Hey SWFL, where were you on election day?

Shame on you, Southwest Florida.

In regular check-ins by our journalists with those minding the unfrequented polls, they reported that voters just weren't showing up Tuesday.

At one point around mid-day, Trish Robertson, the public relations officer for the Collier County elections office, sent this in an email to columnist Phil Fernandez: "SLOWWWWWWWW!"

So how 'pitiful' was the voter turnout for Tuesday's election? Phil reports that out of 258,528 registered Collier voters, the unofficial turnout was 64,500 or about 25%.

Out of 475,602 Lee eligible voters, the unofficial turnout was 109,556 or 23%.

"This turnout was pitiful, but for the general election, we’re going to have a 90% turnout," Lee Supervisor of Elections Tommy Doyle, noting the presidential race, told Phil.

I sure hope so.

There are so many opportunities to vote these days, whether it’s early, by mail or at the polls.

Your vote goes far beyond election day. The outcomes of these races affect our community deeply.

And in case you still don’t know who the winner and losers were this week, we’ve got a recap.

One issue that definitely had people talking this week is an idea that impacts the future of our state parks .

The state announced its 2024-2025 Great Outdoors Initiative, which proposes to expand public access, increase outdoor activities and provide new lodging options across the Sunshine State’s parks.

All that sounds good but the idea that pickleball courts, golfing and disc golf could be part of those plans set off alarm bells. Stay tuned for continued coverage.

Our team has also been providing you other compelling stories, including one on the anniversary of the 'incredibly sad' drowning of FGCU student Graham McGrath.

Addyson McCullough, a student there herself and one of our star summer interns, shares what she learned after reviewing hundreds of pages of death investigation documents and listening to hours of witness interviews.

On the more lighthearted side, dining reporter Diana Biederman had some fun with her first-ever visit to a Hooters and Twin Peaks restaurant. She shares what she thinks about using female anatomy to fill seats at a sports bar but don’t worry, it’s PG rated.

So, I’ve given you lots of, ahem , food for thought. What do you think? Email me at wfullert@gannett.com . And thanks for subscribing.

All the best,

Wendy Fullerton Powell

USA TODAY Network - Florida Region editor/ The News-Press/Naples Daily News

This article originally appeared on Naples Daily News: Hey SWFL, where were you on election day?