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Channel: Lee County Archives - WINK News

Fort Myers councilwoman criticizes attorney over ICE partnership decision

FORT MYERS The City of Fort Myers is facing new challenges amid a recent decision to partner the Fort Myers Police Department with ICE to address the issue of undocumented people in the state. This...

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Citrus greening threatens Florida’s $200M plan to save orange groves

Florida plans to invest $200 million to save and revive its citrus industry, which has a long history of producing oranges and other citrus fruits. Over the past 20 years, the industry has faced...

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Affordable housing plan to bring 3,000 units to Lee County by 2028

FORT MYERS Lee County is taking significant steps to address the skyrocketing demand for affordable housing. Over the next three years, residents can expect the completion of two dozen new affordable...

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FDOT to hold meeting discussing Pine Island Road safety improvements

CAPE CORAL The Florida Department of Transportation is set to hold a public meeting to discuss safety improvements on Pine Island Road in Cape Coral. Pine Island Road has become notorious for crashes,...

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New information on Port Charlotte couple accused of aggravated child neglect

PORT CHARLOTTE A couple were arrested after an infant in their care had to have emergency surgery to repair damage to the child’s skull and bleeding in the brain. Detectives from the Charlotte County...

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Fort Myers hungry to create culinary district

City of Fort Myers seeks to join San Diego, Oklahoma City, Harrisonburg, Virginia, and other cities with culinary districts. Economic Development Director Steve Weathers presented the idea of creating...

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Fort Myers Beach mayor calls out permitting loophole

FORT MYERS BEACH In late March, the town of Fort Myers Beach shared that it may get its FEMA flood insurance discount back sooner than expected. If everything goes as planned, the town could be taken...

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Fort Myers police HQ cost jumps to $140M, taxpayers to foot the bill

FORT MYERS The Fort Myers Police Department’s new headquarters will cost significantly more, projected to reach around $140 million. This marks a substantial jump from the initial estimate of $80...

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Sanibel’s new mayor shares vision for his recovering community

SANIBEL Sanibel Island has a new leader steering its future. Mike Miller is settling into his role as the new mayor of the barrier island, known for its beautiful shells and community spirit. WINK News...

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Miracle baby delivered after car crash in Cape Coral

CAPE CORAL A head-on crash in Cape Coral has left a family clinging to hope and gratitude as they navigate a challenging recovery. The crash occurred at the intersection of Cape Coral Parkway and...

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Lee County School District budget cut’s impact on teacher shortage

The Lee County School District is facing a challenge with recent budget cuts and a persistent teacher shortage. The district announced a 5% budget cut across all departments, saving millions but...

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Lee County schools: What happens after student arrests for threats?

In Lee County, the Sheriff’s School Threat Assessment Team has been busy this year, responding to over 288 incidents. RELATED: Increased security at 2 SWFL schools after online threats More than 50...

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Sanibel’s 1970s police reunite, share tales of early island life

SANIBEL Long before Sanibel Island had a causeway and 911 service, first responders were already working to keep the community safe. Those who served in the early days gathered to share their stories...

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Elderly in SWFL defrauded by Bonita Springs man posing as pastor

A 74-year-old man, Timothy Deaton, is facing over 20 felony charges for allegedly defrauding elderly individuals across Southwest Florida. Deaton posed as a pastor to carry out his schemes, reportedly...

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Zoning change could bring Costco to Colonial Boulevard corridor

Customers driving around Costco’s busy parking lot on Cypress Lake Drive in south Fort Myers could get some relief down the road — literally. The owners of property near the corner of Metro Parkway...

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Divided Bonita Council rejects Dean Street duplex project

Changes to a yet-to-be-named 48-unit project near downtown Bonita Springs weren’t enough to get the go ahead from city leaders. City council members voted 4-3 against the project April 2. Sagamore...

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Local Impact from tariffs

FORT MYERS BEACH President Donald Trump announced new tariffs on nearly all U.S. trading partners. There will be 25% tariffs on vehicles shipped to the U.S., 10% tariffs on imports from all countries,...

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‘Taste of Gulf Coast Town Center’ to aid families and food banks

Local restaurants are partnering at Gulf Coast Town Center in Lee County for an event that will support families in need of food on Saturday. RELATED: Lee County food drive to support Harry Chapin...

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Bonita Springs man accused of exploiting older people as fake pastor

BONITA SPRINGS Authorities are investigating a man accused of exploiting older people by pretending to be a pastor. RELATED: Elderly in SWFL defrauded by Bonita Springs man posing as pastor Timothy...

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Air conditioning company scams in Lee County

FORT MYERS As temperatures rise back into the 90s, many people are rushing to get their air conditioning systems serviced. However, choosing the right company for maintenance can be tricky, as two...

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Pine Island construction delays impacts workers

MATLACHA Pine Island has long been known for its resilience and strong sense of community, but it is currently facing new challenges. Construction delays and reduced tourism impact local workers,...

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Cape Coral’s Midpoint Bridge upgrades could cost $600M

CAPE CORAL The cost to address traffic concerns on the Midpoint Bridge in Cape Coral has skyrocketed by $500 million more than initially expected. The county and city have discussed improving the...

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Tesla drivers face hostility amid political tensions

ESTERO Tesla owners are navigating a complex landscape as their vehicles become symbols of more than just transportation. While some praise their cars for design and performance, others find themselves...

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Tim Aten Knows: Many restaurants opened, closed in first quarter of 2025

In an effort to snag a piece of the high-volume tourist season, many restaurants launched during the first three months of the year in Southwest Florida. North Naples North Naples saw the most...

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Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang holds court at Edison Awards

When Jensen Huang founded Nvidia in 1993, he was a decade removed from washing dishes and waiting tables at a Denny’s restaurant. Of the 50 companies doing computer graphics back then, he said his was...

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Royal Palm Square in Fort Myers set for demolition, new growth ahead

FORT MYERS Plans for the Royal Palm Square in Fort Myers have taken a dramatic turn. Originally envisioned with luxury apartments, a resort-style pool, and fine dining, the development project by...

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Cape Coral’s Yellow Fever Creek Preserve to lose 14 acres for new facility

CAPE CORAL Cape Coral’s Yellow Fever Creek Preserve is facing significant changes. The city plans to reduce the preserve by 14 acres to make room for water pumping and storage facilities. On Wednesday,...

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Economic policy changes leave Fort Myers investors feeling uneasy

FORT MYERS Investors of all ages are feeling the jitters as recent economic policy shifts have rattled the stock market. While the impacts vary for different age groups, financial experts advise...

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Fort Myers’ first pocket park promotes animal rescue with vibrant mural

FORT MYERS Fort Myers has introduced its first pocket park, a small but vibrant green space nestled along First Street next to the Franklin Shops. This new addition brings a splash of color to the...

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Exclusive: The whistleblower letter from a former LCSO Captain

A former Lee County Sheriff’s Office (LCSO) commander, James Bogliole, has come forward as a whistleblower, alleging that higher-ups at the Sheriff’s office pressured him to alter the narrative of an...

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Lehigh Acres teachers awarded for driving academic progress

LEHIGH ACRES Lee County schools are celebrating the dedication of their teachers by recognizing 380 “high-impact teachers” who have significantly contributed to their students’ academic growth....

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Honey bee die off consequences might resemble egg shortage

NORTH FORT MYERS There is a growing concern about a massive honey bee die-off in the United States, and the sting might not spare Southwest Florida. The Beekeepers Association of Southwest Florida is...

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Riptide Brewing & Blinking Owl Books to host ‘Boozy Book Fair’

BONITA SPRINGS Riptide Brewing Company is partnering with Blinking Owl Books for its first-ever “Boozy Book Fair” on Saturday. The event will be held at Riptide Brewing Company at 28120 Hunters Ridge...

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Jury finds Nicholas Canfield guilty of sexual abuse, killing 2-year-old girl

NORTH FORT MYERS A jury delivered a unanimous guilty verdict on all counts against Nicholas Canfield, convicting him of sexually abusing and killing a 2-year-old girl in Fort Myers. Canfield was...

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Southwest Florida residents protest Trump administration policies

Protests erupted across Southwest Florida as neighbors took to the streets in opposition to the Trump administration’s policies, which include newly issued tariffs. RELATED: Southwest Florida faces...

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Crash blocks Michigan Ave in Fort Myers; causes power outages

FORT MYERS The Fort Myers Police Department is conducting traffic control on Michigan Avenue following a traffic crash. The crash resulted in the closure of both east and westbound lanes on Michigan...

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Cape Coral’s water woes worsen; new restrictions may be coming

CAPE CORAL As Southwest Florida prepares for the dry season, Cape Coral residents could soon face stricter water restrictions. The South Florida Water Management District is considering a phase four...

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Search underway for missing person at Lazy Springs in Lee County

Authorities in Lee County a man is missing after being last seen on a jet ski at Lazy Springs Recreation Park in Hendry County. FWC has identified the missing jet skier as Michael R. Altuve Ardilla....

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Love Your Rebellion and Lead Paint Productions host ‘Punk Prom 5’

CAPE CORAL Love Your Rebellion and Lead Paint Productions hosted the 5th annual Punk Prom at Nice Guys Pizza in Cape Coral on Saturday. The event, titled Punk Prom 5: Not Dead Yet, is an annual...

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VIO Med Spa, Dermani Medspa bring health, wellness trend to Daniels Parkway

Located less than 3 miles apart off Daniels Parkway, Dermani Medspa and VIO Med Spa offer many of the same products and services, with or without the optional monthly memberships, from vitamin...

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Deadline approaching to get REAL ID; steps on how to get one

The countdown to obtaining a REAL ID is on, with the deadline just one month away. Millions of Americans still need to make the necessary updates to their driver’s licenses to comply with new federal...

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Pine Island Bridge’s new lane eases traffic, but work still ongoing

MATLACHA Locals and commuters who rely on the Little Pine Island Bridge can finally breathe a sigh of relief. The long-awaited new lane on the Pine Island Bridge fully opened recently, significantly...

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Cypress Lake Middle School’s $100M upgrade promises safer classrooms

SOUTH FORT MYERS Cypress Lake Middle School on Cypress Lake Drive in South Fort Myers is undergoing a transformation. The historic school, with 60 years of history, has been reduced to rubble to make...

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Florida family faces medical crisis after Hurricane Ian flooding

The Fite family faced a storm of a different kind when their son, Charlie, experienced a severe medical emergency. After their home flooded during Hurricane Ian, Ilianet Fite took their children,...

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Lee County teen sets new Girl Scout cookie sales record

Olivia Trader, a high school senior from Lee County, has become a local sensation in the world of Girl Scout cookies. Known for her irresistible sales pitch, Trader broke a record in 2020 for the most...

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Fort Myers city attorney keeps job after council vote falls short 

FORT MYERS Fort Myers City Council members failed to reach a consensus on terminating City Attorney Grant Alley. Despite some members, including Councilwoman Darla Bonk, expressing dissatisfaction with...

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New Fort Myers park brings community together on Common Ground

What was once an empty lot in Fort Myers has transformed into a mini oasis with the opening of Common Ground Park. The new park features palm trees, plants and ample space for visitors to sit and...

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Lee County clerk’s office under fire for ethics violations, vows improvements

FORT MYERS Accusations of fraud, waste and abuse have emerged against the Lee County Clerk of Courts. In July 2024, an anonymous email accused the department of favoritism, leading to customer neglect...

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Fort Myers Beach approves food truck park after lengthy noise debate

FORT MYERS BEACH Fort Myers Beach is set to welcome a new food truck park despite facing significant opposition. The Fort Myers Beach Town Council unanimously voted to approve the project following a...

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Fort Myers couple donates $350K to Lee Health after life-saving surgery

FORT MYERS A family is giving back to the place that saved one of their own. In 2024, Brian Seasholes received life-saving emergency surgery at the Lee Health Heart Institute. Brian Seasholes and his...

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