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...
View ArticleCitrus 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...
View ArticleAffordable 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...
View ArticleFDOT 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,...
View ArticleNew 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...
View ArticleFort 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...
View ArticleFort 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...
View ArticleFort 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...
View ArticleSanibel’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...
View ArticleMiracle 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...
View ArticleLee 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...
View ArticleLee 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...
View ArticleSanibel’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...
View ArticleElderly 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...
View ArticleZoning 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...
View ArticleDivided 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...
View ArticleLocal 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,...
View Article‘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...
View ArticleBonita 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...
View ArticleAir 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...
View ArticlePine 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,...
View ArticleCape 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...
View ArticleTesla 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...
View ArticleTim 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...
View ArticleNvidia 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...
View ArticleRoyal 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...
View ArticleCape 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,...
View ArticleEconomic 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...
View ArticleFort 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...
View ArticleExclusive: 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...
View ArticleLehigh 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....
View ArticleHoney 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...
View ArticleRiptide 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...
View ArticleJury 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...
View ArticleSouthwest 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...
View ArticleCrash 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...
View ArticleCape 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...
View ArticleSearch 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....
View ArticleLove 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...
View ArticleVIO 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...
View ArticleDeadline 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...
View ArticlePine 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...
View ArticleCypress 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...
View ArticleFlorida 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,...
View ArticleLee 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...
View ArticleFort 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...
View ArticleNew 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...
View ArticleLee 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...
View ArticleFort 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...
View ArticleFort 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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