What changes if Big Cypress National Preserve becomes a Wilderness Area?Method to treat IBD being used for other health issues
BIG CYPRESS PRESERVE What changes if Big Cypress National Preserve becomes a Wilderness Area? America’s first nationally designated preserve is in Southwest Florida’s backyard, and it is celebrating its 50th anniversary.
Method to treat IBD being used for other health issues Trying to get treatments for the brain when fighting neurological diseases like epilepsy and ALS is a challenge.
FORT MYERS NTSB report reveals new details in helicopter crash after Hurricane Ian The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has released its final report on a helicopter crash that occurred in Iona, Florida, shortly after Hurricane Ian.
‘Latinos in Action’ empowers all students to succeed WINK News talked with teachers who are a part of the program, helping kids reach their full potential.
Immokalee ‘The eyes always draw me in’; Immokalee portrait artist turns dark times into color One of Southwest Florida best portrait artist, Martha Maria Cantu, almost gave up art. Now she’s on the forefront of the city of Immokalee, to make her community filled with color.
GOLDEN GATE Collier commissioners approve agreement for golf complex in Golden Gate Collier commissioners unanimously approved a long term lease and operating agreement to reopen the Golden Gate golf course Tuesday.
PUNTA GORDA Motorcyclists ride in SWFL to help veterans battle suicide A group of veterans from the American Legion are grabbing their helmets and boots for a motorcycle ride to bring awareness to the staggering rates of suicide among veterans.
SARASOTA Alleged sexual abuse victims of Port Charlotte priest comes forward Father Riley worked at three churches in Charlotte County and another in Naples. On Friday, new allegations emerged from a news conference in Sarasota.
PORT CHARLOTTE Port Charlotte priest accused of sexual abuse appears in court A priest accused of sexually abusing four altar boys in Iowa nearly 40 years ago returned to Charlotte County court.
Alamo Drafthouse Cinema prepares for opening at Mercato The newest movie theater in Southwest Florida opens April 29, and it does so with an array of entertainment offerings that go beyond the usual options across the region.
Let’s Waffle opens in Cape Coral Let’s Waffle is one of two businesses the Feix family launched locally, with the FMS Florida Boat Tours and Limousine Service owned and operated by Feix’s husband, Alexander.
Planned Punta Gorda hotel, pub, brewery faces construction delay Kevin Doyle, owner of Celtic Ray Public House Irish pub in downtown Punta Gorda, and his partner, S4 Global Investments, were found in violation of the city’s exposed soils code.
Three Sisters Spring Toast the manatee released by FWC, SeaWorld and Casey DeSantis near Crystal River A manatee named Toast was released back into the Florida waters after a final medical evaluation from wildlife officials.
CAPE CORAL Cape Coral Man arrested and charged with over 90 counts of fraud The Cape Coral Police Department arrested a man for allegedly stealing items from a business and then pawning them.
Man accused of pulling gun on someone ordering at Collier County Dunkin’ Donuts drive-thru A man has been arrested after allegedly pulling a gun on someone ordering at a Dunkin’ Donuts drive-thru in Collier County.
BIG CYPRESS PRESERVE What changes if Big Cypress National Preserve becomes a Wilderness Area? America’s first nationally designated preserve is in Southwest Florida’s backyard, and it is celebrating its 50th anniversary.
Method to treat IBD being used for other health issues Trying to get treatments for the brain when fighting neurological diseases like epilepsy and ALS is a challenge.
FORT MYERS NTSB report reveals new details in helicopter crash after Hurricane Ian The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has released its final report on a helicopter crash that occurred in Iona, Florida, shortly after Hurricane Ian.
‘Latinos in Action’ empowers all students to succeed WINK News talked with teachers who are a part of the program, helping kids reach their full potential.
Immokalee ‘The eyes always draw me in’; Immokalee portrait artist turns dark times into color One of Southwest Florida best portrait artist, Martha Maria Cantu, almost gave up art. Now she’s on the forefront of the city of Immokalee, to make her community filled with color.
GOLDEN GATE Collier commissioners approve agreement for golf complex in Golden Gate Collier commissioners unanimously approved a long term lease and operating agreement to reopen the Golden Gate golf course Tuesday.
PUNTA GORDA Motorcyclists ride in SWFL to help veterans battle suicide A group of veterans from the American Legion are grabbing their helmets and boots for a motorcycle ride to bring awareness to the staggering rates of suicide among veterans.
SARASOTA Alleged sexual abuse victims of Port Charlotte priest comes forward Father Riley worked at three churches in Charlotte County and another in Naples. On Friday, new allegations emerged from a news conference in Sarasota.
PORT CHARLOTTE Port Charlotte priest accused of sexual abuse appears in court A priest accused of sexually abusing four altar boys in Iowa nearly 40 years ago returned to Charlotte County court.
Alamo Drafthouse Cinema prepares for opening at Mercato The newest movie theater in Southwest Florida opens April 29, and it does so with an array of entertainment offerings that go beyond the usual options across the region.
Let’s Waffle opens in Cape Coral Let’s Waffle is one of two businesses the Feix family launched locally, with the FMS Florida Boat Tours and Limousine Service owned and operated by Feix’s husband, Alexander.
Planned Punta Gorda hotel, pub, brewery faces construction delay Kevin Doyle, owner of Celtic Ray Public House Irish pub in downtown Punta Gorda, and his partner, S4 Global Investments, were found in violation of the city’s exposed soils code.
Three Sisters Spring Toast the manatee released by FWC, SeaWorld and Casey DeSantis near Crystal River A manatee named Toast was released back into the Florida waters after a final medical evaluation from wildlife officials.
CAPE CORAL Cape Coral Man arrested and charged with over 90 counts of fraud The Cape Coral Police Department arrested a man for allegedly stealing items from a business and then pawning them.
Man accused of pulling gun on someone ordering at Collier County Dunkin’ Donuts drive-thru A man has been arrested after allegedly pulling a gun on someone ordering at a Dunkin’ Donuts drive-thru in Collier County.
Credit: WINK News. Despite the rising number of coronavirus cases across Florida, Gov. Ron DeSantis remains firm masks in the sunshine state are optional. This comes as more evidence suggests wearing masks could help slow the spread. And local businesses are stuck in the middle of these changing and conflicting reports. Monday, we heard from a former FDA leader, who says mask implementation, whether enforced or not, will be one of the best ways to ensure the country does not shut down the way it did originally. And we spoke to a small business in Southwest Florida about how it continues to roll with the guidelines and do everything possible to keep its doors open and customers and staff safe. Bess “LadyCakes” Charles is the co-owner of LadyCakes Bakery in Cape Coral. She says the unknowns surrounding COVID-19 and how it will affect her business continue to be on the forefront of daily life. “There is no day-to-day monotony, Charles said. “I like to kind of keep things new and interesting and every day, and the bakery is just that.” Charles says one of her favorite things about baking is the opportunity for things to change. But since the pandemic began, her business has needed to do a lot of that. “We’ve lost a lot of business because, obviously, your business is structured around events. You can’t have big birthday parties and big weddings right now,” Charles said. “We’re trying to implement and change, be a chameleon. So to say, in order to still make the profits to keep our business going.” Charles is focused on keeping the bakery open, her staff safe and her customers comfortable. She and rest of the staff at LadyCakes wear masks at the bakery. “We’re not asking for people to wear a mask when they come in,” Charles said. “But, when they walk through the door and they see us wearing masks, I feel like that will make customers more comfortable, knowing that we’re taking precautions for them.” But the debate around masks remains divided. DeSantis continues to publicly say it’s your choice. And the current CDC guidance has it going both ways, recommending that you wear a mask when you leave the house, then recommending people wear a mask if they cannot properly social distance. Still, others such as Dr. Scott Gottlieb, the former FDA commissioner, says masks are one of the best ways to keep society from shutting down again. “We’re not going to want to shut down businesses again,” Gottlieb said. “We’re not going to want to shut down the economy. So there’s not many tools we can reach for. We can go toward universal masking, something that’s been controversial in some of these states. But there’s not much, much else you can do.” The CDC is expected to update its policy on masks soon. Its scientists have been looking into whether masks can actually protect people from contracting COVID-19 and not just prevent them from spreading it. For Charles, the back and forth can be a lot. But she says it’s worth it. “It’s difficult to come up with all the changes that are happening,” Charles said. “The bottom line here is I want to make sure that my employees are safe, that my husband and I are safe, that my clients are safe. And, if there’s a rule that we need to follow, we’ll hear about it, and we’ll follow it.” World Health Organization (WHO): When and how to use a mask