
Struggles continue for thousands in Florida 8 months after Hurricane Ian as new storm season looms
Eight months ago, chef Michael Cellura had a restaurant job and had just moved into a fancy new camper home on Fort Myers Beach. Now, after Hurricane Ian swept all that away, he lives in his older Infiniti sedan with a 15-year-old long-haired chihuahua named Ginger.

Cape Coral woman found safe in Ohio after almost a year missing
After almost a year of being missing, a Cape Coral woman who disappeared in July of last year has been found safe in Ohio.

4 people injured in I-75 crash, 1 airlifted to hospital
Broward Sheriff Fire Rescue reported that four people were hospitalized following a rollover car accident on I-75 near the east toll plaza after 9 a.m. on Saturday.

Cape Coral man arrested after driving boat under the influence, officials say
According to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) a man was arrested after he was driving a boat under the influence.

Yucatan Bar and Grill, Pink Shell Resort’s pool are back in Fort Myers Beach
Eight months after Ian blew through Southwest Florida, the Pink Shell Resort is welcoming guests back to its Octopool on Fort Myers Beach.

A holiday that saves you money: disaster preparedness week
This year there will be two disaster preparedness sales tax holidays instead of one to help save you cash.

8 months after Hurricane Ian, who picks up the insurance bill?
With hurricane season days away, the president of Day Adjusting and Consulting shares insights on insurance claims.

Cape Coral clock to be replaced after original sold on Facebook Marketplace
Cape Coral is looking to replace the city’s iconic clock after the old one was put up for sale on Facebook Marketplace by the wife of someone who offered to repair it.

2 dead in small plane crash at South Florida airport
Two people died Friday when a small plane crashed at a small South Florida airport, Palm Beach County sheriff’s officials said.

Man accused of killing 2 people in Collier County crash; drove on wrong side
Two died in a wrong-way crash in Collier County.
Gulfshore Business

Waffle Monkey opens in Bonita Springs, off Old 41 Road
When it comes to running a restaurant, Abraham Bedell almost had done it all. The Dallas native had been a busboy, a host, a bartender, a server, a manager and a general manager at restaurants ranging from fine dining to casual, at concepts from Asian to Mexican and American, among others. “I tried to work […]

Tim Aten Knows: New homes, hotels, dining planned for Bayshore Drive
Q: Any info on The 239 project going up off Bayshore Drive in Naples? Thanks! — Don Roberts, Naples A: The 239, a mixed-use development on the southeast corner of Bayshore Drive and Areca Avenue in East Naples, will have eight hotel rooms, a sit-down restaurant, a rooftop bar, a couple of retail units and […]

D.R. Horton, Lennar Homes subdivisions to bring more rooftops to Charlotte County
Charlotte County Commissioners unanimously approved preliminary plats Tuesday for two proposed subdivisions in the county. Texas-based homebuilder D.R. Horton requested approval of a preliminary plat for a subdivision to be named Shell Oaks consisting of 110 single‐family lots and 11 tracts. The 40-acre site is north of Vermont Road, south of Arrowhead Circle and west […]
Campaign Central

Ron DeSantis raises $8.2 million in first 24 hours after launching presidential campaign
Gov. Ron DeSantis has raised a record $8.2 million in the first 24 hours after the launch of his 2024 presidential campaign, as he barrels toward an expensive and combative primary led by former President Donald Trump.

DeSantis launches 2024 presidential campaign to challenge Trump
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis entered the 2024 presidential race on Wednesday.

Poll: Donald Trump or Gov. Ron DeSantis for president?
As Gov. Ron DeSantis prepares to launch his 2024 presidential campaign, setting up a confrontation with former President Donald Trump in the Republican primary, WINK News wants to know which candidate you would support.

DeSantis plans to announce 2024 bid Wednesday on Twitter Spaces with Elon Musk, sources tell AP
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis will announce his 2024 presidential campaign in a Twitter Spaces event with Elon Musk on Wednesday, according to two people with knowledge of his plans.
Investigations

BREAKING: Fort Myers selects finalists in police chief search
Who made the cut to become the next Fort Myers Police Chief?

Thousands of Hurricane Ian insurance claims remain open: ‘I just want my life back’
Deborah Croquart’s bedroom in her Cape Coral home used to be the place she relaxed at the end of the day. The place that brought peace now brings the opposite. It’s stripped to nothing but concrete, wooden posts and wires hanging from the walls.

Adderall shortage: ADHD medication remains in short supply with no clear resolution
For some, Adderall is a life-changing drug. But prescriptions spiked during the COVID-19 pandemic, creating increased demand and restricted supply that’s gone on for months now.

Hurricane Ian victims still waiting for insurance checks in Florida
Three different homeowners are having the same problem with the same insurance company. They can’t get their homes back to normal after Hurricane Ian because their insurance company hasn’t sent over their checks. It’s a problem many Southwest Floridians are still dealing with almost eight months after the storm.

Florida educators wait for change after bill defunds diversity programs
The future of public education in Florida is in flux after the signing of SB266. No one knows exactly how it will impact the Florida higher education system.
Health and Medical

Cannabis curiosity: answering marijuana questions
The proposed recreational-marijuana legalization legislature is under review by the Florida Supreme Court. How will it effect Floridians?

Cape Coral woman with genetic ALS to test newly approved drug
In April, a new drug to help treat a rare form of ALS was given fast-track approval by the FDA, and it’s expected to change the lives of a small group of patients. One of those patients lives in Cape Coral, and she shared her story exclusively with WINK News.

Parents of transgender kids seek to block DeSantis ban on gender-affirming care for minors
The parents of three transgender children in Florida are trying to get a federal judge to block a new law that bans gender-affirming care for minors, a signature policy of Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis as he nears his presidential campaign.

Chronic pain cases overtake other medical complications, including diabetes and depression
New cases of chronic pain are squeezing out some of this country’s most common medical conditions, including depression, diabetes and high blood pressure.

Estero veterinarian on which food will keep your dog healthy
WINK News looks at the rise in dog food designed to keep our fur babies happy and healthy.
The Environment

Lake Okeechobee blue-green algae levels rising
Summer means high air and water temperature, rainy afternoons, and blue-green algae.

Algae swirling on the Gulf Coast brings a stink near Matlacha
Algae swirling in the Gulf Coast is bringing a smelly odor to the air.

Gov. Ron DeSantis could sign bill allowing study on use of radioactive waste in road construction
Gov. Ron DeSantis could sign a bill into law that could pave the way for using a radioactive waste product to pave Florida roads.

Sea turtle nesting season begins in Southwest Florida
Sea turtle nesting season has begun in Southwest Florida.

How prescribed burns help maintain, protect SWFL’s environment
Intentionally setting a fire may not seem like a great idea, but there are times when it’s necessary for our environment. Prescribed burns can actually fuel new growth, protect wildlife and prevent other fires.