Naples Mayor Teresa Heitmann to appear in court“Cold stunned” evening bat rescued by CROW amid frigid Florida weather
Naples Mayor Teresa Heitmann to appear in court Naples Mayor Teresa Heitmann is set to appear in court after pleading not guilty to her drunk driving charge.
Bonita springs “Cold stunned” evening bat rescued by CROW amid frigid Florida weather The Clinic for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife rescued an evening bat in Bonita Springs suspected of being “cold-stunned.”
THE WEATHER AUTHORITY Morning showers move out for your Wednesday afternoon plans The Weather Authority is tracking Wednesday morning showers, then chillier conditions remain throughout the afternoon.
CAPE CORAL Demolition begins on Bimini East properties Demolition has begun on the Bimini East properties that are part of the city of Cape Coral’s revitalization development.
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.
LEHIGH ACRES Lee County cousins arrested for street racing at 90 mph in Lehigh Acres Lee County deputies arrested two men after witnessing them racing down Lee Boulevard at nearly 90 mph.
FORT MYERS Fort Myers activist reacts to shutdown of government reproductive rights website The website ReproductiveRights.gov, which offered resources on abortion and reproductive rights, is no longer accessible.
2 southwest Floridians involved in January 6 attack pardoned and commuted by President Trump Two men involved in the January 6th attack are now back in southwest Florida, thanks to a series of pardons from President Trump.
ESTERO Local teen golfer to play at Augusta National One drive at a time, 14-year-old Jesus Bethencourt is doing something most only dream of: playing at Augusta National.
AI traffic cameras helping Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office solve crimes Artificial intelligence has been helping the Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office solve crimes.
ESTERO SWFL siblings start official Pickleball World Cup Hercilio and Miranda Cabieses love pickleball so much they make it their mission to share it with the world.
MARCO ISLAND Proposal to bring in police cameras to Marco Island Marco Island city leaders are considering a proposal for police officers to wear body cameras. The idea aims to modernize the department and increase trust with citizens.
FORT MYERS Increasing deportation raises concerns for migrant workers in SWFL With the fear of mass deportations and raids many are wondering whether any will happen here. Any mass deportations could adversely affect construction and agriculture.
Lee County schools survey parents on classroom phone restrictions Lee County Schools is considering changes to its student code of conduct regarding the use of wireless communication devices during the school day.
NAPLES New NCH technology to destroy tumors NCH is upping its cancer-fighting game by becoming the first in Florida to acquire a new technology designed to destroy tumors.
Naples Mayor Teresa Heitmann to appear in court Naples Mayor Teresa Heitmann is set to appear in court after pleading not guilty to her drunk driving charge.
Bonita springs “Cold stunned” evening bat rescued by CROW amid frigid Florida weather The Clinic for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife rescued an evening bat in Bonita Springs suspected of being “cold-stunned.”
THE WEATHER AUTHORITY Morning showers move out for your Wednesday afternoon plans The Weather Authority is tracking Wednesday morning showers, then chillier conditions remain throughout the afternoon.
CAPE CORAL Demolition begins on Bimini East properties Demolition has begun on the Bimini East properties that are part of the city of Cape Coral’s revitalization development.
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.
LEHIGH ACRES Lee County cousins arrested for street racing at 90 mph in Lehigh Acres Lee County deputies arrested two men after witnessing them racing down Lee Boulevard at nearly 90 mph.
FORT MYERS Fort Myers activist reacts to shutdown of government reproductive rights website The website ReproductiveRights.gov, which offered resources on abortion and reproductive rights, is no longer accessible.
2 southwest Floridians involved in January 6 attack pardoned and commuted by President Trump Two men involved in the January 6th attack are now back in southwest Florida, thanks to a series of pardons from President Trump.
ESTERO Local teen golfer to play at Augusta National One drive at a time, 14-year-old Jesus Bethencourt is doing something most only dream of: playing at Augusta National.
AI traffic cameras helping Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office solve crimes Artificial intelligence has been helping the Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office solve crimes.
ESTERO SWFL siblings start official Pickleball World Cup Hercilio and Miranda Cabieses love pickleball so much they make it their mission to share it with the world.
MARCO ISLAND Proposal to bring in police cameras to Marco Island Marco Island city leaders are considering a proposal for police officers to wear body cameras. The idea aims to modernize the department and increase trust with citizens.
FORT MYERS Increasing deportation raises concerns for migrant workers in SWFL With the fear of mass deportations and raids many are wondering whether any will happen here. Any mass deportations could adversely affect construction and agriculture.
Lee County schools survey parents on classroom phone restrictions Lee County Schools is considering changes to its student code of conduct regarding the use of wireless communication devices during the school day.
NAPLES New NCH technology to destroy tumors NCH is upping its cancer-fighting game by becoming the first in Florida to acquire a new technology designed to destroy tumors.
Credit: WINK News. Forget about decking the halls. One family decks out their car for Christmas every year. Their goal is to put smiles on the faces of people they meet. It also gives the family some special quality time together. The Mendoza family — father Jose, mother Karla and duaghter Abigail in Collier County –has been performing a tradition the past four years, and it all starts right after Thanksgiving. The driver (Jose) spends 10 hours decorating the car, and, then, the Mendoza family has a blast spreading Christmas joy while around town. The name for the Mendoza family’s Christmas chariot — “The Star of Bethlehem Scion.” Jose said he named it that based on one Christian principal. “The reason for Christmas is Christ,” Jose said. And, four years ago, Jose wanted to bring a tradition to his family, something personally meaningful to behold for his wife. “I didn’t grow up with a father,” Karla said. “So watching Jose and Abby take this and seeing their joy and happiness is so great.” The Mendoza family only wants to lift spirits and bring joy with their shiny spectacle on wheels. “It’s to bring joy,” Jose said. “We hear a lot of bad news, and some people are probably stressed. And, when they see the car, they smile.” There are more than 4,000 lights on the car. A lot of the decorations such as snoopy looking out the window, Jose says he stole from his wife’s front lawn decorations. Next year, he is going to try to add even more lights. We had the opportunity to go for a ride, and it gets lots of positive reactions from people out and about. Many want to take pictures with it, fulfilling the Mendoza family’s hopes to spread holiday joy in their community. “It’s a lot of fun,” Abigail Mendoza said. “A lot of my friends send me pictures and are like, ‘Oh, my god that’s you guys, and I want a ride.’” It’s a family tradition that really can light up someone’s holiday season. “I know there are people of different faiths, but I think the car gaps that bridge,” Karla said. “There is no age generation or ethnicity. It just brings smiles and happiness.”