Naples selects city CFO as next city manager, averts national searchCharlotte County’s Mid-County Regional Library to reopen in 2026
Naples selects city CFO as next city manager, averts national search Naples Deputy City Manager and Chief Financial Officer Gary Young will become the next city manager, averting a lengthy, expensive national search for a replacement.
Charlotte County’s Mid-County Regional Library to reopen in 2026 After about $6.9 million in repairs and renovations to Mid-County Regional Library in Port Charlotte, the library is expected to reopen in 2026.
MATLACHA Man accused of deadly Matlacha DUI crash takes plea deal A man accused of driving drunk and crashing into the patio of a Matlacha restaurant, killing a woman and injuring others, has taken a plea deal with the state.
Opera Naples set to make land offer with seven-figure gift A seven-figure gift has provided the base for Opera Naples, Theater in the Garden and the Luciano Pavarotti Foundation to build an international center for the arts.
ENGLEWOOD Englewood Chamber distributes over $167K in hurricane relief funding The Englewood Chamber of Commerce announced over $167,000 in critical funding has been provided to individuals affected by Helene and Milton.
Cyclist group riding 500 miles for charity to pass through LaBelle Thirty-six Fuller Center Bicycle Adventure cyclist members participating in the annual 500-mile Tour de Florida charity ride will be passing through LaBelle next week.
marco island YMCA to break ground on healthy living facility in Marco Island The YMCA of Collier County is set to break ground for a healthy living facility in Marco Island.
NAPLES Naples Airport Authority in need of volunteers for Noise Compatibility Committee The Naples Airport Authority is seeking applicants to fill three volunteer positions on its Noise Compatibility Committee (NCC).
Body found after Port Charlotte house fire Charlotte County deputies have found a body in the ruins of a house in Port Charlotte after a fire destroyed most of it.
the weather authority Cold front brings less humid air this Tuesday afternoon The Weather Authority is tracking a cold front, which will bring in less humidity and cooler temperatures this Tuesday.
golden gate city Collier County launches pilot program to fend off mosquitoes, diseases The Collier Mosquito Control District is launching a pilot program to use sterilization to target invasive insects in Golden Gate City.
Web Exclusive: Rachel Cox-Rosen’s Construction Heads-Up As construction may dampen your commute, WINK News traffic anchor Rachel Cox-Rosen knows the best way to traverse the roadways in this web-exclusive feature.
FORT MYERS Man accused of burglarizing several businesses in Fort Myers A crime spree came to an end Sunday night after deputies arrested a man they found hiding in some bushes.
FORT MYERS Fort Myers cross country runner reflects on state championship Fort Myers High School senior cross country runner Masha Dorofeev reflects on her state championship win and committing to UCF.
CAPE CORAL Coyote kills beloved family pet in Cape Coral For 16 years, Sarge and his owner, James Stewart were inseparable.
Naples selects city CFO as next city manager, averts national search Naples Deputy City Manager and Chief Financial Officer Gary Young will become the next city manager, averting a lengthy, expensive national search for a replacement.
Charlotte County’s Mid-County Regional Library to reopen in 2026 After about $6.9 million in repairs and renovations to Mid-County Regional Library in Port Charlotte, the library is expected to reopen in 2026.
MATLACHA Man accused of deadly Matlacha DUI crash takes plea deal A man accused of driving drunk and crashing into the patio of a Matlacha restaurant, killing a woman and injuring others, has taken a plea deal with the state.
Opera Naples set to make land offer with seven-figure gift A seven-figure gift has provided the base for Opera Naples, Theater in the Garden and the Luciano Pavarotti Foundation to build an international center for the arts.
ENGLEWOOD Englewood Chamber distributes over $167K in hurricane relief funding The Englewood Chamber of Commerce announced over $167,000 in critical funding has been provided to individuals affected by Helene and Milton.
Cyclist group riding 500 miles for charity to pass through LaBelle Thirty-six Fuller Center Bicycle Adventure cyclist members participating in the annual 500-mile Tour de Florida charity ride will be passing through LaBelle next week.
marco island YMCA to break ground on healthy living facility in Marco Island The YMCA of Collier County is set to break ground for a healthy living facility in Marco Island.
NAPLES Naples Airport Authority in need of volunteers for Noise Compatibility Committee The Naples Airport Authority is seeking applicants to fill three volunteer positions on its Noise Compatibility Committee (NCC).
Body found after Port Charlotte house fire Charlotte County deputies have found a body in the ruins of a house in Port Charlotte after a fire destroyed most of it.
the weather authority Cold front brings less humid air this Tuesday afternoon The Weather Authority is tracking a cold front, which will bring in less humidity and cooler temperatures this Tuesday.
golden gate city Collier County launches pilot program to fend off mosquitoes, diseases The Collier Mosquito Control District is launching a pilot program to use sterilization to target invasive insects in Golden Gate City.
Web Exclusive: Rachel Cox-Rosen’s Construction Heads-Up As construction may dampen your commute, WINK News traffic anchor Rachel Cox-Rosen knows the best way to traverse the roadways in this web-exclusive feature.
FORT MYERS Man accused of burglarizing several businesses in Fort Myers A crime spree came to an end Sunday night after deputies arrested a man they found hiding in some bushes.
FORT MYERS Fort Myers cross country runner reflects on state championship Fort Myers High School senior cross country runner Masha Dorofeev reflects on her state championship win and committing to UCF.
CAPE CORAL Coyote kills beloved family pet in Cape Coral For 16 years, Sarge and his owner, James Stewart were inseparable.
Some government workers in Southwest Florida are still without pay, and the uncertainty is a burden on many households. To help ease that stress, some places are offering free admission for furloughed workers affected by the shutdown. FOR THE FAMILY: IMAG History & Science Center 2000 Cranford Ave Fort Myers, FL 33916 Free admission for furloughed Federal employees & their immediate families with their federally issued ID. Sky Zone Trampoline Park 14181S Tamiami Trail #140 Fort Myers, FL 33912. Free admission for furloughed Federal employees & their immediate families with their federally issued ID. Through January 31st, each are eligible for a free 60-minute jump every Tuesday through Thursday and is subject to change. Socks are required and not included in this offer; but guests can always bring back SkySocks from previous visits to use again. Additionally, Sky Zone Fort Myers is hosting a food drive with items to be donated to the local Coast Guard stations and the Harry Chapin Food Bank. Guests who donate will receive $2 off their jump time Tuesday through Thursday this January. Naples Botanical Garden 4820 Bayshore Dr. Naples, FL 34112 Naples Botanical Garden is offering free admission to government employees and contractors affected by the partial shutdown. This admission applies to regular business hours and will be available through the end of the partial shutdown. Federal government workers and their families will be granted free admission to the Garden by showing a valid federal employee ID as proof of employment. Gulf Coast Symphony Furloughed federal employees can enjoy Bond & More – January 20 at the Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall. Each employee is eligible to receive a pair of tickets, based on availability, with the presentation of a valid government ID. Available through BBMann Box Office in person or by calling (239)481-4849. Offer not available for previous purchases. Two free tickets based on availability. Tickets will be held at the Box Office. Must show Government ID when picking up tickets. JUST FOR WORKERS: The Florida Aquarium 701 Channelside Dr. Tampa, FL 33602 From now until the government reopens, workers affected by the shutdown can receive one free admission with their federally issued ID. Madame Tussauds 8387 International Dr, Orlando, FL 32819 SEA LIFE 8449 International Dr, Orlando, FL 32819 Fifteen Merlin Entertainments’ attractions nationwide are inviting federal employees affected by the shutdown to take a break for some fun. Merlin Entertainments is offering free admission for all U.S. government employees to its SEA LIFE, Madame Tussauds, and Dungeon attractions in the United States during the government shutdown (full list of participating attractions below). Must show a valid federal worker ID to receive one free ticket. The offer will be valid only during the partial government shutdown. Edison and Ford Winter Estates 2350 McGregor Blvd, Fort Myers, FL 33901 Free admission for active military only including the Coast Guard. HELP WITH BILLS: So how are families supposed to pay the bills without a paycheck? Some companies are coming forward to assist the nearly 800,000 federal employees affected. Here’s some companies offering some form of assistance. Cellphone, cable and internet: Verizon AT&T T-Mobile Sprint DirecTV Comcast Utilities: Charlotte County Utilities Florida Power and Light Banks: Chase Wells Fargo US Bank Bank of America Capital One Citibank Fifth Third Bank SunTrust Synchrony Also, in Lee, Collier and Charlotte counties you can call the United Way Helpline at 211, to see what is available in terms of utility, mortgage, or rent assistance. United Way of Lee | Collier | Charlotte Harry Chapin Food Bank is hosting two mobile food banks with the next one coming up on January 25. Food for Coast Guard families SeaTow Donation Center has a storefront in Publix plaza off Summerlin and San Carlos Boulevard. The U.S. Office of Personnel Management has also offered template letters to help negotiate with creditors during the furlough.