Memorial statue unveiled for exotic birds at Jerry’s Foods on Sanibel IslandFort Myers veteran worried about FEMA code compliance letter
SANIBEL Memorial statue unveiled for exotic birds at Jerry’s Foods on Sanibel Island For over 40 years, Dick Muench displayed many of his exotic birds from Central and South America at Jerry’s Foods on Sanibel.
FORT MYERS Fort Myers veteran worried about FEMA code compliance letter One marine veteran is worried sick over having to raise his home.
Residents oppose U-Haul storage unit development in Collier County A lush line of trees in Collier County may turn into storage units, and neighbors are unhappy.
LEHIGH ACRES Parents want changes made to Lee County Schools JROTC The Lee County School District is making changes after 25 students were treated by emergency services for heat exhaustion at a local high school on Friday.
FORT MYERS BEACH La Ola speaks out a day after FEMA deadline A day after the FEMA deadline for temporary structures on Fort Myers Beach to be removed, the scenery remains largely unchanged.
FORT MYERS Neighbors react to plans for new Amazon warehouse in Fort Myers Amazon will soon have the largest building in Southwest Florida.
FORT MYERS Councilman Johnny Streets retires after nearly 20 years of service After nearly two decades of service, Fort Myers City Councilman Johnny Streets is retiring.
Local human trafficking survivor speaks out It’s a question many of us think we know the answer to: What is human trafficking? A Collier County woman told WINK her definition changed after she survived it.
PORT CHARLOTTE 8 illegal immigrants arrested in Charlotte County Eight people have been arrested in Port Charlotte for being in the country illegally.
Sheriff’s Office: Teen victim knew suspect in deadly Collier County shooting There is new information on the deadly shooting late Saturday of a teenage girl in Collier County.
FORT MYERS Inauguration ceremony for Lee Board of County Commissioners Lee County held an inauguration ceremony for a newly appointed county commissioner and two incumbents.
FGCU FGCU volleyball prepares to defend ASUN Tournament title FGCU volleyball looks to secure its fourth straight ASUN Tournament title this week and secure a spot in the NCAA Tournament.
FORT MYERS Fort Myers city leaders sworn in On Tuesday night, the City of Fort Myers swore in newly elected councilmember Diana Giraldo, who will take over Ward 2 for the next four years.
FORT MYERS Thomas Golisano pledges $85M to SWFL non-profits Christmas came early for non-profit foundations and agencies across Southwest Florida, thanks to Thomas Galisano.
MARCO ISLAND Marco Island City Council vacancy application period extended Marco Island City Council members have voted to extend the application period for people interested in filling a vacant seat on the council.
SANIBEL Memorial statue unveiled for exotic birds at Jerry’s Foods on Sanibel Island For over 40 years, Dick Muench displayed many of his exotic birds from Central and South America at Jerry’s Foods on Sanibel.
FORT MYERS Fort Myers veteran worried about FEMA code compliance letter One marine veteran is worried sick over having to raise his home.
Residents oppose U-Haul storage unit development in Collier County A lush line of trees in Collier County may turn into storage units, and neighbors are unhappy.
LEHIGH ACRES Parents want changes made to Lee County Schools JROTC The Lee County School District is making changes after 25 students were treated by emergency services for heat exhaustion at a local high school on Friday.
FORT MYERS BEACH La Ola speaks out a day after FEMA deadline A day after the FEMA deadline for temporary structures on Fort Myers Beach to be removed, the scenery remains largely unchanged.
FORT MYERS Neighbors react to plans for new Amazon warehouse in Fort Myers Amazon will soon have the largest building in Southwest Florida.
FORT MYERS Councilman Johnny Streets retires after nearly 20 years of service After nearly two decades of service, Fort Myers City Councilman Johnny Streets is retiring.
Local human trafficking survivor speaks out It’s a question many of us think we know the answer to: What is human trafficking? A Collier County woman told WINK her definition changed after she survived it.
PORT CHARLOTTE 8 illegal immigrants arrested in Charlotte County Eight people have been arrested in Port Charlotte for being in the country illegally.
Sheriff’s Office: Teen victim knew suspect in deadly Collier County shooting There is new information on the deadly shooting late Saturday of a teenage girl in Collier County.
FORT MYERS Inauguration ceremony for Lee Board of County Commissioners Lee County held an inauguration ceremony for a newly appointed county commissioner and two incumbents.
FGCU FGCU volleyball prepares to defend ASUN Tournament title FGCU volleyball looks to secure its fourth straight ASUN Tournament title this week and secure a spot in the NCAA Tournament.
FORT MYERS Fort Myers city leaders sworn in On Tuesday night, the City of Fort Myers swore in newly elected councilmember Diana Giraldo, who will take over Ward 2 for the next four years.
FORT MYERS Thomas Golisano pledges $85M to SWFL non-profits Christmas came early for non-profit foundations and agencies across Southwest Florida, thanks to Thomas Galisano.
MARCO ISLAND Marco Island City Council vacancy application period extended Marco Island City Council members have voted to extend the application period for people interested in filling a vacant seat on the council.
“Fishin Frank” Hommema talks to WINK News about the transition to his new bait and tackle shop location in Charlotte Count Monday, April 12 nearly a year after his original brick-and-mortar of 35 years was destroyed in a fire caused by a vehicle that crashed into the shop. Credit: WINK News. Nearly a year after his business was destroyed, “Fishin’ Frank” Hommema in Charlotte County is moving into a new spot after his original store, Fishin Franks Bait and Tackle, was burned to ashes in a fiery crash. “This wasn’t like, ‘OK, my store burned down.’ This was like my brother got killed,” Hommema explained. “So much of my identity was tied up in that location. I wasn’t sure I could be Fishin’ Frank anywhere else.” In May 2020, a driver in a truck ran into an embankment and went airborne, landing on top of Fishin Franks Bait and Tackle about 50 feet away. It happened during early morning hours, causing a fire that ultimately destroyed the longstanding business. If one good thing comes from losing his business, it’s that Hommema knows his identity isn’t tied to four walls or fishing supplies inside. It’s in all the people he’s met along the way. “This has never been about the fishing,” Hommema said. “It’s been about the interacting with the people.” Hommema’s family started the business 35 years ago. His fishing family keeps it going. “It’ll never be the same as the old store, but I think the people in it will make it as close as they can,” said Rick Doll, a loyal customer. “Fishin’ Frank” found a new spot at an old pizza shop about 0.5 miles south of the old bait and tackle shop. His longtime customers are coming together to get it in tip-top shape. “I owe Frank,” Doll said. “Every time I’ve called him, he gave me advice … if I owe him five minutes for every time I’ve called, I won’t be able to work this off in a couple of weeks.” “Fishin’ Frank’s” former manager planned to open his own bait and tackle shop after the fire. Frank told us he realized he has more connections, so he’ll bring his old manager back as a co-owner. They plan to open the new store in May. Frank lost all of his merchandise in the fire, but he never lost hope. “People say, ‘What’s your plan?’ I don’t have a plan,” Hommema said. “I’m just letting life take me where it’s gonna go.”