Elyse Chengery

News Anchor and Journalist at WBBH-TV (Fort Myers, FL)

News Anchor and Journalist at WZVN-TV (Fort Myers, FL)

TV Anchor.:Rhonda Burgundy:.I eat sleep breathe news. Ukrainian/Hungarian. Catholic. Proud University of Toledo graduate. Edward R. Murrow Award Winner

Articles

Fort Myers police plan new headquarters to enhance crime-solving capabilities

4 weeks ago | gulfcoastnewsnow.com | Elyse Chengery

Fort Myers police are planning a new headquarters to consolidate their operations and improve crime-solving efficiency, with the facility expected to open in 2027.Currently, officers are spread out across several substations in the city, but the new facility will bring the entire department under one roof at Fowler and Market Street.Capt. Roger Valdivia, who has served as an FMPD officer for 33 years, said, "This is a one-stop shop, and that's just for investigation.
Deputies on scene for investigation along Maravilla Circle in Fort Myers

1 month ago | gulfcoastnewsnow.com | Elyse Chengery

Deputies have been on scene Sunday night for an investigation along Maravilla Circle in Fort Myers.Gulf Coast News has been on scene where deputies and investigators are combing the area. A portion of the road on Maravilla Circle is closed with tape surrounding the area.We are working with Lee County Sheriff's Office to confirm more information.
Punta Gorda police to receive ICE training amid community debate

Mar 19, 2025 | gulfcoastnewsnow.com | Elyse Chengery

Punta Gorda Police Chief Pamela Smith announced that officers will receive training from ICE agents, a decision that has sparked mixed reactions within the community. "The police chief said people should not expect officers to go around the city and round up people who may be here illegally," Smith said. "The training will be an extra tool for officers in immigration cases."Kathleen Davis, a Punta Gorda resident who immigrated from Barbados and Venezuela, expressed her support for the training.
Fort Myers City Council faces backlash over ICE training vote

Mar 18, 2025 | gulfcoastnewsnow.com | Congressman Byron Donalds |Elyse Chengery

TOMLINSON, GULF COAST NEWS. >> I KNOW THIS ISN'T ABOUT ME, PARTICULARLY. HAVE BEEN IN A POSITION. >> AND THAT CAN I. THIS HAS. I CAN'T EVEN EXPRESS HOW HEAVY THIS IS. MY HEART.
Fort Myers police crack down on speeding in new diverging diamond exchange

Mar 5, 2025 | gulfcoastnewsnow.com | Elyse Chengery

Fort Myers police are issuing numerous tickets to drivers speeding through the new diverging diamond exchange at Colonial Boulevard, which is still a construction zone. Gulf Coast News reporter Elyse Chengery rode along with Fort Myers Police Department (FMPD) to show how to navigate the diamond safely.
Fort Myers Beach Town Council discusses e-bike rules for sidewalks

Mar 3, 2025 | gulfcoastnewsnow.com | Elyse Chengery

The Fort Myers Beach town council delved into the details of e-bike regulations during a lengthy meeting Monday. "I mean, I'll be honest, the sidewalk feels a lot safer than the road because at this part, there's not, you know, like a space for us to ride. So I kind of stay on the sidewalk," said Justin, who rented an e-bike. While people think e-bikes are great for getting around, there are safety concerns. The town council spent time talking about the speed limit for e-bikes on the sidewalk.
New expected completion date given for Fort Myers Beach pier

Feb 18, 2025 | gulfcoastnewsnow.com | Elyse Chengery

Fort Myers Beach pier reconstruction is set to begin next year with a new expected completion date. "The good news is we've been trying to promote staff to work on the permitting acceleration because we have a lot of not happy residents, including myself, that would like the pier back sooner," said Commissioner David Mulicka of the 3rd District of Lee County. With Tuesday's announcement, we're now expecting a completion date of August 2027.
Two motorcycle club members arrested in Charlotte County road rage shooting

Feb 17, 2025 | gulfcoastnewsnow.com | Elyse Chengery

Charlotte County deputies are investigating a road rage shooting involving motorcyclists near Gilchrist Bridge (U.S. 41 Southbound), with no injuries reported. "Well, you know, I think it's crazy. It's too bad that people have to fear for that," Joyce, who is vacationing in Charlotte County, expressed her concerns about the incident. Ivo Moreno is a quartermaster at Veterans of Foreign Wars Cape Coral and a bike rider for the past 32 years.
Charlotte County commissioner will keep position after apology for racial slur

Feb 11, 2025 | gulfcoastnewsnow.com | Elyse Chengery

Commissioner Stephen Deutsch will keep his job on the Charlotte County Board of Commissioners after using a racial slur in a conversation with another county official. "I should not have used that word and haven't used it before, and I certainly apologize, actually apologize to all of you. The only thing I can assure you is that definitely will never happen again," Deutsch said.
Gulf Coast Cover Story: Choosing the right lip balm

Feb 11, 2025 | gulfcoastnewsnow.com | Elyse Chengery

Some lip balms can actually make your lips feel drier due to their ingredients, according to a board-certified dermatologist. "How come it feels like when you put chapstick on you kind of need to reapply reapply reapply all the time," Gulf Coast News anchor Elyse Chengery asked.