Estero Goodwill holds grand openingDestroyed and distressed: properties on Sanibel facing code enforcement
ESTERO Estero Goodwill holds grand opening Lynn Watts, a longtime Goodwill shopper, found herself in the midst of the bustling scene.
SANIBEL Destroyed and distressed: properties on Sanibel facing code enforcement Sanibel, a city known for its resilience, is now facing challenges as some of its beloved landmarks remain in disrepair.
NAPLES Collier County first responders extinguish brush fire near golf course A brush fire in Collier County threatened the Tiburon Golf Club in Naples on Wednesday, but quick action from first responders helped prevent disaster.
Naples embraces new mobile gym for dogs A unique mobile gym for dogs is making waves in Naples, offering a convenient way for pets to exercise without leaving their homes.
EVERGLADES Florida sugar firms lose lawsuit; Everglades restoration moves forward The 11th Circuit Court of Appeals ruled in favor of the Army Corps, marking a significant victory for Everglades restoration efforts.
Charlotte County school start times may shift with new legislation A new bill passed by the Florida Senate could shift the power to officials in Charlotte County and elsewhere to decide school start times.
FORT MYERS Canadian anti-tariff billboards come to Southwest Florida Canadian anti-tariff billboards that read “Tariffs are Taxes” started appearing in Southwest Florida.
FDOT to conduct concrete pour for Little Pine Island Bridge Construction delays on Little Pine Island Bridge are frustrating local drivers, and FDOT said the cause is concrete supply issues.
FORT MYERS BEACH Fort Myers Beach debates plastic straw ban as state bill looms A new bill making its way through the Florida Legislature could overturn the ban on plastic straws in Fort Myers Beach.
SANIBEL Sanibel residents learn about prescribed burns to protect homes Sanibel is taking measures to protect homes and the environment through prescribed burns.
FORT MYERS BEACH Clearing a path for the future of Fort Myers Beach Crews in Fort Myers Beach are working hard to clear debris left by past hurricanes from local canals.
COLLIER COUNTY United Soccer League implementing promotion and relegation FC Naples will soon be playing in the promotion and relegation system, a staple in European soccer, once its implemented by the United Soccer League.
ESTERO FDEP conducts prescribed 40-acre burn in Estero Bay Preserve A prescribed burn took place at Estero Bay Preserve State Park on 40 acres of land Wednesday and Thursday, sparking discussion among neighbors about the safety and need of such fires.
FGCU FGCU searching for next women’s basketball coach A national search is on for FGCU’s next head women’s basketball coach after Chelsea Lyles resigned from the position at her alma mater.
FORT MYERS March Madness spurs vasectomy surge March Madness has become more than just a basketball tournament; it’s also a popular time for men to undergo vasectomies.
ESTERO Estero Goodwill holds grand opening Lynn Watts, a longtime Goodwill shopper, found herself in the midst of the bustling scene.
SANIBEL Destroyed and distressed: properties on Sanibel facing code enforcement Sanibel, a city known for its resilience, is now facing challenges as some of its beloved landmarks remain in disrepair.
NAPLES Collier County first responders extinguish brush fire near golf course A brush fire in Collier County threatened the Tiburon Golf Club in Naples on Wednesday, but quick action from first responders helped prevent disaster.
Naples embraces new mobile gym for dogs A unique mobile gym for dogs is making waves in Naples, offering a convenient way for pets to exercise without leaving their homes.
EVERGLADES Florida sugar firms lose lawsuit; Everglades restoration moves forward The 11th Circuit Court of Appeals ruled in favor of the Army Corps, marking a significant victory for Everglades restoration efforts.
Charlotte County school start times may shift with new legislation A new bill passed by the Florida Senate could shift the power to officials in Charlotte County and elsewhere to decide school start times.
FORT MYERS Canadian anti-tariff billboards come to Southwest Florida Canadian anti-tariff billboards that read “Tariffs are Taxes” started appearing in Southwest Florida.
FDOT to conduct concrete pour for Little Pine Island Bridge Construction delays on Little Pine Island Bridge are frustrating local drivers, and FDOT said the cause is concrete supply issues.
FORT MYERS BEACH Fort Myers Beach debates plastic straw ban as state bill looms A new bill making its way through the Florida Legislature could overturn the ban on plastic straws in Fort Myers Beach.
SANIBEL Sanibel residents learn about prescribed burns to protect homes Sanibel is taking measures to protect homes and the environment through prescribed burns.
FORT MYERS BEACH Clearing a path for the future of Fort Myers Beach Crews in Fort Myers Beach are working hard to clear debris left by past hurricanes from local canals.
COLLIER COUNTY United Soccer League implementing promotion and relegation FC Naples will soon be playing in the promotion and relegation system, a staple in European soccer, once its implemented by the United Soccer League.
ESTERO FDEP conducts prescribed 40-acre burn in Estero Bay Preserve A prescribed burn took place at Estero Bay Preserve State Park on 40 acres of land Wednesday and Thursday, sparking discussion among neighbors about the safety and need of such fires.
FGCU FGCU searching for next women’s basketball coach A national search is on for FGCU’s next head women’s basketball coach after Chelsea Lyles resigned from the position at her alma mater.
FORT MYERS March Madness spurs vasectomy surge March Madness has become more than just a basketball tournament; it’s also a popular time for men to undergo vasectomies.
Army Veteran Rick Sjolander with horse “Buddy” at the Naples Therapeutic Riding Center. (WINK News) They may not be your typical counselors, but these animals are helping veterans find relief from PTSD and anxiety. The Naples Barn is helping people overcome their obstacles and get in the saddle. Step by step, Army Veteran Rick Sjolander is taking the reigns on his anxiety by spending time with horses like Buddy. “I mean, they’re the perfect counselor,” Sjolander said. “If you think about it, they don’t tell you anything, they don’t judge you, you can talk to them and say anything you want.” He and other veterans come to the Naples Therapeutic Riding Center every month to find that relief and comradery. “You get to interact with the horses and you get to interact with other vets and learn something,” Sjolander said. “What I hear and what I see from our veterans is they’re not being judged; they just get to relax and they’re having a good time,” said Executive Director Missy Lamont. She loves pairing horses at the center with people who need help overcoming PTSD, grief, addiction and other obstacles. “We have 14 amazing therapy horses for people looking for help with physical limitations and emotional and social limitations,” Lamont said. As lead instructor, Lea Haven helps participants learn to form a trust and bond with these animals. “What is rewarding about this program is I see a lot of people come out of their shell,” she said. “Working with such a huge animal is empowering for people, to lead them around the arena, form a bond.” “We brush ’em, curry ’em, walk them through a course and just enjoy time with them,” Sjolander said. “Helping them be able to build up their confidence,” Lamont said, and empowering people to trot toward being a healthier version of themselves. The riding center requires a doctor’s note, not a charge, for participants. If you are interested in checking out the center for yourself, they will be holding a Kentucky Derby Party on May 2 at 4:30 p.m. where you can enjoy hors d’oeuvres, Mint Juleps and bid on horses. There will also be contests and prizes. For more information on the party, click here.