Top stories of 2017: Hurricane Irma and Collier brush fires top list

This video is not available.

Hurricane Irma was the biggest weather event to hit Southwest Florida since the birth of social media, so it’s no surprise it was the most read topic on winknews.com in 2017.

From the tens of millions of page views, we bring you the top 5 most read stories of the year.

1) Hurricane Irma

The storm that made headlines for over a month. Hurricane Irma made landfall on Marco Island on September 10th as a Category Three storm. A wind gust of 142 miles per hour was reported in Naples. And heavy rain flooded communities across Southwest Florida. Read more.

2) Collier County brush fires

Thousands of homes evacuated and at least nine destroyed during the devastating wildfires this past spring. At one point in April Governor Rick Scott declared a state of emergency in the state. As more than 15-hundred fires raged from southwest Florida to the Panhandle. Read more.

3) Golfer uses putter to fight gator at Magnolia Landing

This golfer survives an alligator attack in Lee County in February! It happened at Magnolia Landing Golf & Country Club when Tony Aarts used a putter to beat the gator off him! Read more.

4) Sheriff Scott: Lee County murder-suicide involved love triangle

A Lee County murder-suicide involving a love triangle. The sheriff’s office said Alehandro Manuel Luis shot Maria Delosangeles Evaristo Bautista outside a CVS Pharmacy along Palm Beach Boulevard after finding her there with another man in July. Luis fired at and missed that man before turning the gun on himself. Read more.

5) Victims identified in Lehigh Acres double homicide

Two people found dead in lehigh acres in June. The Lee County Sheriff’s Office identified the victims as 22-year-old Brian Keith Patterson and 27-year-old Shantrese Gracia. Read more.

Trending Locally

Cape Coral intersection affected by traffic signal construction

Traffic signal construction for a Cape Coral intersection may cause closures at Del Prado Boulevard and De Navarra Parkway.

Tropical Storm Philippe expected to strengthen

Further strengthening expected for Tropical Storm Philippe.

‘One chip challenge’ warning from Three Oaks Middle School

As the “one chip challenge” rises in popularity, Lee County School District is getting involved. Administration sent an email to parents.

A look ahead at this week’s weather from Chief Meteorologist Matt Devitt

What can you expect this week? The Weather Authority Chief Meteorologist Matt Devitt has a look ahead at the forecast.

Fort Myers City Council member expresses concern over new Starbucks

Fort Myers City Council voted to approve a new drive-through-only Starbucks, the first of its kind in the nation.

Local in your community

FORT MYERS

‘Storm Stories’ exhibit to help heal hurricane wounds

Hurricane Ian hit Southwest Florida 336 days ago. Now a new exhibit is on display to express what people went through.

TALLAHASSEE

As Hurricane Idalia caused flooding, some electric vehicles exposed to saltwater caught fire

Floridians battered by Hurricane Idalia may not have expected another threat: floodwaters could cause their cars to burst into flames.

Collier County

Hurricane Idalia Aftermath: Everything Collier County Needs To Know

This is a breakdown of all the information and updates you need to know for Collier County in the aftermath of Hurricane Idalia.

FORT MYERS

American Goldstar Mothers hosts walk honoring veterans

The Goldstar Mothers is hosting a walk through town for military suicide awareness. Starting in Lake Park, the 2.2-mile walk honors veterans.

NAPLES

Death investigation after body found in lake near Lely Resort

A death investigation has been confirmed by the Collier County Sheriff’s Office. A body was found floating in a lake near Lely Resort.

FORT MYERS

Festivities at Bell Tower raise money for Golisano Children’s Hospital

Kimmie’s Recovery Zone is hosting a family fun event to support Golisano Children’s Hospital with games, a mini zoo, face painters and more.

Search

1) Hurricane Irma

2) Collier County brush fires

3) Golfer uses putter to fight gator at Magnolia Landing

4) Sheriff Scott: Lee County murder-suicide involved love triangle

5) Victims identified in Lehigh Acres double homicide