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Channel: Lee County Archives - WINK News

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...

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Junior 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....

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FWC: 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...

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Crime 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...

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Fort 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...

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SCCF 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...

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New 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...

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Fort 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...

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Estero 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...

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Fort 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...

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Fort 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...

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Fort 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...

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FGCU 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...

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Changes 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...

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Perkins 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...

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Sea 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...

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New 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...

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Fort 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...

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2 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...

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FDEP 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...

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Clearing 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...

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Fort 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...

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FDOT 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...

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Canadian 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...

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Destroyed 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,...

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Bokeelia 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...

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Motorcyclist 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...

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12-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...

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White 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...

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2-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...

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Trial 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...

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Byron 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...

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Local 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...

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Fort 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...

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Fort 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...

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Crash 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...

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Fort 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...

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Speeding 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...

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Man 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...

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The 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...

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Grace 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...

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Fort 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...

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Traffic 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...

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Hurricane 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...

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Woman 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...

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New 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...

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Sanibel’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...

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FMB 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...

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Chiquita 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...

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Florida 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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