Eric Lovelace, KOMU-TV (Columbia, MO) Journalist Profile

Articles

Caught speeding? You could end up in jail according to new Florida Law

1 week ago | fox4now.com | Eric Lovelace

NAPLES, Fla. — Florida is implementing a new law targeting drivers who excessively speed on public roads, with penalties that could include prison time for the most dangerous offenders.
$265 million heart and stroke center breaks ground at NCH Healthcare in Naples

1 week ago | fox4now.com | Eric Lovelace

NAPLES, Fla. — NCH Healthcare has broken ground on a new Heart and Stroke Critical Care Center in Naples, marking the beginning of construction for a facility that medical professionals say will save lives.
Man arrested after violent attack at gas station caught on security video

1 week ago | fox4now.com | Eric Lovelace

BONITA SPRINGS, Fla. — Security video captured the moment one man attacked another in broad daylight at a RaceTrac gas station in Bonita Springs Tuesday morning. The Lee County Sheriff's Office quickly arrested Joel Duron in connection with the incident. According to the sheriff's office, Duron was arrested for aggravated battery with a deadly weapon after allegedly using a box cutter in the attack. A couple routinely visits the gas station to get an energy drink before the gym.
FEMA presents new Collier Co flood maps, which could change your insurance rates

1 week ago | fox4now.com | Eric Lovelace

NAPLES, Fla. — Collier County residents and property owners had the opportunity to view new draft preliminary flood insurance rate maps at an open house on Tuesday. These flood insurance rate maps (FIRMs), show the potential extent and risks of flooding in the area. The newly released maps include 85 new panels with fresh analysis for homes in affected areas. While the city of Naples is not included in the new analysis, homes just east of Naples in District 6 are covered.
Smash Fitness back to full strength after car crashed through front window

2 weeks ago | fox4now.com | Eric Lovelace

BONITA SPRINGS, Fla. — Smash Fitness in Bonita Springs is back open for business, after a car crashed through its front window in late February. Grow said the incident left him wondering about the future of the business he had worked so hard to build. "I didn't know what we were going to do," Grow said. The crash was devastating for Grow, who has invested years into building the fitness center.
'My heart just pounds': FC Naples hosts kids soccer camp with 50 kids

2 weeks ago | fox4now.com | Eric Lovelace

Fifty kids showed up to the Paradise Sports Complex for a soccer camp in Naples, where they got to train with professional soccer players despite an unexpected rainstorm. Watch FC Naples Kids Camp: FC Naples Hosts Kids Soccer Camp Physicians Regional & YMCA of Collier County partnered to make the camp more affordable and accessible. Cindy Lov-Abounader is the President of the YMCA in Collier County, and she says, seeing today today come together filled her cup.
Missouri Supreme Court upholds Proposition A

1 month ago | ourcommunitynow.com | Atira Feliciano |Jacob Richey |Eric Lovelace

COLUMBIA — The Missouri Supreme Court upheld Proposition A in a decision issued Tuesday. Missouri voters passed Proposition A in November, which raises the minimum wage and requires paid sick leave. The law goes into effect May 1. Prior to Election Day, the ballot measure gained support including over 135 Missouri-based organizations and more than 500 Missouri businesses. The court's ruling focuses on Proposition A's summary statement and fiscal note, which appeared on the ballot.
Democrats filibuster to keep paid sick leave in Prop A one week before it takes effect

2 months ago | komu.com | Eric Lovelace

JEFFERSON CITY — Missouri Senate Democrats filibustered until 1:30 a.m. Thursday in an attempt to protect the paid sick leave portion of Proposition A, which goes into effect next week. Voters approved Proposition A in November, and it is set to go into effect May 1, mandating paid sick leave and raising the minimum wage to $15 per hour by 2026. House Bill 567, which would remove paid sick leave from Proposition A, sits in the state Senate after making it through the House earlier this month.
UM curators discuss plans to protect NIH research funding

2 months ago | komu.com | Eric Lovelace

ROLLA — The UM System Board of Curators said Thursday morning it will defend research funding by lobbying Congress — among other announcements on the UM System budget. The board discussed its current financial status, as well as plans if the UM System has some of its budget cut. The board said the University of Missouri System will begin limiting hires, implement purchasing controls, and enact a freeze of capital spending and leases to decrease spending.
MU Health Care, Anthem say they are still open to negotiating despite disagreements

2 months ago | komu.com | Eric Lovelace

COLUMBIA — Ten days after MU Health Care and Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield failed to reach a deal, over 90,000 patients are still out of network. Both Anthem and MU Health Care have said they are open to negotiating and want to pursue "meaningful" conversations to reach an agreement. Anthem has been openly critical of MU Health Care's requested rate increase of 39% over the next three years, saying it is four times the rate of inflation.