South
Decorated combat veteran and FOX News contributor Staff Sgt. (Ret.) Johnny “Joey” Jones to speak at Parkinson’s Association of Southwest Florida’s signature fundraising event at the LaPlaya Beach & Golf Resort in Naples on March 20
Johnny “Joey” Jones. PROVIDED
The “http://PASWFL.org” rel=”noopener” target=”_blank”>Parkinson’s Association of Southwest Florida will present its premier annual fundraising event, “A Step Forward: Overcoming Obstacles”, taking place on Friday, March 20 at 11:30 a.m. at the LaPlaya Beach & Golf Resort in Naples.
Guests will be treated to an unforgettable experience as Staff Sgt. (Ret.) Johnny “Joey” Jones, a decorated combat veteran, best-selling author, and FOX News contributor, takes the stage. A double amputee who lost both legs in Afghanistan, Jones has transformed unimaginable hardship into a life of purpose and service. With courage, humor, and heart, he will share how overcoming life-altering injury led him to become a powerful national voice for veterans, resilience, and community strength.
The event includes a gourmet three-course lunch, an exclusive opportunity to hear from PASWFL members living with Parkinson’s, and a celebration of courage in the face of challenge.
All proceeds from the event benefit PASWFL’s mission to help individuals and families touched by Parkinson’s Disease live well in Southwest Florida. Funds raised support free local programs, education and support for hundreds of participants each week.
“We’re honored to have Joey Jones share his inspiring story at our signature fundraising event this year,” said Mary C. Schoeffel, CFRE, executive director of the PASWFL. “While the search for treatments and a cure for (Parkinson’s) continues, the funds from this event support the free services we provide locally in Collier and southern Lee County to help those in our community touched by (Parkinson’s) to live well.”
PROVIDED
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Event details
WHAT: A Step Forward: Overcoming Obstacles Luncheon featuring Johnny “Joey” Jones
WHEN: Friday, March 20 at 11:30 a.m.
WHERE: LaPlaya Beach & Golf Resort, 9891 Gulf Shore Drive, Naples
PROVIDED
PRESENTED BY AND BENEFITTING: Parkinson’s Association of Southwest Florida
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Individual registration
$350 per person. Includes a delicious three-course meal, Joey’s keynote presentation, and remarks from PASWFL members about their Parkinson’s journeys.
(Includes $100 tax-deductible contribution)
PROVIDED
VIP registration
$500 per person. Enjoy all general admission benefits plus:
Pre-event VIP reception with Johnny “Joey” Jones
Hors d’oeuvres and champagne
Photo opportunity with the speaker
PROVIDED
(Includes $200 tax-deductible contribution)
VIP guests will be welcomed into a pre-event reception where they’ll enjoy mingling with fellow supporters and Parkinson’s Association leadership. The highlight of the VIP experience is the chance to meet Johnny “Joey” Jones in a relaxed setting, pose for a personal photo, and hear his exclusive remarks.
Registration deadline
Please note that registration for this exceptional event will close on Friday, Feb. 27.
About PASWFL
PROVIDED
For more than 25 years, PASWFL has provided front-line, evidence-based, effective programs and services that improve the quality of life, educate, enrich, and empower the community members touched by Parkinson’s and related neurodegenerative diseases. Each week, the PAWSFL offers more than 20 programs and support groups for members with Parkinson’s and their care partners in addition to the greater Southwest Florida community. PASWFL programs are free to members, and there are no fees associated with becoming a member; the membership application is available at PASWFL.org.
The event’s Champion Sponsor is The Wellington Group at Morgan Stanley. Additional sponsors include Life in Naples Magazine.
Additional sponsorship opportunities are available. For more information, visit PASWFL.org or call 239-417-3465. Parkinson’s Association of Southwest Florida headquarters is at 2575 Northbrooke Plaza Drive, Suite 301, Naples.
RUTHERFORD COUNTY, N.C. (WLOS) — A groundhog has tested positive for rabies in Western North Carolina.
Rutherford County Animal Control Services posted on social media on May 1 that the North Carolina State Lab of Public Health sent Animal Control Services the notification on April 29.
According to the post, the groundhog was in the vicinity of Oak Springs Baptist Church to the Rutherford County Airport of the Gilkey Township area.
There was no reported human exposure with the groundhog, the post said.
REOPENING DATE SET FOR HELENE-DAMAGED POPLAR BOAT LAUNCH
Animal Control Services said it was the first positive test for rabies in Rutherford County for 2026. The last positive rabies test confirmed by the N.C. State Lab of Public Health was July 3, 2025 That animal was also a groundhog from the city limits of Rutherfordton near the intersection of Alt U.S. 74 and U.S. 64 area.
The Rutherford County Health Director and Rutherford County Animal Control Services is advising residents to be sure that their animals are under their direct control. Animals that are allowed to wander or run loose are at a greater risk of coming into contact with rabid animals, the post said.
Residents’ pets with rabies vaccinations not up to date and that are exposed to a rabid animal will have to be euthanized or placed in a strict supervised quarantine at the owner’s expense for up to four months, Animal Control Services said in the post.
If residents’ pets have up-to-date vaccinations, the pets will need a booster vaccine if exposed to rabies.
RUTHERFORD COUNTY RESIDENTS DEMAND CHANGE AMID RISING ANIMAL CRUELTY CLAIMS
During the next six months anyone living in the Gilkey Township area should watch for animals with unusual behavior and be sure all pets have current rabies vaccinations. North Carolina State law requires that all cats and dogs have rabies vaccines at four months of age, a booster 12 months after the initial rabies vaccine and then a booster vaccine every three years.
All local veterinarians offer rabies vaccines. Rutherford County Animal Control Services also offers rabies vaccines., including low cost rabies vaccine clinics, which are available on the first Tuesday every month from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. (no appointment needed) for $5 per vaccine.
Anyone seeing an animal displaying abnormal behaviors should call Animal Control Services at 828-980-0016.
GOODWELL, Okla. (KOKH) — First responders in Guymon are mourning the loss of one of their own following a fire on Friday.
Around 5:15 a.m. on Friday, firefighters from Goodwell, Guymon, and Texhoma responded to a 911 call about a house fire in the 300 block of Aggie Avenue in Goodwell.
When they arrived, fire crews spotted heavy fire and smoke coming from the front door and windows of the home.
Goodwell firefighters were able to enter through a bedroom window and get to a person trapped inside the home.
Once out of the flames, Guymon paramedics started lifesaving care and realized the patient was one of their own.
The individual was identified as 49-year-old Steven Coen.
Coen was rushed to a nearby hospital where he was pronounced dead.
“Steven is a member of the Guymon Fire Department and is an active EMT on the department’s EMS Division”, said Guymon Fire Chief Grant Wadley. “This is a huge loss for our department, community, and area.”
Coen had been heavily involved in the EMS Division in Guymon for the past 10 years and was even scheduled to work this weekend.
He also worked as an EMT in Hooker.
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The cause of the fire is currently under investigation.
HORRY COUNTY, S.C. (WPDE) — One person was injured in a two-vehicle crash involving a motorcycle in the Carolina Forest area, according to Horry County Fire Rescue (HCFR).
On Friday morning, just before 9:30 a.m., crews responded to the area of Highway 501 and Carolina Forest Boulevard.
One person was transported to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries, HCFR said.
MORE: SC Forestry Commission lifts statewide burn ban
Officials ask drivers to avoid the area as Murtle Beach-bound Highway 501 traffic remains blocked.
The crash is under investigation by the South Carolina Highway Patrol (SCHP).
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