ESTERO Estero Goodwill holds grand opening Lynn Watts, a longtime Goodwill shopper, found herself in the midst of the bustling scene.
SANIBEL Sanibel’s Dairy Queen faces demolition after hurricane damage 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 Sanibel’s Dairy Queen faces demolition after hurricane damage 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.
SWFL guitarist AJ Mullins. Credit: Shared with WINK News. Another day, another COVID-19 record – this time in deaths as the state of Florida recorded 173 in just 24 hours. That’s another 173 families dealing with loss, the highest ever single-day increase. One friend screamed in anger that people keep dying from a virus he believes we can beat. Another took the news like it was no surprise because he sees so many people living like it will never happen to them. Both hoped AJ Mullins’ death would inspire people to take COVID-19 more seriously. It’s been almost a month, and Willie Miller still isn’t over the loss of his best friend and band member. “This coming Saturday we are finally going to lay him to rest,” Miller said. COVID-19 hit the band hard. The same day that Mullins died, Miller took to Facebook – while in the hospital fighting the virus – to warn us. “This whole thing about being a hoax, it is a lie. It is not a hoax,” he said. Today, Miller lives his worst fear – that his message didn’t get through. He’s angry and heartbroken over the news that Florida announced a record 173 people had died due to COVID-19. “That just broke my heart because I just know that all the stuff that’s happening is unnecessary. It did not have to be this way. It did not have to be this way. It didn’t.” Miller is afraid the only way enough people will take the virus seriously is to suffer like he is. “It’s going to take someone close to them. You know, mom, dad, husband, wife, you know, just that’s what it’s gonna take.” Mullins’ roommate Bill Little agrees. “I had corona, I survived it. It’s nothing to mess with, believe me. I mean, I’m still having lingering effects from it. People need to take it serious because it is serious. I mean it’s dead serious,” Little said. The band plans to host a benefit concert at Coconut Falls Tiki Bar and Grill in Fort Myers for Mullins’ sons in November – if the virus is finally under control. Since the pandemic hit Florida, 5,518 residents have died from COVID-19 complications. That’s enough people to fill two-thirds of the seats of Hertz Arena. Nearly 9% of all those deaths were in Southwest Florida, though our area only accounts for about 6.5% of the state’s population.