Fort Myers’ boxer wins WBC featherweight world titleNew charges added in Cape Coral theft, shooting; 2 more teens arrested
FORT MYERS Fort Myers’ boxer wins WBC featherweight world title Former FMPD officer and Police Athletic League coach Tiara Brown beat Skye Nicolson in the WBC featherweight world championship.
cape coral New charges added in Cape Coral theft, shooting; 2 more teens arrested The Cape Coral Police Department has announced more charges against two teenagers allegedly involved in a string of thefts that led to a shooting.
Sea Love Candle Bar & Boutique opens at Coconut Point in Estero Tina Smagala had spent about three decades working in corporate human resources and communications in various industries, and she was looking to try something else for a change.
Perkins Restaurant & Bakery to close in Estero The only Perkins Restaurant & Bakery in south Lee County is closing April13, and the question now is what’s going to take its place.
Changes coming to Social Security identity verification The Social Security Administration is changing how people can verify their identity for retirement, survivors, or family benefits.
the weather authority Warm and breezy this Thursday afternoon The Weather Authority is tracking a warm and breezy Thursday with conditions that may increase the risk of brush fires this afternoon.
NAPLES NCH Naples uses actors to prepare medical staff for emergencies NCH is taking medical training to an innovative level by providing real-life simulations for doctors and nurses.
ESTERO FGCU police wrangle 6-foot gator on busy campus boardwalk A 6-foot alligator made an unexpected appearance at Florida Gulf Coast University, causing a commotion on a busy boardwalk.
FORT MYERS Fort Myers City council faces backlash over ICE partnership The Fort Myers City Council’s partnership with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has been a point of contention
NAPLES Collier County teen hospitalized after protecting friend from dating violence incident A 17-year-old hero is fighting for his life in the hospital after a violent incident in Collier County.
FORT MYERS Fort Myers fire officials urge honesty to aid investigations, ensure safety The Fort Myers Fire Department is urging the community to be open and honest during fire investigations.
WWII veteran recalls life as a woman in war While many are familiar with the stories of men who served in World War II, the women who served also played a crucial role in shaping history.
Most Wanted Wednesday: Southwest Florida’s most wanted suspects for March 26, 2025 WINK News is back with Most Wanted Wednesday, spotlighting some of Southwest Florida’s most sought-after criminals. This initiative, in collaboration with Southwest Florida Crime Stoppers, aims to aid law enforcement by sharing crucial information about individuals they are trying to locate. This week, authorities are searching for Arquesha Brown in Fort Myers. The 47-year-old was […]
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.
FORT MYERS Fort Myers councilman proposes cameras for McGregor Blvd school zones Fort Myers may soon see new traffic cameras installed in school zones along McGregor Boulevard.
FORT MYERS Fort Myers’ boxer wins WBC featherweight world title Former FMPD officer and Police Athletic League coach Tiara Brown beat Skye Nicolson in the WBC featherweight world championship.
cape coral New charges added in Cape Coral theft, shooting; 2 more teens arrested The Cape Coral Police Department has announced more charges against two teenagers allegedly involved in a string of thefts that led to a shooting.
Sea Love Candle Bar & Boutique opens at Coconut Point in Estero Tina Smagala had spent about three decades working in corporate human resources and communications in various industries, and she was looking to try something else for a change.
Perkins Restaurant & Bakery to close in Estero The only Perkins Restaurant & Bakery in south Lee County is closing April13, and the question now is what’s going to take its place.
Changes coming to Social Security identity verification The Social Security Administration is changing how people can verify their identity for retirement, survivors, or family benefits.
the weather authority Warm and breezy this Thursday afternoon The Weather Authority is tracking a warm and breezy Thursday with conditions that may increase the risk of brush fires this afternoon.
NAPLES NCH Naples uses actors to prepare medical staff for emergencies NCH is taking medical training to an innovative level by providing real-life simulations for doctors and nurses.
ESTERO FGCU police wrangle 6-foot gator on busy campus boardwalk A 6-foot alligator made an unexpected appearance at Florida Gulf Coast University, causing a commotion on a busy boardwalk.
FORT MYERS Fort Myers City council faces backlash over ICE partnership The Fort Myers City Council’s partnership with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has been a point of contention
NAPLES Collier County teen hospitalized after protecting friend from dating violence incident A 17-year-old hero is fighting for his life in the hospital after a violent incident in Collier County.
FORT MYERS Fort Myers fire officials urge honesty to aid investigations, ensure safety The Fort Myers Fire Department is urging the community to be open and honest during fire investigations.
WWII veteran recalls life as a woman in war While many are familiar with the stories of men who served in World War II, the women who served also played a crucial role in shaping history.
Most Wanted Wednesday: Southwest Florida’s most wanted suspects for March 26, 2025 WINK News is back with Most Wanted Wednesday, spotlighting some of Southwest Florida’s most sought-after criminals. This initiative, in collaboration with Southwest Florida Crime Stoppers, aims to aid law enforcement by sharing crucial information about individuals they are trying to locate. This week, authorities are searching for Arquesha Brown in Fort Myers. The 47-year-old was […]
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.
FORT MYERS Fort Myers councilman proposes cameras for McGregor Blvd school zones Fort Myers may soon see new traffic cameras installed in school zones along McGregor Boulevard.
FORT MYERS Fort Myers’ boxer wins WBC featherweight world title Former FMPD officer and Police Athletic League coach Tiara Brown beat Skye Nicolson in the WBC featherweight world championship. cape coral New charges added in Cape Coral theft, shooting; 2 more teens arrested The Cape Coral Police Department has announced more charges against two teenagers allegedly involved in a string of thefts that led to a shooting. Changes coming to Social Security identity verification The Social Security Administration is changing how people can verify their identity for retirement, survivors, or family benefits. the weather authority Warm and breezy this Thursday afternoon The Weather Authority is tracking a warm and breezy Thursday with conditions that may increase the risk of brush fires this afternoon. NAPLES NCH Naples uses actors to prepare medical staff for emergencies NCH is taking medical training to an innovative level by providing real-life simulations for doctors and nurses. ESTERO FGCU police wrangle 6-foot gator on busy campus boardwalk A 6-foot alligator made an unexpected appearance at Florida Gulf Coast University, causing a commotion on a busy boardwalk. Links Mentioned on WINK FORT MYERS Fort Myers City council faces backlash over ICE partnership The Fort Myers City Council’s partnership with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has been a point of contention NAPLES Collier County teen hospitalized after protecting friend from dating violence incident A 17-year-old hero is fighting for his life in the hospital after a violent incident in Collier County. FORT MYERS Fort Myers fire officials urge honesty to aid investigations, ensure safety The Fort Myers Fire Department is urging the community to be open and honest during fire investigations. WWII veteran recalls life as a woman in war While many are familiar with the stories of men who served in World War II, the women who served also played a crucial role in shaping history. Gulfshore Business View all Sea Love Candle Bar & Boutique opens at Coconut Point in Estero Tina Smagala had spent about three decades working in corporate human resources and communications in various industries, and she was looking to try something else for a change. Perkins Restaurant & Bakery to close in Estero The only Perkins Restaurant & Bakery in south Lee County is closing April13, and the question now is what’s going to take its place. Junior Achievement of SWFL inducts 4 into Hall of Fame A who’s who of the local business community celebrated four regional leaders March 25 at Junior Achievement of Southwest Florida’s annual banquet honoring this year’s Business Hall of Fame inductees. Lee Health System files suit over North Naples clinic lease Fort Myers-based Lee Health System Inc. filed a lawsuit this week against Miami-based Nicklaus Children’s Hospital over a lease dispute for Golisano Children’s Health Center in North Naples. Two Meatballs replacing Warehouse restaurant in Naples area Two Meatballs in the Kitchen plans to expand its Italian restaurant concept into the Naples area soon to replace The Warehouse Cuisine & Cocktails, which permanently closed March 19 after a nearly eight-year run on the north side of Immokalee Road just east of Collier Boulevard. Port Authority approves extra $346.7M to finish terminal expansion project at RSW Not everyone gets a second chance, but the Lee County Board of Port Commissioners granted it to the original companies contracted to build the Terminal Expansion Phase One project at Southwest Florida International Airport. The project is now more than four years behind schedule and hundreds of millions of dollars over budget. Charlotte Co. home inventory expected to decrease during summer February’s inventory for single-family homes and condos in Charlotte County soared to heights not seen in years, but some sellers are expected to pull their homes off the market after Easter, an area Realtor said. 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 Changes coming to Social Security identity verification The Social Security Administration is changing how people can verify their identity for retirement, survivors, or family benefits. 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. Gov. DeSantis awards $389M in grants toward Florida water quality Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis has awarded $389 million in grants to improving water quality and quantity throughout the state. Collier County Commissioners set to discuss bike, e-bike safety Collier County commissioners are set to discuss a new safety ordinance for bicycles and e-bikes on Tuesday. Health & Medical View all Dietitian advises on healthy eating with weight loss meds Weight loss drugs are changing the game for those looking to shed pounds. However, they come with an important consideration: while they help curb appetite, maintaining proper nutrition is crucial. At-home sleep tests look for apnea Sleep apnea affects nearly 39 million people in the United States, with many more potentially undiagnosed due to the traditional requirement of a clinical sleep study. Surgeons using virtual reality technology New technology from virtual reality video games and popular apps like GPS is making its way into operating rooms, transforming the way surgeries are performed. How exercise can help Parkinson’s disease Florida has the highest percentage of people in the country with Parkinson’s disease. New heart disease risk found Heart disease remains a leading cause of death in the United States, with common risk factors including lack of exercise, a diet high in fatty foods and smoking. Federal cuts threaten medical research, including Alzheimer’s Federal spending cuts are putting billions of dollars in medical research, including studies on cancer, heart disease and Alzheimer’s, at risk. The Environment View all Red tide relief in sight? SWFL study reveals promising findings Red tide has long plagued Florida beaches, bringing coughing, burning eyes and piles of dead fish. Storm surge VR from NOAA shows hurricane danger to teach safety NOAA has introduced a groundbreaking virtual reality simulation called “Weather the Storm,” designed to immerse people in the experience of a hurricane’s storm surge safely. FWC locates litter of newborn critically endangered Florida panther kittens The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission has announced the discovery of a trio of panther kittens from a recently born litter. WINK Sports View all Fort Myers’ boxer wins WBC featherweight world title Former FMPD officer and Police Athletic League coach Tiara Brown beat Skye Nicolson in the WBC featherweight world championship. Estero teen to play in third Augusta National Women’s Amateur Estero 17-year-old Gianna Clemente is making her third appearance in the Augusta National Women’s Amateur. Mariner’s Maximus Brady achieves historic fourth state wrestling title Mariner High School wrestler Maximus Brady won his fourth straight state championship, becoming just the second in Lee County to do so. Twins fans say farewell to Spring Training this season Baseball fans went out to the ballgame one last time as the Minnesota Twins close Spring Training in Southwest Florida. FGCU women’s head basketball coach steps down After only one year leading the Eagles, FGCU head women’s basketball coach Chelsea Lyles is stepping down. FSW women’s basketball returning to NJCAA Tournament for first time in five years The FSW Buccaneers women’s basketball team is playing in the NJCAA Tournament for the first time since 2020. 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.
FORT MYERS Fort Myers’ boxer wins WBC featherweight world title Former FMPD officer and Police Athletic League coach Tiara Brown beat Skye Nicolson in the WBC featherweight world championship.
cape coral New charges added in Cape Coral theft, shooting; 2 more teens arrested The Cape Coral Police Department has announced more charges against two teenagers allegedly involved in a string of thefts that led to a shooting.
Changes coming to Social Security identity verification The Social Security Administration is changing how people can verify their identity for retirement, survivors, or family benefits.
the weather authority Warm and breezy this Thursday afternoon The Weather Authority is tracking a warm and breezy Thursday with conditions that may increase the risk of brush fires this afternoon.
NAPLES NCH Naples uses actors to prepare medical staff for emergencies NCH is taking medical training to an innovative level by providing real-life simulations for doctors and nurses.
ESTERO FGCU police wrangle 6-foot gator on busy campus boardwalk A 6-foot alligator made an unexpected appearance at Florida Gulf Coast University, causing a commotion on a busy boardwalk.
FORT MYERS Fort Myers City council faces backlash over ICE partnership The Fort Myers City Council’s partnership with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has been a point of contention
NAPLES Collier County teen hospitalized after protecting friend from dating violence incident A 17-year-old hero is fighting for his life in the hospital after a violent incident in Collier County.
FORT MYERS Fort Myers fire officials urge honesty to aid investigations, ensure safety The Fort Myers Fire Department is urging the community to be open and honest during fire investigations.
WWII veteran recalls life as a woman in war While many are familiar with the stories of men who served in World War II, the women who served also played a crucial role in shaping history.
Sea Love Candle Bar & Boutique opens at Coconut Point in Estero Tina Smagala had spent about three decades working in corporate human resources and communications in various industries, and she was looking to try something else for a change.
Perkins Restaurant & Bakery to close in Estero The only Perkins Restaurant & Bakery in south Lee County is closing April13, and the question now is what’s going to take its place.
Junior Achievement of SWFL inducts 4 into Hall of Fame A who’s who of the local business community celebrated four regional leaders March 25 at Junior Achievement of Southwest Florida’s annual banquet honoring this year’s Business Hall of Fame inductees.
Lee Health System files suit over North Naples clinic lease Fort Myers-based Lee Health System Inc. filed a lawsuit this week against Miami-based Nicklaus Children’s Hospital over a lease dispute for Golisano Children’s Health Center in North Naples.
Two Meatballs replacing Warehouse restaurant in Naples area Two Meatballs in the Kitchen plans to expand its Italian restaurant concept into the Naples area soon to replace The Warehouse Cuisine & Cocktails, which permanently closed March 19 after a nearly eight-year run on the north side of Immokalee Road just east of Collier Boulevard.
Port Authority approves extra $346.7M to finish terminal expansion project at RSW Not everyone gets a second chance, but the Lee County Board of Port Commissioners granted it to the original companies contracted to build the Terminal Expansion Phase One project at Southwest Florida International Airport. The project is now more than four years behind schedule and hundreds of millions of dollars over budget.
Charlotte Co. home inventory expected to decrease during summer February’s inventory for single-family homes and condos in Charlotte County soared to heights not seen in years, but some sellers are expected to pull their homes off the market after Easter, an area Realtor said.
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.
Changes coming to Social Security identity verification The Social Security Administration is changing how people can verify their identity for retirement, survivors, or family benefits.
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.
Gov. DeSantis awards $389M in grants toward Florida water quality Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis has awarded $389 million in grants to improving water quality and quantity throughout the state.
Collier County Commissioners set to discuss bike, e-bike safety Collier County commissioners are set to discuss a new safety ordinance for bicycles and e-bikes on Tuesday.
Dietitian advises on healthy eating with weight loss meds Weight loss drugs are changing the game for those looking to shed pounds. However, they come with an important consideration: while they help curb appetite, maintaining proper nutrition is crucial.
At-home sleep tests look for apnea Sleep apnea affects nearly 39 million people in the United States, with many more potentially undiagnosed due to the traditional requirement of a clinical sleep study.
Surgeons using virtual reality technology New technology from virtual reality video games and popular apps like GPS is making its way into operating rooms, transforming the way surgeries are performed.
How exercise can help Parkinson’s disease Florida has the highest percentage of people in the country with Parkinson’s disease.
New heart disease risk found Heart disease remains a leading cause of death in the United States, with common risk factors including lack of exercise, a diet high in fatty foods and smoking.
Federal cuts threaten medical research, including Alzheimer’s Federal spending cuts are putting billions of dollars in medical research, including studies on cancer, heart disease and Alzheimer’s, at risk.
Red tide relief in sight? SWFL study reveals promising findings Red tide has long plagued Florida beaches, bringing coughing, burning eyes and piles of dead fish.
Storm surge VR from NOAA shows hurricane danger to teach safety NOAA has introduced a groundbreaking virtual reality simulation called “Weather the Storm,” designed to immerse people in the experience of a hurricane’s storm surge safely.
FWC locates litter of newborn critically endangered Florida panther kittens The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission has announced the discovery of a trio of panther kittens from a recently born litter.
Fort Myers’ boxer wins WBC featherweight world title Former FMPD officer and Police Athletic League coach Tiara Brown beat Skye Nicolson in the WBC featherweight world championship.
Estero teen to play in third Augusta National Women’s Amateur Estero 17-year-old Gianna Clemente is making her third appearance in the Augusta National Women’s Amateur.
Mariner’s Maximus Brady achieves historic fourth state wrestling title Mariner High School wrestler Maximus Brady won his fourth straight state championship, becoming just the second in Lee County to do so.
Twins fans say farewell to Spring Training this season Baseball fans went out to the ballgame one last time as the Minnesota Twins close Spring Training in Southwest Florida.
FGCU women’s head basketball coach steps down After only one year leading the Eagles, FGCU head women’s basketball coach Chelsea Lyles is stepping down.
FSW women’s basketball returning to NJCAA Tournament for first time in five years The FSW Buccaneers women’s basketball team is playing in the NJCAA Tournament for the first time since 2020.
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.