbird is fighting to save its title as state bird, which it has held for nearly 100 years, as lawmakers consider replacing it with two other Florida natives. Now lawmakers want the flamingo to represent Florida alongside the Florida scrub jay. It's being called the "Battle of the Birds." A showdown is brewing over which bird should get top billing. The northern mockingbird migrated to Florida like many residents. The bird is known for mimicking the calls of other birds.
'Battle of the Birds' at center stage in Florida

1 week ago | gulfcoastnewsnow.com | Dave Elias

Florida's Mockingbird is fighting to save its title as state bird, a title it’s held for nearly 100 years, as lawmakers consider replacing it with two other Florida natives. Now lawmakers want the flamingo to represent Florida alongside the Florida Scrub Jay. It's being called the "Battle of the Birds." A showdown is brewing over which bird should get top billing. The northern Mockingbird migrated to Florida like many residents. The bird is known for mimicking the calls of other birds.
Gulf Coast Theater Review: ‘Waitress’ musical brings laughter, heart to Broadway Palm

1 week ago | abc-7.com | Dave Elias

The Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre is serving up a delicious musical that will leave you craving more. If you were to describe your life as a pie, what kind of pie would it be? That question might be best answered after seeing "Waitress." I can truly say that "Waitress The Musical" has become one of my favorite new musicals as it offers a fresh take on the 2007 not-so-well-known Indie movie. However, the stage performance is a great emotional release filled with plenty of laughter.
Gulf Coast Theater Review: ‘Waitress’ musical brings laughter, heart to Broadway Palm

1 week ago | gulfcoastnewsnow.com | Dave Elias

The Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre is serving up a delicious musical that will leave you craving more. If you were to describe your life as a pie, what kind of pie would it be? That question might be best answered after seeing "Waitress." I can truly say that "Waitress The Musical" has become one of my favorite new musicals as it offers a fresh take on the 2007 not-so-well-known Indie movie. However, the stage performance is a great emotional release filled with plenty of laughter.