FEMA deadline looms for Lee County: flood insurance discounts at riskMan wanted for grand theft at North Fort Myers Dollar Tree
FORT MYERS BEACH FEMA deadline looms for Lee County: flood insurance discounts at risk FEMA will soon announce whether homeowners in five different areas of Lee County will keep that 25% discount on their flood insurance policies long term.
NORTH FORT MYERS Man wanted for grand theft at North Fort Myers Dollar Tree SWFL Crime Stoppers is seeking information on a man wanted for committing grand theft at a Dollar Tree in North Fort Myers last week.
WINK NEWS 1 dead from e-coli outbreak due to carrots sold in popular grocery stores The Center for Disease Control and Prevention is investigating an outbreak of e-coli linked to tainted carrots.
FORT MYERS Lee County Library System announces annual Fandom Fest The Lee County Library System is inviting people of all ages to bring cosplay and pop culture fun to its annual Fandom Fest.
FORT MYERS Lee County opens Royal Palms Avenue parking lot for downtown Fort Myers workers Lee County has announced the opening of the Royal Palms Avenue parking lot, which will be used by downtown workers and become paid public parking on nights and weekends.
NAPLES Naples sculptor makes memorable busts for 9 locations You may notice some new, massive statues that have been placed in popular areas around Naples, like Waterside Shops and Maserati Naples.
the weather authority Seasonal Monday with highs in the mid 80s The Weather Authority is tracking seasonal temperatures with an approaching cold front that is expected to bring rain and cooler conditions during the middle of the week.
Volunteers gather for 20th annual Turkey Drop event in Collier County The 20th annual Capital Wealth Advisors Turkey Drop event is set to begin as organizers seek to mark this milestone anniversary with the goal of over 7,000 turkeys donated.
FORT MYERS BEACH FMB residents raise concerns over removal of business trailers Residents and business owners on Fort Myers Beach are raising concerns after FEMA called for the removal of temporary structures off the island.
Driver arrested after failing to stop in Lehigh Acres According to the Florida Highway Patrol, a driver was arrested after he failed to stop for troopers on State Road 82 and Blackstone Drive in Lehigh Acres on Saturday Night.
WINK Neighborhood Watch: burglary, aggravated battery and cockfighting This week’s segment of WINK Neighborhood Watch features a burglary spree, aggravated battery with a vehicle and a man arrested for cockfighting.
NAPLES Deputies investigating death at Collier house party The Collier County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a death that happened at a house party.
southwest florida Beautiful Sunday on tap with temperatures reaching the low 80s this afternoon It will be another seasonal day with sun and clouds across Southwest Florida with temperatures reaching yet again topping out in the low 80s.
NAPLES Community raises funds for family of elementary school choking victim Staff and students from Laurel Oak Elementary School gathered at a Naples Culver’s to raise money for the family of Benjamin Cronin, an 11-year-old boy who died after choking at school.
Traffic investigation on US 41 at Olympia Ave. temporarily closes NB lanes The Punta Gorda Police Department responded to a traffic crash that temporarily closed the northbound lanes of U.S. 41 at Olympia and Marion avenues.
FORT MYERS BEACH FEMA deadline looms for Lee County: flood insurance discounts at risk FEMA will soon announce whether homeowners in five different areas of Lee County will keep that 25% discount on their flood insurance policies long term.
NORTH FORT MYERS Man wanted for grand theft at North Fort Myers Dollar Tree SWFL Crime Stoppers is seeking information on a man wanted for committing grand theft at a Dollar Tree in North Fort Myers last week.
WINK NEWS 1 dead from e-coli outbreak due to carrots sold in popular grocery stores The Center for Disease Control and Prevention is investigating an outbreak of e-coli linked to tainted carrots.
FORT MYERS Lee County Library System announces annual Fandom Fest The Lee County Library System is inviting people of all ages to bring cosplay and pop culture fun to its annual Fandom Fest.
FORT MYERS Lee County opens Royal Palms Avenue parking lot for downtown Fort Myers workers Lee County has announced the opening of the Royal Palms Avenue parking lot, which will be used by downtown workers and become paid public parking on nights and weekends.
NAPLES Naples sculptor makes memorable busts for 9 locations You may notice some new, massive statues that have been placed in popular areas around Naples, like Waterside Shops and Maserati Naples.
the weather authority Seasonal Monday with highs in the mid 80s The Weather Authority is tracking seasonal temperatures with an approaching cold front that is expected to bring rain and cooler conditions during the middle of the week.
Volunteers gather for 20th annual Turkey Drop event in Collier County The 20th annual Capital Wealth Advisors Turkey Drop event is set to begin as organizers seek to mark this milestone anniversary with the goal of over 7,000 turkeys donated.
FORT MYERS BEACH FMB residents raise concerns over removal of business trailers Residents and business owners on Fort Myers Beach are raising concerns after FEMA called for the removal of temporary structures off the island.
Driver arrested after failing to stop in Lehigh Acres According to the Florida Highway Patrol, a driver was arrested after he failed to stop for troopers on State Road 82 and Blackstone Drive in Lehigh Acres on Saturday Night.
WINK Neighborhood Watch: burglary, aggravated battery and cockfighting This week’s segment of WINK Neighborhood Watch features a burglary spree, aggravated battery with a vehicle and a man arrested for cockfighting.
NAPLES Deputies investigating death at Collier house party The Collier County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a death that happened at a house party.
southwest florida Beautiful Sunday on tap with temperatures reaching the low 80s this afternoon It will be another seasonal day with sun and clouds across Southwest Florida with temperatures reaching yet again topping out in the low 80s.
NAPLES Community raises funds for family of elementary school choking victim Staff and students from Laurel Oak Elementary School gathered at a Naples Culver’s to raise money for the family of Benjamin Cronin, an 11-year-old boy who died after choking at school.
Traffic investigation on US 41 at Olympia Ave. temporarily closes NB lanes The Punta Gorda Police Department responded to a traffic crash that temporarily closed the northbound lanes of U.S. 41 at Olympia and Marion avenues.
Pharmacist Sam Patel of Carrell Pharmacy in Fort Myers. Credit: WINK News. Many people would likely agree the prices for prescription medications are too high. A potentially affordable option is making itself available to people near and far and could make filling your prescriptions a bit easier. Amazon has officially entered the pharmacy game, and it’s delivering prescriptions to Amazon Prime members with two-day delivery. Amazon says, without Prime, its prices with insurance, “should be similar to those at any retail pharmacy.” With Prime, drugs and prescriptions available through Amazon Pharmacy could be anywhere from 40% to 80% off. “I wasn’t surprised,” Pharmacist Sam Patel said. “I was ready, at one point they were going to come out and launch this service.” Patel, who owns Carrell Pharmacy in Fort Myers, says he’s not worried. He says Amazon could be some steep competition for traditional retail pharmacies, but as a small business, he offers something big box stores don’t. “We know all of our customers by their name … We know their drugs, we know where they live, what their families do,” Patel said. “You cannot buy the personalized service.” Amazon is pushing convenience with 24/7 help, free “PillPacks” for daily doses and extra perks for Prime members that includes the two-day shipping and member savings. Patel says low prices and customer service are his specialties, and he offers free daily dose packs and same-day or next-day delivery too, and no special membership is required. “Cost, convenience and customer service,” Patel said. “And we’re just gonna stick with our basics, no change at all.” Amazon lets customers type in just about any drug and look up the price they would pay, with or without insurance. For example, a 30-day supply of the generic version of Lipitor, a common cholesterol drug, is listed at $86.10 without insurance. Prime members could get 85% off. Amazon won’t prescribe opioids though, and Patel says that could make things difficult for people who take those along with other medications. “Because any pharmacy would like to fill all of their medicine at one place because so they can check the drug interaction,” Patel said. “A lot of pharmacies will not only fill controlled prescriptions because of certain government restrictions.” Patel says he’s concerned about how Amazon will transport medicine and how responsive they’ll be to customers. He also hopes customers will opt to support small businesses first. “We can beat them in prices every day, anytime,” Patel said. If you have a crazy story about the cost of prescriptions drugs, or maybe your own tricks to save, email them to us at costofcare@winknews.com.