Most Wanted Wednesday: Southwest Florida’s most wanted suspects for April 2, 2025New cardiac center in Naples promises advanced heart and stroke care
SOUTHWEST FLORIDA Most Wanted Wednesday: Southwest Florida’s most wanted suspects for April 2, 2025 This weekly Most Wanted Wednesday WINK News segment features fugitives from justice in Southwest Florida.
NAPLES New cardiac center in Naples promises advanced heart and stroke care A new cardiac care facility is set to transform healthcare in Naples.
Lee County schools: What happens after student arrests for threats? In Lee County, the Sheriff’s School Threat Assessment Team has been busy this school year, responding to over 288 incidents.
LABELLE New details in fatal shooting of LaBelle mother of four The Hendry County Sheriff’s Office has shared the 911 call made by Priscilla Hallihan’s boyfriend the night she was shot and killed at her LaBelle home.
FORT MYERS Mighty Mussels prepare for season opener with fresh talent The Minnesota Twins’ low-A affiliate is under new management, who is ready to give fans something to look forward to this season.
NAPLES Pickleball legend Simone Jardim shares tips and tricks with Naples fans Naples pickleball fans filled the USOP National Pickleball Center for the experience of a lifetime, playing with former world number one Simone Jardim.
FORT MYERS ECS softball on top of state rankings midseason Ranked number one in 1A ball midway through this season, the pressure is on to defend their state title with a younger squad.
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.
Englewood Beach reopens after Hurricane Milton Englewood Beach in Charlotte County has partially reopened, allowing beach lovers to return for the first time since Hurricane Milton.
CAPE CORAL Miracle baby delivered after car crash in Cape Coral A head-on crash in Cape Coral has left a family clinging to hope and gratitude as they navigate a challenging recovery.
SANIBEL Sanibel’s new mayor shares vision for his recovering community Sanibel Island has a new leader steering its future.
FORT MYERS Fort Myers police HQ cost jumps to $140M, taxpayers to foot the bill The Fort Myers Police Department’s new headquarters will cost significantly more, projected to reach around $140 million.
FORT MYERS BEACH Fort Myers Beach mayor calls out permitting loophole In late March, the town of Fort Myers Beach shared that it may get its FEMA flood insurance discount back sooner than expected.
SWFL residents face weight loss drug shortage as FDA bans alternatives The Federal Drug Administration is set to ban compound pharmacies from creating alternative versions of name-brand weight loss drugs like Ozempic.
DeSoto deputies searching for man who went 120 MPH on motorcycle DeSoto County deputies are looking to catch a motorcyclist who went over 120 miles per hour.
SOUTHWEST FLORIDA Most Wanted Wednesday: Southwest Florida’s most wanted suspects for April 2, 2025 This weekly Most Wanted Wednesday WINK News segment features fugitives from justice in Southwest Florida.
NAPLES New cardiac center in Naples promises advanced heart and stroke care A new cardiac care facility is set to transform healthcare in Naples.
Lee County schools: What happens after student arrests for threats? In Lee County, the Sheriff’s School Threat Assessment Team has been busy this school year, responding to over 288 incidents.
LABELLE New details in fatal shooting of LaBelle mother of four The Hendry County Sheriff’s Office has shared the 911 call made by Priscilla Hallihan’s boyfriend the night she was shot and killed at her LaBelle home.
FORT MYERS Mighty Mussels prepare for season opener with fresh talent The Minnesota Twins’ low-A affiliate is under new management, who is ready to give fans something to look forward to this season.
NAPLES Pickleball legend Simone Jardim shares tips and tricks with Naples fans Naples pickleball fans filled the USOP National Pickleball Center for the experience of a lifetime, playing with former world number one Simone Jardim.
FORT MYERS ECS softball on top of state rankings midseason Ranked number one in 1A ball midway through this season, the pressure is on to defend their state title with a younger squad.
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.
Englewood Beach reopens after Hurricane Milton Englewood Beach in Charlotte County has partially reopened, allowing beach lovers to return for the first time since Hurricane Milton.
CAPE CORAL Miracle baby delivered after car crash in Cape Coral A head-on crash in Cape Coral has left a family clinging to hope and gratitude as they navigate a challenging recovery.
SANIBEL Sanibel’s new mayor shares vision for his recovering community Sanibel Island has a new leader steering its future.
FORT MYERS Fort Myers police HQ cost jumps to $140M, taxpayers to foot the bill The Fort Myers Police Department’s new headquarters will cost significantly more, projected to reach around $140 million.
FORT MYERS BEACH Fort Myers Beach mayor calls out permitting loophole In late March, the town of Fort Myers Beach shared that it may get its FEMA flood insurance discount back sooner than expected.
SWFL residents face weight loss drug shortage as FDA bans alternatives The Federal Drug Administration is set to ban compound pharmacies from creating alternative versions of name-brand weight loss drugs like Ozempic.
DeSoto deputies searching for man who went 120 MPH on motorcycle DeSoto County deputies are looking to catch a motorcyclist who went over 120 miles per hour.
SOUTHWEST FLORIDA Most Wanted Wednesday: Southwest Florida’s most wanted suspects for April 2, 2025 This weekly Most Wanted Wednesday WINK News segment features fugitives from justice in Southwest Florida. NAPLES New cardiac center in Naples promises advanced heart and stroke care A new cardiac care facility is set to transform healthcare in Naples. Lee County schools: What happens after student arrests for threats? In Lee County, the Sheriff’s School Threat Assessment Team has been busy this school year, responding to over 288 incidents. LABELLE New details in fatal shooting of LaBelle mother of four The Hendry County Sheriff’s Office has shared the 911 call made by Priscilla Hallihan’s boyfriend the night she was shot and killed at her LaBelle home. 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. Englewood Beach reopens after Hurricane Milton Englewood Beach in Charlotte County has partially reopened, allowing beach lovers to return for the first time since Hurricane Milton. Links Mentioned on WINK FORT MYERS Mighty Mussels prepare for season opener with fresh talent The Minnesota Twins’ low-A affiliate is under new management, who is ready to give fans something to look forward to this season. CAPE CORAL Miracle baby delivered after car crash in Cape Coral A head-on crash in Cape Coral has left a family clinging to hope and gratitude as they navigate a challenging recovery. SANIBEL Sanibel’s new mayor shares vision for his recovering community Sanibel Island has a new leader steering its future. FORT MYERS Fort Myers police HQ cost jumps to $140M, taxpayers to foot the bill The Fort Myers Police Department’s new headquarters will cost significantly more, projected to reach around $140 million. Gulfshore Business View all ‘Soup Nazi’ retires, sells original Larry’s Lunch Box in East Naples No soup for you — at least not from Naples’ “Soup Nazi” anymore. Marci Redding has retired after more than 35 years of berating indecisive customers at Larry’s Lunch Box Delicatessen in East Naples. 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. PGD receives high marks, new routes while Allegiant faces obstacles Punta Gorda Airport has been ranked as one of the nation’s most affordable airports, a Charlotte County Airport Authority commissioner told the county’s Metropolitan Planning Board on March 31. 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 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 Caloosa Sound Convention Center in downtown Fort Myers, offers so much more to those residing near the winter home of Thomas Edison and the surrounding communities of Southwest Florida, said Frank Bonafilia, executive director of the Edison Awards. Autism Collier Charter School to share space with BridgePrep Academy for first year Autism Collier Charter School, scheduled to open in August 2025, announced in late March that it will share space during its first year with BridgePrep Academy, another charter school at 3161 Santa Barbara Blvd. in the Naples area. Former Joann employee starts business selling fabric, crafts For years, Vicki Kirby sold her hand-made custom crafts in Port Charlotte while working at Joann fabric and craft store. She never dreamed of starting a business at 71, but an unexpected event led her to opening Kirby’s Fabric Korner on March 10 at 4549 Tamiami Trail in Port Charlotte. Latest local news delivered to your inbox daily. Investigations Exclusive: New close-up look of hostage situation at Bank of America In a WINK News exclusive, a new look inside the dramatic hostage situation at the Bank of America at Bell Tower last year. Congress steps in as Port Charlotte widow searches for husband’s ashes A Port Charlotte woman continues to fight to find her husband’s ashes, lost in the mail. Members of Congress are now backing her efforts. Lost ashes in Fort Myers: USPS employee speaks out A widow’s search for closure continues as her husband’s ashes remain lost in the mail. Englewood residents urged to stay vigilant as armed man eludes capture Authorities are still searching for a 20-year-old man considered armed and dangerous, who escaped from deputies during an attempted arrest. 2 wanted for illegal deer poaching in Hendry County The Hendry County Sheriff’s Office Agriculture Unit is seeking assistance from the public in its investigation into the illegal killing of approximately nine deer. State News View all Gov. DeSantis announces Hope Florida liaison station in all 67 county sheriff offices Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, along with his wife Casey DeSantis, announced a point of contact station for Hope Florida to be established in all 67 county sheriff offices. Florida toll relief program ends; saved drivers 50% on tolls The Florida Toll Relief Program is ending its significant savings to eligible drivers across the state on Tuesday. FMB holds hearing to get homes, businesses back into compliance Fort Myers Beach is in the spotlight Tuesday for hearings that aim to address homes and businesses not complying with FEMA regulations. Liquid egg recall in Florida due to possible cleaning solution in product The Food Safety and Inspection Service has announced a recall of around 212,268 pounds of liquid egg products that may contain a cleaning solution with sodium hypochlorite. Bear in Mind: FWC provides black bear safety tips ahead for spring Spring is upon us as the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission advocates black bear safety with its BearWise program. Health & Medical View all SWFL residents face weight loss drug shortage as FDA bans alternatives The Federal Drug Administration is set to ban compound pharmacies from creating alternative versions of name-brand weight loss drugs like Ozempic. CBD and its use during pregnancy CBD, or cannabidiol, is the second most active ingredient in cannabis, and it’s known for providing pain relief, helping with sleep and easing stress. Miracle Moment: Cancer-free celebrations at Golisano Several local children recently celebrated a significant milestone: their victory over cancer. Revolutionary spinal fusion surgery being developed in Naples People with severe back problems may have a new option for relief. Understanding sugar’s role in cancer risk The connection between sugar and cancer is a topic of much discussion and confusion. March Madness spurs vasectomy surge March Madness has become more than just a basketball tournament; it’s also a popular time for men to undergo vasectomies. The Environment View all Naples embraces new mobile gym for dogs A unique mobile gym for dogs is making waves in Naples, offering a convenient way for pets to exercise without leaving their homes. Florida Panther caught on camera mimicking house cat behavior A new video of a Florida Panther shows that these wild animals have more in common with house cats than you might think. SCCF weather stations destroyed by Hurricane Ian, operational again The powerful storm had swept away all three weather stations of the Sanibel Captiva Conservation Foundation. After nearly two and a half years, the RECON Weather System is back online, bringing vital information to the community. WINK Sports View all Pickleball legend Simone Jardim shares tips and tricks with Naples fans Naples pickleball fans filled the USOP National Pickleball Center for the experience of a lifetime, playing with former world number one Simone Jardim. ECS softball on top of state rankings midseason Ranked number one in 1A ball midway through this season, the pressure is on to defend their state title with a younger squad. Joey Lawson’s heroics boost Bishop Verot’s baseball success Bishop Verot High School baseball star Joey Lawson’s play helps the Vikings become one of the top teams in the state. Everblades re-sign Ho-Sang ahead of playoff push Florida Everblades re-signed forward Josh Ho-Sang, a member of last year’s Kelly Cup winning team, ahead of another title defense. APP US Collegiate Championships bring college pickleball to Cape Coral 32 college pickleball teams from schools all over the country descend on Cape Coral for the APP US Collegiate Championships. United Soccer League implementing promotion and relegation FC Naples will soon be playing in the promotion and relegation system, a staple in European soccer, once its implemented by the United Soccer League. Fort Myers native Jadrian Tracey ready for second NCAA Tournament with Oregon Fort Myers native Jadrian Tracey is getting set for his second appearance in the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament with Oregon. Barron Collier grad pitches first game for FSU since heart surgeries FSU pitcher Jacob Marlowe, a Barron Collier High School grad, played his first baseball game after two open heart surgeries. MLB testing Automatic Ball-Strike System during Spring Training MLB is testing the Automatic Ball-Strike System during Spring Training to see if it can be called up to regular season games. Bregman and Crochet make Red Sox Spring Training debut Alex Bregman and Garrett Crochet make their Red Sox Spring Training debut in the team’s Grapefruit League home opener Sunday. Campaign Central View all Fort Myers’ Howard Sapp seeks to break GOP hold in district 19 race Howard Sapp has announced his candidacy to represent Southwest Florida in Washington, D.C. Sapp, a Democrat, aims to succeed Republican Congressman Byron Donalds, who is running for governor of Florida. Byron Donalds talks campaign goals for Florida governor race in 2026 U.S. Rep. Byron Donalds is gearing up for his campaign to succeed Gov. Ron DeSantis in 2026. Jim Oberweis seeks SWFL seat as Byron Donalds plans governor campaign Southwest Florida is poised for a political shift as Byron Donalds eyes a run for governor.
SOUTHWEST FLORIDA Most Wanted Wednesday: Southwest Florida’s most wanted suspects for April 2, 2025 This weekly Most Wanted Wednesday WINK News segment features fugitives from justice in Southwest Florida.
NAPLES New cardiac center in Naples promises advanced heart and stroke care A new cardiac care facility is set to transform healthcare in Naples.
Lee County schools: What happens after student arrests for threats? In Lee County, the Sheriff’s School Threat Assessment Team has been busy this school year, responding to over 288 incidents.
LABELLE New details in fatal shooting of LaBelle mother of four The Hendry County Sheriff’s Office has shared the 911 call made by Priscilla Hallihan’s boyfriend the night she was shot and killed at her LaBelle home.
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.
Englewood Beach reopens after Hurricane Milton Englewood Beach in Charlotte County has partially reopened, allowing beach lovers to return for the first time since Hurricane Milton.
FORT MYERS Mighty Mussels prepare for season opener with fresh talent The Minnesota Twins’ low-A affiliate is under new management, who is ready to give fans something to look forward to this season.
CAPE CORAL Miracle baby delivered after car crash in Cape Coral A head-on crash in Cape Coral has left a family clinging to hope and gratitude as they navigate a challenging recovery.
SANIBEL Sanibel’s new mayor shares vision for his recovering community Sanibel Island has a new leader steering its future.
FORT MYERS Fort Myers police HQ cost jumps to $140M, taxpayers to foot the bill The Fort Myers Police Department’s new headquarters will cost significantly more, projected to reach around $140 million.
‘Soup Nazi’ retires, sells original Larry’s Lunch Box in East Naples No soup for you — at least not from Naples’ “Soup Nazi” anymore. Marci Redding has retired after more than 35 years of berating indecisive customers at Larry’s Lunch Box Delicatessen in East Naples.
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.
PGD receives high marks, new routes while Allegiant faces obstacles Punta Gorda Airport has been ranked as one of the nation’s most affordable airports, a Charlotte County Airport Authority commissioner told the county’s Metropolitan Planning Board on March 31.
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 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 Caloosa Sound Convention Center in downtown Fort Myers, offers so much more to those residing near the winter home of Thomas Edison and the surrounding communities of Southwest Florida, said Frank Bonafilia, executive director of the Edison Awards.
Autism Collier Charter School to share space with BridgePrep Academy for first year Autism Collier Charter School, scheduled to open in August 2025, announced in late March that it will share space during its first year with BridgePrep Academy, another charter school at 3161 Santa Barbara Blvd. in the Naples area.
Former Joann employee starts business selling fabric, crafts For years, Vicki Kirby sold her hand-made custom crafts in Port Charlotte while working at Joann fabric and craft store. She never dreamed of starting a business at 71, but an unexpected event led her to opening Kirby’s Fabric Korner on March 10 at 4549 Tamiami Trail in Port Charlotte.
Exclusive: New close-up look of hostage situation at Bank of America In a WINK News exclusive, a new look inside the dramatic hostage situation at the Bank of America at Bell Tower last year.
Congress steps in as Port Charlotte widow searches for husband’s ashes A Port Charlotte woman continues to fight to find her husband’s ashes, lost in the mail. Members of Congress are now backing her efforts.
Lost ashes in Fort Myers: USPS employee speaks out A widow’s search for closure continues as her husband’s ashes remain lost in the mail.
Englewood residents urged to stay vigilant as armed man eludes capture Authorities are still searching for a 20-year-old man considered armed and dangerous, who escaped from deputies during an attempted arrest.
2 wanted for illegal deer poaching in Hendry County The Hendry County Sheriff’s Office Agriculture Unit is seeking assistance from the public in its investigation into the illegal killing of approximately nine deer.
Gov. DeSantis announces Hope Florida liaison station in all 67 county sheriff offices Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, along with his wife Casey DeSantis, announced a point of contact station for Hope Florida to be established in all 67 county sheriff offices.
Florida toll relief program ends; saved drivers 50% on tolls The Florida Toll Relief Program is ending its significant savings to eligible drivers across the state on Tuesday.
FMB holds hearing to get homes, businesses back into compliance Fort Myers Beach is in the spotlight Tuesday for hearings that aim to address homes and businesses not complying with FEMA regulations.
Liquid egg recall in Florida due to possible cleaning solution in product The Food Safety and Inspection Service has announced a recall of around 212,268 pounds of liquid egg products that may contain a cleaning solution with sodium hypochlorite.
Bear in Mind: FWC provides black bear safety tips ahead for spring Spring is upon us as the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission advocates black bear safety with its BearWise program.
SWFL residents face weight loss drug shortage as FDA bans alternatives The Federal Drug Administration is set to ban compound pharmacies from creating alternative versions of name-brand weight loss drugs like Ozempic.
CBD and its use during pregnancy CBD, or cannabidiol, is the second most active ingredient in cannabis, and it’s known for providing pain relief, helping with sleep and easing stress.
Miracle Moment: Cancer-free celebrations at Golisano Several local children recently celebrated a significant milestone: their victory over cancer.
Revolutionary spinal fusion surgery being developed in Naples People with severe back problems may have a new option for relief.
Understanding sugar’s role in cancer risk The connection between sugar and cancer is a topic of much discussion and confusion.
March Madness spurs vasectomy surge March Madness has become more than just a basketball tournament; it’s also a popular time for men to undergo vasectomies.
Naples embraces new mobile gym for dogs A unique mobile gym for dogs is making waves in Naples, offering a convenient way for pets to exercise without leaving their homes.
Florida Panther caught on camera mimicking house cat behavior A new video of a Florida Panther shows that these wild animals have more in common with house cats than you might think.
SCCF weather stations destroyed by Hurricane Ian, operational again The powerful storm had swept away all three weather stations of the Sanibel Captiva Conservation Foundation. After nearly two and a half years, the RECON Weather System is back online, bringing vital information to the community.
Pickleball legend Simone Jardim shares tips and tricks with Naples fans Naples pickleball fans filled the USOP National Pickleball Center for the experience of a lifetime, playing with former world number one Simone Jardim.
ECS softball on top of state rankings midseason Ranked number one in 1A ball midway through this season, the pressure is on to defend their state title with a younger squad.
Joey Lawson’s heroics boost Bishop Verot’s baseball success Bishop Verot High School baseball star Joey Lawson’s play helps the Vikings become one of the top teams in the state.
Everblades re-sign Ho-Sang ahead of playoff push Florida Everblades re-signed forward Josh Ho-Sang, a member of last year’s Kelly Cup winning team, ahead of another title defense.
APP US Collegiate Championships bring college pickleball to Cape Coral 32 college pickleball teams from schools all over the country descend on Cape Coral for the APP US Collegiate Championships.
United Soccer League implementing promotion and relegation FC Naples will soon be playing in the promotion and relegation system, a staple in European soccer, once its implemented by the United Soccer League.
Fort Myers native Jadrian Tracey ready for second NCAA Tournament with Oregon Fort Myers native Jadrian Tracey is getting set for his second appearance in the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament with Oregon.
Barron Collier grad pitches first game for FSU since heart surgeries FSU pitcher Jacob Marlowe, a Barron Collier High School grad, played his first baseball game after two open heart surgeries.
MLB testing Automatic Ball-Strike System during Spring Training MLB is testing the Automatic Ball-Strike System during Spring Training to see if it can be called up to regular season games.
Bregman and Crochet make Red Sox Spring Training debut Alex Bregman and Garrett Crochet make their Red Sox Spring Training debut in the team’s Grapefruit League home opener Sunday.
Fort Myers’ Howard Sapp seeks to break GOP hold in district 19 race Howard Sapp has announced his candidacy to represent Southwest Florida in Washington, D.C. Sapp, a Democrat, aims to succeed Republican Congressman Byron Donalds, who is running for governor of Florida.
Byron Donalds talks campaign goals for Florida governor race in 2026 U.S. Rep. Byron Donalds is gearing up for his campaign to succeed Gov. Ron DeSantis in 2026.
Jim Oberweis seeks SWFL seat as Byron Donalds plans governor campaign Southwest Florida is poised for a political shift as Byron Donalds eyes a run for governor.