Trumparilla Boat Parade kicks off in Fort MyersThe Weather Authority: Hot temperatures, rain, and we’re watching the tropics
FORT MYERS Trumparilla Boat Parade kicks off in Fort Myers The Lee County GOP is hosting the Trumparilla Boat Parade in support of the Republican nominee.
Southwest Florida The Weather Authority: Hot temperatures, rain, and we’re watching the tropics Get ready for a typical Southwest Florida weekend. It’s going to feel like the triple digits before rain rolls in and we’re watching the tropics.
ALVA Woodpeckers build home in Alva woman’s house You may have heard of squatters, but this woman is dealing with squawkers. Who needs a rooster to wake up when you have woodpeckers?
FORT MYERS Man claims he was trapped in a high-rise for 5 days A 77-year-old man wants justice after he claims he spent days trapped on the 24th floor of a high-rise apartment building.
PUNTA GORDA Charlotte Correctional prisoner charged for death of another inmate State Attorney Amira Fox convened a grand jury, which decided to move forward with a case against a Charlotte Correctional inmate.
SANIBEL Construction near Dairy Queen eagle nest on Sanibel raises concerns While many eagle nests may be a bit difficult to see, one nest has always been a favorite for Sanibel residents and tourists.
The environmental effects of artificial sweeteners Experts are studying how the foods we eat affect the environment, especially after we flush our waste down the toilet.
Victim reacts to man exposing himself to her Ring camera You get a notification on your phone from your ring camera app that someone is at the door, only to find out it is someone exposing themselves. It’s the last thing victim Maria Kivi wanted or expected to see last week.
LEE COUNTY The art of capturing your eye and drawing you in How do you capture young, hip, trendy, fun, movers and shakers, all in a pose? We take you behind the scenes of a Gulfshore Life cover shoot.
FORT MYERS The lives of two SJC Boxers changed in the ring Two SJC Boxers, Mario Nunez and Arbon Kurtishi, help each other in the ring as each of them had their lives changed because of boxing.
FORT MYERS Chlamydia cases rising sharply in Lee County If you think about a crowded space- something with more than 250 people- if it’s in Lee county, statistically one person has chlamydia.
SANIBEL Sanibel resort day passes hope to get more business on the island A pass will allow vacationers to hang out at a Sanibel beach club for a day in hopes of drumming up some business.
Voting equipment tested ahead of Lee County elections Voting equipment is being tested in Lee County. This is to ensure all ballots are printed and counted correctly for the upcoming election.
Collier County teen assaulted after leaving party The teen has been charged and the sheriff’s office said they’re aware that many believe felony charges are in order, but under Florida law, there are very specific criteria that must be met for felony charges to be filed.
WINK weather team watching tropical wave over Atlantic Ocean The Weather Authority is watching a tropical disturbance over the Central Atlantic Ocean.
FORT MYERS Trumparilla Boat Parade kicks off in Fort Myers The Lee County GOP is hosting the Trumparilla Boat Parade in support of the Republican nominee.
Southwest Florida The Weather Authority: Hot temperatures, rain, and we’re watching the tropics Get ready for a typical Southwest Florida weekend. It’s going to feel like the triple digits before rain rolls in and we’re watching the tropics.
ALVA Woodpeckers build home in Alva woman’s house You may have heard of squatters, but this woman is dealing with squawkers. Who needs a rooster to wake up when you have woodpeckers?
FORT MYERS Man claims he was trapped in a high-rise for 5 days A 77-year-old man wants justice after he claims he spent days trapped on the 24th floor of a high-rise apartment building.
PUNTA GORDA Charlotte Correctional prisoner charged for death of another inmate State Attorney Amira Fox convened a grand jury, which decided to move forward with a case against a Charlotte Correctional inmate.
SANIBEL Construction near Dairy Queen eagle nest on Sanibel raises concerns While many eagle nests may be a bit difficult to see, one nest has always been a favorite for Sanibel residents and tourists.
The environmental effects of artificial sweeteners Experts are studying how the foods we eat affect the environment, especially after we flush our waste down the toilet.
Victim reacts to man exposing himself to her Ring camera You get a notification on your phone from your ring camera app that someone is at the door, only to find out it is someone exposing themselves. It’s the last thing victim Maria Kivi wanted or expected to see last week.
LEE COUNTY The art of capturing your eye and drawing you in How do you capture young, hip, trendy, fun, movers and shakers, all in a pose? We take you behind the scenes of a Gulfshore Life cover shoot.
FORT MYERS The lives of two SJC Boxers changed in the ring Two SJC Boxers, Mario Nunez and Arbon Kurtishi, help each other in the ring as each of them had their lives changed because of boxing.
FORT MYERS Chlamydia cases rising sharply in Lee County If you think about a crowded space- something with more than 250 people- if it’s in Lee county, statistically one person has chlamydia.
SANIBEL Sanibel resort day passes hope to get more business on the island A pass will allow vacationers to hang out at a Sanibel beach club for a day in hopes of drumming up some business.
Voting equipment tested ahead of Lee County elections Voting equipment is being tested in Lee County. This is to ensure all ballots are printed and counted correctly for the upcoming election.
Collier County teen assaulted after leaving party The teen has been charged and the sheriff’s office said they’re aware that many believe felony charges are in order, but under Florida law, there are very specific criteria that must be met for felony charges to be filed.
WINK weather team watching tropical wave over Atlantic Ocean The Weather Authority is watching a tropical disturbance over the Central Atlantic Ocean.
Credit: WINK News Executive orders are in place that mandate visitors from COVID-19 hotspots quarantine for 14 days in the state or the length of their trip in Florida, whichever is shorter. Since then, we’ve had dozens of emails and calls asking about enforcement. The Florida Department of Health and Florida Highway Patrol are working to respond to travelers flying and driving into the state to help enforce the governor’s executive order. With a rapid rise of COVID-19 cases in New York’s tri-state area, there’s growing concern of visitors flocking to Florida. “I would reckon, given the outbreak there, that every single flight has somebody on it who is positive for COVID-19,” Gov. Ron DeSantis said publicly. DeSantis issued several executive orders mandating travelers from heavily affected areas in New York, New Jersey and Connecticut self-quarantine for 14 days, upon arrival. Airline workers, active health care, emergency and military responders are all exempt from the order governor’s order of the affected areas. “This is just a way to make sure that we are keeping people safe,” DeSantis said. Florida National Guard and Florida Department of Health are helping screen air travelers, asking about their trip and providing self-isolation requirements but no temperature checks. FDOH in Charlotte County is at Punta Gorda Airport performing screenings of travelers from the affected areas under the governor’s order. On the roads, Florida highway patrol is doing the same for drivers. Visitors who don’t follow the quarantine order face a fine of up to $500 and 60 days in jail. The order states it’s up to local government and law enforcement to help the health department enforce the order. The department of health says it’s making random calls to monitor travelers. But Charlotte County Sheriff’s office tells us the department hasn’t asked for help with quarantine-related issues. But did share details about what it is entrusted to do regarding the governor’s order in its jurisdiction. CCSO statement: Our role at the airport is to keep the peace and assist the Department of Health. The addresses of those traveling and staying in our community are entered into our system so first responders are aware may any future incidents arise and can use universal precautions. We have not received any directive from the DOH to assist them in any specific quarantine issues. We called the COVID-19 hotline and were told there’s no direct way to enforce it. But, if someone wants to report a local violation, contact the county health department. If you do choose to come to Florida from out of state, self-quarantine to stop the spread. As for Sharron Root, who owns property in Port Charlotte, she’s just staying put up north. “It’s just being respectful of you need to take care of the people in your area at this point in time,” Root said. Statement from health department in Charlotte County: The Florida Department of Health in Charlotte County has been on site to screen and hand out educational material to all incoming passengers aboard New York flights. So far, there have been 3 flights which included a total of 31 passengers. Forms have been collected from each passenger/family. Upon arrival, each passenger received a copy of the Governor’s Executive Order, the traveler’s card which explains the self-isolation requirements, how to get more information, and what to do if they get ill, as well as a copy of how to manage respiratory symptoms at home. The Department of Health will also be making random calls to monitor individuals. There are no incoming flights from New Jersey, Connecticut, or Louisiana to the Punta Gorda Airport at this time. From grocery/food delivery to community organizations, there are many resources available to the citizens and visitors of Charlotte County to assist with self-isolation. Anyone in need of assistance, is urged to call 211 or visit the Charlotte County website for list of resources available.