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...
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...
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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...
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...
View ArticleLee County buys 130-acre parcel in East Fort Myers for conservation effort
FORT MYERS The Lee Board of County Commissioners approved the purchase of two parcels of land, including a nearly 130-acre parcel in East Fort Myers, for the Conservation 20/20 land acquisition...
View ArticleMan sentenced for 2022 murder outside Lee County Mexican restaurant
A man has been sentenced to 40 years in prison for a 2022 murder in Lee County. Twenty-six-year-old Hector Edgardo Perdomo shot and killed a man on November 13, 2022, in the parking lot of a Mexican...
View ArticleSanibel looks to speed up recovery process
SANIBEL Sanibel is taking steps to accelerate its recovery process by urging owners of destroyed homes to begin repairs. City officials voted to enforce a new ordinance aimed at improving community...
View ArticleCursive comeback in Florida schools? What it means for local students
FORT MYERS A rare sight is making a comeback in Florida’s elementary schools—cursive handwriting. Lawmakers are pushing to require cursive writing instruction and testing for second to fifth-grade...
View ArticleLee County School District cuts 5% of all departments’ budgets;...
Lee County Schools announced they are saving millions, sparking questions about the allocation of these funds. WINK News exclusively interviewed Superintendent Dr. Denise Carlin to gain insight into...
View ArticleFort 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...
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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...
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...
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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...
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...
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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...
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...
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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...
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...
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