Fort Myers Beach to implement temporary emergency traffic measure to assist...
fort myers beach The Town of Fort Myers Beach and the FMB Fire District have implemented a temporary emergency measure due to response time concerns with first responders and traffic. Starting...
View ArticleJunior Achievement of SWFL inducts 4 into Hall of Fame
A who’s who of the local business community celebrated four regional leaders March 25 at Junior Achievement of Southwest Florida’s annual banquet honoring this year’s Business Hall of Fame inductees....
View ArticleFWC: Manatee killed by head-on boat crash on Big Hickory Island
BONITA SPRINGS Warning: The images provided below are graphic. Discretion is advised. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission is conducting a necropsy on a manatee that washed ashore on...
View ArticleCrime Stoppers seeks suspect in North Fort Myers theft
NORTH FORT MYERS Southwest Florida Crime Stoppers is asking for the public’s help identifying a person suspected of grand theft in North Fort Myers. The incident occurred on March 9 at the Diamond...
View ArticleFort Myers metal plant fire cleanup underway, business resumes
FORT MYERS A large fire erupted at Mome Metals Recycling on Veronica Shoemaker Boulevard in Fort Myers, leaving significant damage but not halting operations for long. Less than 24 hours after the...
View ArticleSCCF weather stations destroyed by Hurricane Ian, operational again
SANIBEL Southwest Florida is steadily marking recovery milestones in the aftermath of Hurricane Ian. The powerful storm had swept away all three weather stations of the Sanibel Captiva Conservation...
View ArticleNew traffic plan seeks to improve Fort Myers Beach fire response
FORT MYERS BEACH A new traffic plan on the Matanzas Pass Bridge seeks to get first responders to Fort Myers Beach faster. Smoke and mist filled the air as the Fort Myers Beach Fire District battled...
View ArticleFort Myers Beach timeshare owners await answers on delayed repairs
FORT MYERS BEACH Two and a half years after Hurricane Ian, timeshare owners at Mariners Boathouse and Windward Passage Resort on Fort Myers Beach are still unable to access their properties. WINK News...
View ArticleEstero teen to play in third Augusta National Women’s Amateur
ESTERO Estero’s own Gianna Clemente is making her third appearance in the Augusta National Women’s Amateur. “It’s just such a special week, I think, for everybody, ” Clemente said. “No matter how many...
View ArticleFort Myers councilman proposes cameras for McGregor Blvd school zones
FORT MYERS Fort Myers may soon see new traffic cameras installed in school zones along McGregor Boulevard. City Councilman Liston Bochette is pushing for this change in an effort to slow down drivers...
View ArticleFort Myers fire officials urge honesty to aid investigations, ensure safety
FORT MYERS The Fort Myers Fire Department is urging the community to be open and honest during fire investigations. Officials have noticed a concerning trend where individuals at fire scenes are hiding...
View ArticleFort Myers City council faces backlash over ICE partnership
FORT MYERS The Fort Myers City Council‘s partnership with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has been a point of contention, resulting in a reversal of a prior decision. RELATED: Fort Myers...
View ArticleFGCU police wrangle 6-foot gator on busy campus boardwalk
ESTERO A 6-foot alligator made an unexpected appearance at Florida Gulf Coast University, causing a commotion on a busy boardwalk. Four campus police officers were needed to wrangle the gator as...
View ArticleChanges coming to Social Security identity verification
The Social Security Administration is changing how people can verify their identity for retirement, survivors, or family benefits. Verification will now require an online or in-person visit to a...
View ArticlePerkins Restaurant & Bakery to close in Estero
The only Perkins Restaurant & Bakery in south Lee County is closing April13, and the question now is what’s going to take its place. The restaurant sits in the Shoppes of Grande Oak next to...
View ArticleSea Love Candle Bar & Boutique opens at Coconut Point in Estero
Tina Smagala had spent about three decades working in corporate human resources and communications in various industries, and she was looking to try something else for a change. And then one day last...
View ArticleNew charges added in Cape Coral theft, shooting; 2 more teens arrested
cape coral The Cape Coral Police Department has announced more charges against two teenagers allegedly involved in a string of thefts that led to a shooting. The initial incident involved two teenagers...
View ArticleFort Myers boxer wins WBC featherweight world title
FORT MYERS There is a new featherweight world boxing champion and she hails from right here in Fort Myers. Earlier this month, we first told you about the undefeated former Fort Myers police officer...
View Article2 dogs dead in structure fire on Husky Lane; 2 vehicles destroyed
The South Trail Fire Department is responding to a structure fire on Husky Lane in Lee County. The fire was reported at around 10:35 a.m. on Thursday. At 11:41 a.m., the South Trail Fire Department...
View ArticleFDEP conducts prescribed 40-acre burn in Estero Bay Preserve
ESTERO A prescribed burn took place at Estero Bay Preserve State Park on 40 acres of land Wednesday and Thursday, sparking discussion among neighbors about the safety and need of such fires. Some...
View ArticleClearing a path for the future of Fort Myers Beach
FORT MYERS BEACH Crews in Fort Myers Beach are working hard to clear debris left by past hurricanes from local canals. Hurricanes Ian, Helene and Milton wreaked havoc on the area, washing significant...
View ArticleFort Myers Beach debates plastic straw ban as state bill looms
FORT MYERS BEACH A new bill making its way through the Florida Legislature would prevent local governments from restricting single-use plastic and erase any existing laws. Fort Myers Beach banned...
View ArticleFDOT to conduct concrete pour for Little Pine Island Bridge
The Pine Island Bridge project is facing yet another delay, causing frustration among residents and local businesses. The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) announced that a crucial concrete...
View ArticleCanadian anti-tariff billboards come to Southwest Florida
FORT MYERS Canadian anti-tariff billboards that read “Tariffs are Taxes” started appearing in Southwest Florida. Canadian Foreign Minister Melanie Joly said these digital billboards aim to spread...
View ArticleDestroyed and distressed: properties on Sanibel facing code enforcement
SANIBEL Sanibel, a city known for its resilience, is now facing challenges as some of its beloved landmarks remain in disrepair. The city has declared several properties dangerous or distressed,...
View ArticleBokeelia home destroyed after early morning fire
BOKEELIA The Matlacha Pine Island Fire Control District is on the scene of a fire that broke out at a Bokeelia home. Firefighters responded to the house fire located along Kingfish Road, east of...
View ArticleMotorcyclist critically injured following SUV crash on US-41 in Lee County
The Florida Highway Patrol is investigating a crash involving a motorcycle and an SUV that critically injured one person on U.S. 41 in Lee County. According to troopers, the crash was reported at...
View Article12-year-old Lee County student arrested for making bomb threats at his school
A 12-year-old student from Veterans Park Academy for the Arts was arrested on Thursday for making threats involving planting bombs around the school. According to the Lee County Sheriff’s Office, the...
View ArticleWhite Pelican Villas taking shape at former Beachview Cottages site on Sanibel
Following Hurricane Ian, Tony Lapi faced a dilemma. He could either rebuild the resort in the same footprint as the 22 Beachview Cottages that were destroyed on Sanibel Island or move it farther back...
View Article2-acre brush fire reported in North Fort Myers off US-41 near Littleton Rd.
NORTH FORT MYERS A two-acre brush fire reported in North Fort Myers is affecting roads. As of 3.30 p.m., northbound U.S. 41 near Littleton Road was again open after being closed for several hours due...
View ArticleTrial begins for North Fort Myers man accused of killing toddler in 2020
The trial of a man accused of sexually abusing and killing a 2-year-old girl, began Friday. Nicholas Canfield was arrested in 2020 after the child was found unresponsive in a North Fort Myers home...
View ArticleByron Donalds kicks off Florida governor run with Bonita Springs rally
BONITA SPRINGS A big turnout marked the kickoff of Byron Donalds’ gubernatorial campaign at the Sugar Shack in Bonita Springs. Supporters cheered inside, while detractors protested outside. Congressman...
View ArticleLocal artists transform Fort Myers park with vibrant murals and 3D art
The vibrant art scene in downtown Fort Myers is making waves with an exciting event. The Fort Myers Mural Society has unveiled “Next Level Street Art,” a major public art event that promises to...
View ArticleFort Myers mom creates affordable prom experience for students
FORT MYERS Prom is often seen as an essential part of the high school experience. However, not everyone can or wants to afford it. That’s where “Prom Not Prom” comes in, offering an affordable...
View ArticleFort Myers honors Vietnam War end with memorial at JetBlue Park
FORT MYERS On March 29, the community gathered at JetBlue Park in Lee County to honor Vietnam War veterans. The event showcased a wall dedicated to the nearly 60,000 men and women who sacrificed their...
View ArticleCrash shuts down parts of Cape Coral Parkway and Pelican Boulevard
Cape Coral The Cape Coral Police Department is investigating a major traffic crash at the intersection of Pelican Boulevard and Cape Coral Parkway. The incident closed the east side of Cape Coral...
View ArticleFort Myers hosts BBQ contest with local pitmasters and live bands
downtown fort myers Pitmasters are preparing to fire up their smokers for a sizzling showdown at the Barbecue, Bands & Brew fundraising event in Fort Myers. The event is taking place today at the...
View ArticleSpeeding crackdown in Cape Coral school zones begins
CAPE CORAL Cape Coral is taking action to address the issue of speeding in school zones. At the beginning of the month, the city implemented speed cameras in 17 different school zones designed to...
View ArticleMan wanted for stealing $1700 in carts from North Fort Myers Winn-Dixie
NORTH FORT MYERS Southwest Florida Crime Stoppers is seeking information on a man wanted for stealing carts from outside a Winn-Dixie in North Fort Myers. According to Crime Stoppers, the suspect stole...
View ArticleThe Edison Awards return to Fort Myers
The fifth edition of the Edison Awards in Fort Myers will honor a man known as the godfather of artificial intelligence and an innovator in higher education. And the event, taking place April 2-3 at...
View ArticleGrace period ends as Cape Coral traffic cameras are now active
Cape Coral motorists should remain mindful of their speed, as traffic cameras in school zones will record and fine speeders. These cameras monitor 17 Cape Coral school zones, including Skyline...
View ArticleFort Myers City Council to discuss Humane Society expansion
FORT MYERS Fort Myers City Council will be hosting a workshop on the sale of additional property to the Gulf Coast Humane Society. WINK News spoke with the Humane Society last year when the city...
View ArticleTraffic study: Estero’s largest roads not keeping up with growth
A year-long preliminary study has confirmed what drivers trudging through Estero’s stop-and-go traffic already know. The roads are failing to handle the growing number of cars, trucks and SUVs. The...
View ArticleHurricane Ian’s impact prompts Donax Village to raise homes
SANIBEL Donax Village in Sanibel is getting ready to elevate nine duplexes and two cottages in response to past hurricane damage. The community, which was already three feet above ground, faced...
View ArticleWoman reunites with San Carlos Park heroes who saved her life
SAN CARLOS PARK About four months ago, Carly Purdy experienced a life-changing event when she lost her pulse in the back of an ambulance, not once, but twice. This weekend, she walked into San Carlos...
View ArticleNew traffic light aims to improve safety on Cape Coral’s Pine Island Road
CAPE CORAL Drivers on Pine Island Road in Cape Coral will soon see significant safety improvements. The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) is installing a traffic light at the busy...
View ArticleSanibel’s Dairy Queen owner faces hurdles in post-Ian rebuilding effort
SANIBEL Recovery on Sanibel Island after Hurricane Ian has been a patchwork of progress, with some buildings and businesses moving forward while others remain in limbo. Yet, this hasn’t deterred...
View ArticleFMB holds hearing to get homes, businesses back into compliance
FORT MYERS BEACH Fort Myers Beach is in the spotlight Tuesday as hearings will occur, aiming to address homes and businesses not complying with FEMA regulations. The town aims to regain its 25% FEMA...
View ArticleChiquita Boat Lock officially closes for next 3 months for removal
CAPE CORAL Cape Coral boaters got what they’ve been fighting for and what has been in legal limbo for years as the Chiquita Boat Lock officially closed on Tuesday. The City of Cape Coral said it is...
View ArticleFlorida toll relief program ends; saves drivers 50% on tolls
The Florida Toll Relief Program is ending its significant savings to eligible drivers across the state on Tuesday. According to Lee County, the program automatically provides a 50% toll credit for...
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