16 transported after 2 airboats crash in Collier CountyNew bill filed: Auto shop and law enforcement must work together to solve hit-and-run crashes
16 transported after 2 airboats crash in Collier County According to the Collier County Sheriff’s Office, two airboats crashed south of U.S. 41 east between mile markers 74 and 75, leaving well over a dozen people injured.
SOUTHWEST FLORIDA New bill filed: Auto shop and law enforcement must work together to solve hit-and-run crashes There could be new detectives on the block, located in your nearest auto shop. A new state bill aims at trying to stop hit-and-run drivers from getting away.
CAPE CORAL New leash on life; Cape Coral shelter dog beats cancer with drug being tested for humans A drug now being studied in human trials to kill cancerous tumors, is already approved and helping animals.
CAPE CORAL City of Cape Coral planning a new interchange with I-75 The city of Cape Coral is in the early stages of planning a new interchange with I-75, an idea that has been discussed for more than a decade.
Tracking invasive species after hurricanes Hurricanes Helene and Milton didn’t just bring wind and rain, they brought new threats to southwest Florida’s ecosystem.
PUNTA GORDA Woman in Punta Gorda shooting charged with 2nd degree murder A woman in a homicide investigation on Nasturtium Drive in Punta Gorda has been charged with 2nd-degree murder.
Lee County mother continuing fight to get children a bus stop The school district already told her she lives too close to the school to qualify for a bus route but she has not given up.
NORTH NAPLES Grant Thornton Invitational returns to Tiburon Golf Club Stars on the PGA and LPGA Tours are back in Southwest Florida for the Grant Thornton Invitational at Tiburon Golf Club.
FORT MYERS Black Flag brings classic punk energy to The Ranch in Fort Myers Legendary punk band Black Flag made their mark in Southwest Florida during the Fort Myers stop of their “First Four Years” tour.
Charlotte Technical College breaks ground on aviation facility The Charlotte County School District is flying high and keeping its “Space Academy” designation with a new aviation training facility for students.
CAPE CORAL Man arrested in connection with Cape Coral home invasion The Cape Coral Police Department has announced the arrest of one of three men suspected in a home invasion that took place earlier this month.
CAPE CORAL Cape Coral residents react to $100M North Cape land deal The city of Cape Coral is seeing two projects that will change the city. One is called one of the most lucrative deals in county history.
Royal Palm Coast Realtor Association breaks ground on new Fort Myers headquarters As Royal Palm Coast Realtor Association’s president pointed out, about 1,000 people are still moving to Florida every day, and many of them are finding their way to Southwest Florida.
PUNTA GORDA Charlotte County drug trafficker sentenced to 10 years A Charlotte County man has been sentenced to 10 years in prison for drug trafficking.
lehigh acres ‘How to sign away parental rights?’; Lehigh Acres woman accused of killing her 4-month-old baby The Lee County Sheriff’s Office has arrested a woman accused of killing her 4-month-old baby.
16 transported after 2 airboats crash in Collier County According to the Collier County Sheriff’s Office, two airboats crashed south of U.S. 41 east between mile markers 74 and 75, leaving well over a dozen people injured.
SOUTHWEST FLORIDA New bill filed: Auto shop and law enforcement must work together to solve hit-and-run crashes There could be new detectives on the block, located in your nearest auto shop. A new state bill aims at trying to stop hit-and-run drivers from getting away.
CAPE CORAL New leash on life; Cape Coral shelter dog beats cancer with drug being tested for humans A drug now being studied in human trials to kill cancerous tumors, is already approved and helping animals.
CAPE CORAL City of Cape Coral planning a new interchange with I-75 The city of Cape Coral is in the early stages of planning a new interchange with I-75, an idea that has been discussed for more than a decade.
Tracking invasive species after hurricanes Hurricanes Helene and Milton didn’t just bring wind and rain, they brought new threats to southwest Florida’s ecosystem.
PUNTA GORDA Woman in Punta Gorda shooting charged with 2nd degree murder A woman in a homicide investigation on Nasturtium Drive in Punta Gorda has been charged with 2nd-degree murder.
Lee County mother continuing fight to get children a bus stop The school district already told her she lives too close to the school to qualify for a bus route but she has not given up.
NORTH NAPLES Grant Thornton Invitational returns to Tiburon Golf Club Stars on the PGA and LPGA Tours are back in Southwest Florida for the Grant Thornton Invitational at Tiburon Golf Club.
FORT MYERS Black Flag brings classic punk energy to The Ranch in Fort Myers Legendary punk band Black Flag made their mark in Southwest Florida during the Fort Myers stop of their “First Four Years” tour.
Charlotte Technical College breaks ground on aviation facility The Charlotte County School District is flying high and keeping its “Space Academy” designation with a new aviation training facility for students.
CAPE CORAL Man arrested in connection with Cape Coral home invasion The Cape Coral Police Department has announced the arrest of one of three men suspected in a home invasion that took place earlier this month.
CAPE CORAL Cape Coral residents react to $100M North Cape land deal The city of Cape Coral is seeing two projects that will change the city. One is called one of the most lucrative deals in county history.
Royal Palm Coast Realtor Association breaks ground on new Fort Myers headquarters As Royal Palm Coast Realtor Association’s president pointed out, about 1,000 people are still moving to Florida every day, and many of them are finding their way to Southwest Florida.
PUNTA GORDA Charlotte County drug trafficker sentenced to 10 years A Charlotte County man has been sentenced to 10 years in prison for drug trafficking.
lehigh acres ‘How to sign away parental rights?’; Lehigh Acres woman accused of killing her 4-month-old baby The Lee County Sheriff’s Office has arrested a woman accused of killing her 4-month-old baby.
The body of Joel Henderson, 37, was recovered in the Caloosahatchee River on Dec. 11, a week after he went overboard from the Capt. JP riverboat. (Credit: WINK News) A man remains missing Saturday afternoon after falling overboard in the Caloosahatchee River Friday night. U.S. Coast Guard crews suspended their search Saturday evening. The Coast Guard says they spent a total of 11 and a half hours searching for 37-year-old Joel Henderson of Naples. Around 8 p.m., Friday the operator of the dinner-cruise vessel CAPT. JP, said a male passenger fell into the water not wearing a lifejacket. What was supposed to be a fun night out on the Caloosahatchee quickly turned tragic. Vanessa S. was one of the passengers on the Captain JP last night. “He was basically dying in front of us,” she said. The Coast Guard says the first call came in around 8 p.m. Friday night that a man, who was not wearing a life jacket, fell overboard. Those on board at the time say this was the Dark Christmas Brews Cruise by JC Cruises. Vanessa says she could hear someone shout ” man overboard.” “People were seeing he was struggling and wanted to help,” she said. “So many people were trying to get in the water but the staff would not allow anyone to get in the water.” Searches have been conducted between east of Cape Coral Bridge and west of Highway 41 for Henderson. Vanessa says she watched him disappear. “He was bobbing barely keeping his head above water,” said Vanessa. “At that point, he was under the water maybe a minute and we were yelling.” Then, he was gone. “He was gone. we never saw him come back up after that,” Vanessa said. Firefighters, deputies, and police were all searching with Coast Guard, and an aviation unit was in the sky as part of the search for the man. Florida Fish and Wildlife, the Fort Myers Police Department, and Lee County Sheriff’s officers with underwater side-scan sonar technology also assisted in the search. The Coast Guard had seven boats in the water at the scene and continued the search Saturday afternoon. Unfortunately, authorities never found Joel Henderson. “It was just it was sad. It was really hard to see,” said Vanessa. Commander Shawn Lansing is the deputy commanding officer of the Coast Guard in St. Petersburg. “Our sincerest condolences go out to the family and friends,” he said. “We ask that all mariners keep a sharp lookout while transiting the waterways in the Caloosahatchee River and to call our comment center at 727-824-7534 with any new information.” Commander Lansing goes on to thank assisting agencies. “Thank you to the Lee County Sheriff’s Office, Fort Myers Beach Police and Florida Fish and Wildlife for their response and partnership throughout this challenging search.” WINK News reached out to JC cruises but they are closed on Saturdays.