FORT MYERS BEACH Fort Myers Beach business owners awaiting information on trailers Businesses around Fort Myers Beach have been anxiously waiting to hear whether or not they’re in the clear. FEMA said that all trailers and shipping containers that can’t be easily moved had to be off the island by Nov. 18.
Bear tears up car in Collier County A WINK News viewer from Collier County sent video of the damage after a bear destroyed their Dodge Durango.
PORT CHARLOTTE 17-year-old accused of murder to be tried as an adult A 17-year-old accused of killing his mother has been indicted and will be tried as an adult.
Naples World War II veteran celebrates 100th birthday A World War II veteran is celebrating a huge milestone. Alfon Larson is celebrating his 100th birthday.
FORT MYERS Home and garden show this weekend in downtown Fort Myers It’s time to spruce up your home with a taste of the outdoors. This weekend is the 28th annual home and garden show in downtown Fort Myers.
Collier man arrested on multiple counts of child porn possession and transmission According to the Collier County Sheriff’s office, a Collier man is facing over four counts of possession and transmission of child sex abuse material.
New procedure to help ease rib pain You don’t have to be a top athlete to know the pain of a broken rib. Millions of people have experienced breaking or fracturing a rib or even several ribs.
FORT MYERS Music walk happening Friday evening in downtown Fort Myers It’s the third Friday of the month, so that means it’s time for Music Walk!
FORT MYERS 2 women critically injured; active deputy presence on Montgomery Ave. in Tice A heavy police presence has been reported on Montgomery Avenue in Tice.
Potbelly Sandwich Works opens first of eight SWFL locations Southwest Florida’s first of a planned eight Potbelly locations opened Sept. 20.
Pet for a Vet surpasses fundraiser goal, nearly $29k donated The Pet for a Vet fundraiser held by WINK News’ sister radio station, 96.9 WINKFM, easily surpassed its goal of $15,000.
Expert: Bank of America’s minimum wage increase is positive for SWFL banking industry Bank of America is raising its hourly minimum wage to $24 for full-time and part-time employees. This could be good news for the banking industry and customers in general, Florida Gulf Coast University Assistant Professor of Economics Krishna Regmi said.
Tim Aten Knows: Petar’s expands its local dining space A recent expansion of the local restaurant nearly doubled its size in the Center of Bonita Springs on the northwest corner of U.S. 41 and Bonita Beach Road. The restaurant grew from 1,545 to 2,830 square feet over the summer. “It’s getting big,” said chef-owner Petar Al Kurdi.
FWC enlists landowner’s assistance in endangered panther conservation The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission is enlisting landowner’s assistance for the Florida Panther Payment for Ecosystem Services pilot program.
the weather authority Isolated rain and storms for your Friday The Weather Authority is tracking isolated rain and storms along with slightly higher afternoon temperatures on this Friday.
FORT MYERS BEACH Fort Myers Beach business owners awaiting information on trailers Businesses around Fort Myers Beach have been anxiously waiting to hear whether or not they’re in the clear. FEMA said that all trailers and shipping containers that can’t be easily moved had to be off the island by Nov. 18.
Bear tears up car in Collier County A WINK News viewer from Collier County sent video of the damage after a bear destroyed their Dodge Durango.
PORT CHARLOTTE 17-year-old accused of murder to be tried as an adult A 17-year-old accused of killing his mother has been indicted and will be tried as an adult.
Naples World War II veteran celebrates 100th birthday A World War II veteran is celebrating a huge milestone. Alfon Larson is celebrating his 100th birthday.
FORT MYERS Home and garden show this weekend in downtown Fort Myers It’s time to spruce up your home with a taste of the outdoors. This weekend is the 28th annual home and garden show in downtown Fort Myers.
Collier man arrested on multiple counts of child porn possession and transmission According to the Collier County Sheriff’s office, a Collier man is facing over four counts of possession and transmission of child sex abuse material.
New procedure to help ease rib pain You don’t have to be a top athlete to know the pain of a broken rib. Millions of people have experienced breaking or fracturing a rib or even several ribs.
FORT MYERS Music walk happening Friday evening in downtown Fort Myers It’s the third Friday of the month, so that means it’s time for Music Walk!
FORT MYERS 2 women critically injured; active deputy presence on Montgomery Ave. in Tice A heavy police presence has been reported on Montgomery Avenue in Tice.
Potbelly Sandwich Works opens first of eight SWFL locations Southwest Florida’s first of a planned eight Potbelly locations opened Sept. 20.
Pet for a Vet surpasses fundraiser goal, nearly $29k donated The Pet for a Vet fundraiser held by WINK News’ sister radio station, 96.9 WINKFM, easily surpassed its goal of $15,000.
Expert: Bank of America’s minimum wage increase is positive for SWFL banking industry Bank of America is raising its hourly minimum wage to $24 for full-time and part-time employees. This could be good news for the banking industry and customers in general, Florida Gulf Coast University Assistant Professor of Economics Krishna Regmi said.
Tim Aten Knows: Petar’s expands its local dining space A recent expansion of the local restaurant nearly doubled its size in the Center of Bonita Springs on the northwest corner of U.S. 41 and Bonita Beach Road. The restaurant grew from 1,545 to 2,830 square feet over the summer. “It’s getting big,” said chef-owner Petar Al Kurdi.
FWC enlists landowner’s assistance in endangered panther conservation The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission is enlisting landowner’s assistance for the Florida Panther Payment for Ecosystem Services pilot program.
the weather authority Isolated rain and storms for your Friday The Weather Authority is tracking isolated rain and storms along with slightly higher afternoon temperatures on this Friday.
Genevieve Via Cava. Photo courtesy of Richard Jablonski A New Jersey school district says someone they never expected donated most of her fortune, which nobody knew she had. Her generosity will change the life of students requiring special services. Genevive Via Cava spent her afternoons clipping coupons. She was a secret millionaire, saving her fortune for others. Genevieve Via Cava.Photo courtesy of Richard Jablonski “She was a no-nonsense, no-frills woman but generous and big-hearted towards kids,” her friend Richard Jablonski said. He said you would have no idea the Ordell woman was rich. She lived very minimally, took no vacations, and didn’t even change outfits. “She would wear the same clothes,” Jablonski said. So it came as a complete shock when Jablonski found out his friend of more than 30 years had an estate worth well over a million dollars. “I mean she floored me with that. I didn’t know she had that type of money,” he said. She had no immediate family, so when she died in October of 2011 she left her home and everything in it to Jablonski. His son and grandchildren now live in the house, but the rest of the estate went to the Dumont school district, and others. “She must have had a tremendous connection with the district and the students,” said Emanuele Triggiano, superintendent of the Dumont School District. Triggiano said Genevieve spent her entire career working as a special education teacher in his district. It took years to get to it, but a few weeks ago, they received a check for $1 million from her estate attorney. “The most we have ever seen from any group was in the tens of thousands but never something like this,” Triggiano said. The money will be invested, and the interest will become an annual scholarship. About $25,000 will go to a Dumont student with special needs looking to further their education. “Its an eye-opening experience for them because this opens more doors for opportunity,” Dumont School District Director of Special Services Paul Barbato. It’s an opportunity of a lifetime, from a woman who spent her life saving for it. Genevieve was 88 when she died. She also left money to the Salvation Army, a few New Jersey animal shelters, and a hearing center.