Two 10-year-olds accused of exchanging gun for money on school groundsSWFL could feel economic impacts of Baltimore bridge collapse
LABELLE Two 10-year-olds accused of exchanging gun for money on school grounds Police say the boy bought the gun for $300 dollars from another 10-year-old boy and that they exchanged the gun on the grounds of Country Oaks Elementary School. SWFL could feel economic impacts of Baltimore bridge collapse The Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse in Baltimore is sending shockwaves around the country, causing, even us here, in southwest Florida to feel its economic impacts. FORT MYERS BEACH High winds gusting across FMB – one business gets the brunt of it Winds from Wednesday night led to island damage on Thursday. Still recovering from Ian, The Whale’s tent fell victim to these harsh gusts. FORT MYERS Surviving and thriving after overcoming fentanyl addiction Overcoming addiction has its challenges, but one man hopes his story inspires others to fight back. CAPE CORAL LCSO animal abuse list helps shelters screen pet parents Toward the end of 2023, Lee County unanimously approved an animal abuse registry as a way for law enforcement and shelters to keep tabs on people who abuse and neglect animals. FORT MYERS Gateway High School track coach fired over naked photo allegations A father came forward, claiming that the coach sent his daughter naked photos on Instagram. ESTERO CPKC Stadium opening encourages FGCU women’s soccer players Seeing the NWSL become home to the world’s first stadium built for a women’s professional sports team means so much to a pair of Eagles. FORT MYERS Former Dunbar star and NBA pro Walt Wesley dies at 79 Walt Wesley, a former star at Dunbar High and a 10-year NBA pro, passed away at the age of 79. NAPLES No swim advisory for Park Shore Beach in Naples The advisory will continue until bacteria levels are below the accepted health level. DOWNTOWN FORT MYERS Trash blows into the Caloosahatchee from Lee County apartment complex Trash is making a big mess while it blows around the Harbor Grand apartment complex near downtown Fort Myers. Surviving and thriving after overcoming fentanyl addiction Overcoming addiction has its challenges, but one man hopes his story inspires others to fight back. Lee Schools delays safety presentation A presentation to discuss school safety at the Lee County School District has been cancelled, leaving questions unanswered while disciplinary data and safety concerns grow. Gulfshore Business View all Shalimar Beach Resort celebrates milestone groundbreaking on Sanibel Island Nancy and Chet Niesel bought Shalimar in 2005. New nonprofit to be Collier County’s one-stop shop for affordable housing Collier County Land Trust and Housing, Education, Lending Programs rolled out The Housing Alliance on March 28, a clearinghouse that will gather and disperse information about affordable housing opportunities countywide. First step to reestablish East Fort Myers Redevelopment Plan approved LaRue Planning began working on reestablishing the revitalization plan for east Fort Myers through public meetings in August 2022. FPL installs more underground utility lines in Charlotte County Starting in 2018 as a pilot program, Storm Secure Underground Program was expanded in 2022. Industrial real estate migrates to Punta Gorda as Capital Partners breaks ground Founded 25 years ago in Minneapolis by Peter Mork, Capital Partners has grown to manage about $1.6 billion in assets and about 15 million square feet of space. Charlotte County appropriates initial $750K for Cultural Center Funding for the capital improvement project called Cultural Center Replacement will be supplied from the capital project fund’s ad valorem revenue. Join our Newsletter for the latest news right to your inbox Sign up for e-mail alerts from WINK News Investigations The future of baseball spring training in Lee County The iconic phrase “Take me out to the ballgame” has lost meaning as baseball attendance and television ratings have noticeably dropped in recent years. How much is that doggie in the window? A family warns research the store before you buy One Lee County family wants everyone to think twice before taking a Petland puppy home. Their puppy, Bella, has cost them thousands of dollars and now they’re taking Petland to court. Homeowner sues insurer known for suing its own policyholders Almost a year and a half after Hurricane Ian and insurance lawsuits are still making their way through the courts. One insurance company stands out for suing its own customers but one of its policyholders turned the tables. Flamingo Flourish: How long will Southwest Florida’s pink guests stay post-Hurricane Idalia? Are pink flamingos considering a comeback in Florida? Researchers are trying to determine if the once-native shorebirds blown in by Hurricane Idalia are here to stay. Port Charlotte couple finally gets Ian-damaged power equipment cleaned up Wires dangling low to the ground and damaged power poles leaning over their yard: It’s a scary sight that one Port Charlotte couple had to stare at every day since Hurricane Ian. State News View all Sawfish emergency response seeks answers to Florida Keys mortality event Officials are preparing an emergency response to the mysterious sawfish mortality and abnormal fish behavior happening in the Lower Florida Keys. DeSantis lifts wine regulations in Florida During a press conference in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, Gov. Ron DeSantis spoke about wine regulation and lifting the quantifiable purchasing limit. Gas grill explodes outside Cape Coral home Last Thursday was supposed to be a relaxing day for Dillon Campbell and his friends. That relaxation quickly turned to shock. Gov. DeSantis speaks on evicting squatters in Orlando Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis spoke about squatter’s rights and House Bill 621 during a press conference in Orlando. Settlement reached in lawsuit between Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis allies and Disney Allies of Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and Disney reached a settlement agreement Wednesday in a lawsuit over who controls Walt Disney World’s governing district. Health & Medical View all New treatments for COPD Until recently, the primary treatment options were inhalers and oxygen, but now, there’s another alternative. Groundbreaking Alzheimer’s drug being dropped by manufacturer The drug Aduhelm has a complicated history. It was greeted with great hope as a treatment for early stage Alzheimer’s disease. In 2021, the FDA gave it fast-track approval, that means a greenlight. It was the first new drug for Alzheimer’s in 18 years. Now, it’s being dropped by the manufacturer. New procedure to remove painful bunions Bunions are small bony bumps on the toes that create massive pain and problems. Surgery is the solution, but an old traditional method is being challenged by a newer, groundbreaking procedure. Man continues to battle rare infection following Hurricane Ian If you think back to the time immediately following Hurricane Ian, people were concerned about what types of harmful bacteria might be lurking in the flood water. The fear of contracting an infection became real for a Lee county man. Water quality alert issued for Naples Pier area; bacteria levels high The water near the Naples Pier does not meet recreational water quality standards. NCH reaches medical milestone; cardiologist performs first Transcatheter Tricuspid Valve replacement in the state NCH’s Rooney Heart institute reaches a milestone by performing the first-ever transcatheter tricuspid valve replacement in Florida. The Environment View all Mangroves – they’re more than just a plant Mangroves are Mother Nature’s natural protectors for our canals, shorelines, and barrier islands like Sanibel. Naples Pier swim advisory lifted A water advisory has been lifted in an area around Collier County after high bacteria levels were detected earlier in March. Caught on Camera: Alligator shelters in Cape Coral sewers A Cape Coral man notices an alligator behind bars in his neighborhood. WINK Sports View all Florida Snowbirds Hockey Club keeps the passion for the sport alive The Florida Snowbirds Hockey Club has seniors playing the sport they love and build comradery. FGCU adds artistic robot to its grounds crew Michaela Wazoski, named for its one eyeball and eyelash, is a robot that uses GPS to draw the lines on FGCU’s grass fields. Port Charlotte eatery set up for success following Spring Training Being in the Rays’s backyard makes for packed pre and post-game festivities at the Twisted Fork in Port Charlotte. Fans say goodbye to the Twins as Spring Training ends Fans say goodbye to the Minnesota Twins as they host their final Spring Training game of the year. FSW softball athlete’s unfinished business takes her to Louisiana Most athletes feel some sort of love for the game they’re playing, but one young woman felt that drive disappear. FGCU’s fourth-quarter rally falls short; Eagles lose to Oklahoma 73-70 Despite a hot start, FGCU had to rally in the fourth but came up short against Oklahoma 73-70 in the first round of the NCAA Tournament. Teammates remember Hall of Famer Joe Mauer’s time in Fort Myers The road to Cooperstown for Hall of Fame Minnesota Twins catcher Joe Mauer includes time in Fort Myers. Former Lehigh star, Commanders DB Quan Martin reflects on his journey to the NFL Washington Commanders defensive back Quan Martin reflects on his NFL journey that started here in Southwest Florida. No. 12 FGCU to face No. 5 Oklahoma in first round of NCAA Tournament The Eagles are headed to Bloomington, Indiana, to face the Big 12 champions, the Oklahoma Sooners, in the first round of March Madness. Former Red Sox director of Florida operations reflects on relocation, St. Patrick’s Day tradition Former Red Sox director of Florida operations Bill MacKay reflects on the team’s relocation to Fort Myers and the birth of the green Red Sox hat. Campaign Central View all Conflicting legislation causes confusion at the border A federal appeals court has blocked Texas from charging migrants with a state crime and having judges order them across the border. Floridians help in the wake of the border crisis Our team is in Eagle Pass, meeting the men and women from Southwest Florida, who are helping fight the growing immigration crisis. Both proposed amendments for Marco Island ballot fail Two proposed amendments on the Marco Island ballot have failed.
LABELLE Two 10-year-olds accused of exchanging gun for money on school grounds Police say the boy bought the gun for $300 dollars from another 10-year-old boy and that they exchanged the gun on the grounds of Country Oaks Elementary School.
SWFL could feel economic impacts of Baltimore bridge collapse The Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse in Baltimore is sending shockwaves around the country, causing, even us here, in southwest Florida to feel its economic impacts.
FORT MYERS BEACH High winds gusting across FMB – one business gets the brunt of it Winds from Wednesday night led to island damage on Thursday. Still recovering from Ian, The Whale’s tent fell victim to these harsh gusts.
FORT MYERS Surviving and thriving after overcoming fentanyl addiction Overcoming addiction has its challenges, but one man hopes his story inspires others to fight back.
CAPE CORAL LCSO animal abuse list helps shelters screen pet parents Toward the end of 2023, Lee County unanimously approved an animal abuse registry as a way for law enforcement and shelters to keep tabs on people who abuse and neglect animals.
FORT MYERS Gateway High School track coach fired over naked photo allegations A father came forward, claiming that the coach sent his daughter naked photos on Instagram.
ESTERO CPKC Stadium opening encourages FGCU women’s soccer players Seeing the NWSL become home to the world’s first stadium built for a women’s professional sports team means so much to a pair of Eagles.
FORT MYERS Former Dunbar star and NBA pro Walt Wesley dies at 79 Walt Wesley, a former star at Dunbar High and a 10-year NBA pro, passed away at the age of 79.
NAPLES No swim advisory for Park Shore Beach in Naples The advisory will continue until bacteria levels are below the accepted health level.
DOWNTOWN FORT MYERS Trash blows into the Caloosahatchee from Lee County apartment complex Trash is making a big mess while it blows around the Harbor Grand apartment complex near downtown Fort Myers.
Surviving and thriving after overcoming fentanyl addiction Overcoming addiction has its challenges, but one man hopes his story inspires others to fight back.
Lee Schools delays safety presentation A presentation to discuss school safety at the Lee County School District has been cancelled, leaving questions unanswered while disciplinary data and safety concerns grow.
Shalimar Beach Resort celebrates milestone groundbreaking on Sanibel Island Nancy and Chet Niesel bought Shalimar in 2005.
New nonprofit to be Collier County’s one-stop shop for affordable housing Collier County Land Trust and Housing, Education, Lending Programs rolled out The Housing Alliance on March 28, a clearinghouse that will gather and disperse information about affordable housing opportunities countywide.
First step to reestablish East Fort Myers Redevelopment Plan approved LaRue Planning began working on reestablishing the revitalization plan for east Fort Myers through public meetings in August 2022.
FPL installs more underground utility lines in Charlotte County Starting in 2018 as a pilot program, Storm Secure Underground Program was expanded in 2022.
Industrial real estate migrates to Punta Gorda as Capital Partners breaks ground Founded 25 years ago in Minneapolis by Peter Mork, Capital Partners has grown to manage about $1.6 billion in assets and about 15 million square feet of space.
Charlotte County appropriates initial $750K for Cultural Center Funding for the capital improvement project called Cultural Center Replacement will be supplied from the capital project fund’s ad valorem revenue.
The future of baseball spring training in Lee County The iconic phrase “Take me out to the ballgame” has lost meaning as baseball attendance and television ratings have noticeably dropped in recent years.
How much is that doggie in the window? A family warns research the store before you buy One Lee County family wants everyone to think twice before taking a Petland puppy home. Their puppy, Bella, has cost them thousands of dollars and now they’re taking Petland to court.
Homeowner sues insurer known for suing its own policyholders Almost a year and a half after Hurricane Ian and insurance lawsuits are still making their way through the courts. One insurance company stands out for suing its own customers but one of its policyholders turned the tables.
Flamingo Flourish: How long will Southwest Florida’s pink guests stay post-Hurricane Idalia? Are pink flamingos considering a comeback in Florida? Researchers are trying to determine if the once-native shorebirds blown in by Hurricane Idalia are here to stay.
Port Charlotte couple finally gets Ian-damaged power equipment cleaned up Wires dangling low to the ground and damaged power poles leaning over their yard: It’s a scary sight that one Port Charlotte couple had to stare at every day since Hurricane Ian.
Sawfish emergency response seeks answers to Florida Keys mortality event Officials are preparing an emergency response to the mysterious sawfish mortality and abnormal fish behavior happening in the Lower Florida Keys.
DeSantis lifts wine regulations in Florida During a press conference in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, Gov. Ron DeSantis spoke about wine regulation and lifting the quantifiable purchasing limit.
Gas grill explodes outside Cape Coral home Last Thursday was supposed to be a relaxing day for Dillon Campbell and his friends. That relaxation quickly turned to shock.
Gov. DeSantis speaks on evicting squatters in Orlando Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis spoke about squatter’s rights and House Bill 621 during a press conference in Orlando.
Settlement reached in lawsuit between Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis allies and Disney Allies of Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and Disney reached a settlement agreement Wednesday in a lawsuit over who controls Walt Disney World’s governing district.
New treatments for COPD Until recently, the primary treatment options were inhalers and oxygen, but now, there’s another alternative.
Groundbreaking Alzheimer’s drug being dropped by manufacturer The drug Aduhelm has a complicated history. It was greeted with great hope as a treatment for early stage Alzheimer’s disease. In 2021, the FDA gave it fast-track approval, that means a greenlight. It was the first new drug for Alzheimer’s in 18 years. Now, it’s being dropped by the manufacturer.
New procedure to remove painful bunions Bunions are small bony bumps on the toes that create massive pain and problems. Surgery is the solution, but an old traditional method is being challenged by a newer, groundbreaking procedure.
Man continues to battle rare infection following Hurricane Ian If you think back to the time immediately following Hurricane Ian, people were concerned about what types of harmful bacteria might be lurking in the flood water. The fear of contracting an infection became real for a Lee county man.
Water quality alert issued for Naples Pier area; bacteria levels high The water near the Naples Pier does not meet recreational water quality standards.
NCH reaches medical milestone; cardiologist performs first Transcatheter Tricuspid Valve replacement in the state NCH’s Rooney Heart institute reaches a milestone by performing the first-ever transcatheter tricuspid valve replacement in Florida.
Mangroves – they’re more than just a plant Mangroves are Mother Nature’s natural protectors for our canals, shorelines, and barrier islands like Sanibel.
Naples Pier swim advisory lifted A water advisory has been lifted in an area around Collier County after high bacteria levels were detected earlier in March.
Caught on Camera: Alligator shelters in Cape Coral sewers A Cape Coral man notices an alligator behind bars in his neighborhood.
Florida Snowbirds Hockey Club keeps the passion for the sport alive The Florida Snowbirds Hockey Club has seniors playing the sport they love and build comradery.
FGCU adds artistic robot to its grounds crew Michaela Wazoski, named for its one eyeball and eyelash, is a robot that uses GPS to draw the lines on FGCU’s grass fields.
Port Charlotte eatery set up for success following Spring Training Being in the Rays’s backyard makes for packed pre and post-game festivities at the Twisted Fork in Port Charlotte.
Fans say goodbye to the Twins as Spring Training ends Fans say goodbye to the Minnesota Twins as they host their final Spring Training game of the year.
FSW softball athlete’s unfinished business takes her to Louisiana Most athletes feel some sort of love for the game they’re playing, but one young woman felt that drive disappear.
FGCU’s fourth-quarter rally falls short; Eagles lose to Oklahoma 73-70 Despite a hot start, FGCU had to rally in the fourth but came up short against Oklahoma 73-70 in the first round of the NCAA Tournament.
Teammates remember Hall of Famer Joe Mauer’s time in Fort Myers The road to Cooperstown for Hall of Fame Minnesota Twins catcher Joe Mauer includes time in Fort Myers.
Former Lehigh star, Commanders DB Quan Martin reflects on his journey to the NFL Washington Commanders defensive back Quan Martin reflects on his NFL journey that started here in Southwest Florida.
No. 12 FGCU to face No. 5 Oklahoma in first round of NCAA Tournament The Eagles are headed to Bloomington, Indiana, to face the Big 12 champions, the Oklahoma Sooners, in the first round of March Madness.
Former Red Sox director of Florida operations reflects on relocation, St. Patrick’s Day tradition Former Red Sox director of Florida operations Bill MacKay reflects on the team’s relocation to Fort Myers and the birth of the green Red Sox hat.
Conflicting legislation causes confusion at the border A federal appeals court has blocked Texas from charging migrants with a state crime and having judges order them across the border.
Floridians help in the wake of the border crisis Our team is in Eagle Pass, meeting the men and women from Southwest Florida, who are helping fight the growing immigration crisis.
Both proposed amendments for Marco Island ballot fail Two proposed amendments on the Marco Island ballot have failed.