CAPE CORAL
Researchers seeking volunteers for algal bloom in Cape Coral
Researchers are recruiting Lee County volunteers to help better understand the health effects of harmful algal blooms in Cape Coral.
CAPE CORAL
Researchers seeking volunteers for algal bloom in Cape Coral
Researchers are recruiting Lee County volunteers to help better understand the health effects of harmful algal blooms in Cape Coral.
LEHIGH ACRES
1 trauma alerted after 2-vehicle crash in Lehigh Acres
A two-vehicle crash has blocked all westbound lanes on State Road 82 and Haviland Avenue in Lehigh Acres early this morning.
PUNTA GORDA
Punta Gorda to discuss proposal of new downtown and historic district flooding study
Punta Gorda has been known to be susceptible to the impacts of hurricanes, as in recent history, several storms have caused severe damage to the city.
4th endangered Florida Panther death of 2025; struck by vehicle in Collier County
For the fourth time in 2025, a critically endangered Florida Panther has been killed by a vehicle in Collier County.
IMMOKALEE
Victim identified in deadly shooting in Immokalee; suspect on the run
The Collier County Sheriff’s Office has released more information regarding a deadly shooting that occurred in Immokalee.
the weather authority
Lots of sunshine this Tuesday afternoon
The Weather Authority is tracking sunnier conditions with less humidity and increased wind speeds this Tuesday afternoon.
WINK NEWS
Web Exclusive: Rachel Cox-Rosen’s Construction Heads Up Mar. 11
As construction may dampen your commute, WINK News traffic anchor Rachel Cox Rosen knows the best way to traverse the roadways in this web-exclusive feature.
WINK NEWS
Labelle Man killed in crash on SR-80 in Hendry County
The Florida Highway Patrol is investigating a deadly crash that killed a man on East State Road 80 and Cedarwood Parkway in Hendry County.
LEHIGH ACRES
Bowling night brawl in Lehigh Acres leaves one man hospitalized
A night of bowling at Lehigh Lanes in Lehigh Acres took a shocking turn when a fight broke out, leaving one man unconscious in the parking lot.
GOLDEN GATE
Golden Gate truck crash leaves resident’s home in ruins; suspects flee
A truck crashed through a woman’s bedroom wall at the Mer Soleil Apartments in Golden Gate, narrowly missing her.
Gulfshore Business
21 Spices restaurant in Naples permanently closing March 31
The contemporary Indian restaurant 21 Spices by Chef Asif will permanently close March 31 after serving the Naples area for more than nine years.
LCSO nonprofit Home Front Heroes raises funds using taxpayer-funded assets
Taxpayer-funded assets of the Lee County Sheriff’s Office, including a helicopter ride, marine patrol unit ride and gun range-shooting experience, have been used to raise thousands of dollars for a nonprofit run by a handful of LCSO employees.
Upscale women’s boutique opens in Fishermen’s Village
Friends Shaune Freeland and Julie Price realized their dream when they presided over a ribbon-cutting ceremony for their Monkee’s fashion boutique in Fishermen’s Village in Punta Gorda.
My Shower Door blankets spring training in signage with Twins, Red Sox
My Shower Door signs can be seen all over both of Lee County’s spring training ballparks, and Bill Daubmann said he enjoys the fun factor in further building his company’s brand.
Tim Aten Knows: More businesses coming to Golden Gate Estates
New gas stations planned along Oil Well Road in Golden Gate Estates have not been formally proposed yet, but preliminary plans show that a couple of them are being considered for new development projects.
Economist Jeremy Siegel favors Trump tax cuts, not tariffs
During President Donald Trump’s first administration, longtime economic professor Jeremy Siegel received a request to join it as an economic adviser.
Neal Communities receives rezoning to build 1,099 homes in Alva
An Alva and North Olga land-use change from agricultural to residential, which has been years in the making after being cattle ranchlands for almost a century, took place March 5 with Lee County commissioners approving it unanimously.
Investigations
Exclusive: New close-up look of hostage situation at Bank of America
In a WINK News exclusive, a new look inside the dramatic hostage situation at the Bank of America at Bell Tower last year.
Congress steps in as Port Charlotte widow searches for husband’s ashes
A Port Charlotte woman continues to fight to find her husband’s ashes, lost in the mail. Members of Congress are now backing her efforts.
Lost ashes in Fort Myers: USPS employee speaks out
A widow’s search for closure continues as her husband’s ashes remain lost in the mail.
Englewood residents urged to stay vigilant as armed man eludes capture
Authorities are still searching for a 20-year-old man considered armed and dangerous, who escaped from deputies during an attempted arrest.
2 wanted for illegal deer poaching in Hendry County
The Hendry County Sheriff’s Office Agriculture Unit is seeking assistance from the public in its investigation into the illegal killing of approximately nine deer.
State News
Southwest Airlines to end free checked bags policy
It’s a break with Southwest’s 54 year history — one that could undermine customer loyalty to the carrier, according to experts.
Gov. DeSantis awards $1.5M to railway access expansions in Polk County
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis has awarded the Central Florida Intermodal Logistics Center a $1.5 million grant to expand rail access in Winter Haven.
Charlotte County pushes for statewide animal abuse registry law
A new bill introduced to the Florida Senate aims to create a statewide registry of individuals convicted of animal abuse.
Vaccination rates in SWFL: WINK News looks at the numbers
According to health officials, the most effective way to prevent measles is the Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR) vaccine.
SpaceX launches flight test; spacecraft visible in Florida
A mysterious sight in the sky had WINK News viewers buzzing, but there’s no need to worry. It’s not a UFO.
Health & Medical
AdventHealth CEO working to invest for the future
AdventHealth took over ShorePoint Health on March 1, marking a significant change for the community, which hopes for improved medical services.
Rising colorectal cancer rates in young adults
Young people are increasingly being diagnosed with colorectal cancer at ages younger than standard screening recommendations, raising major concerns among doctors.
Managing allergies during peak season
Springtime in Southwest Florida brings not only flowers and sunshine but also a wave of sneezes and sniffles.
New Van Gogh biopsy tool at NCH helps identify cancer
Diagnosing and treating cancer is often seen as a science, but sometimes, it also involves an element of art.
Maintaining muscle helps brain health
Building and maintaining muscle is crucial for more than just physical health. New research suggests that muscle strength can also benefit cognitive health.
How to prevent colds and stay healthy
This year is proving to be a busy one in Southwest Florida when it comes to colds.
The Environment
Researchers seeking volunteers for algal bloom in Cape Coral
Researchers are recruiting Lee County volunteers to help better understand the health effects of harmful algal blooms in Cape Coral.
Fighting the bite: Soaring high to battle mosquitoes
WINK News anchor Liz Biro had the chance to fly with the Lee County Mosquito Control District to see how they work to battle mosquitoes.
Plans to remove dead mangroves from McGregor Preserve underway
The Sanibel Captiva Conservation Foundation is making progress in restoring its McGregor Preserve in Fort Myers.
WINK Sports
Behind the bar at CoolToday Park: A Braves fan’s dream job
Order a drink at the Tomahawk Tiki Bar in CoolToday Park and you are sure to see Tonia Copelan behind the bar.
MLB testing Automatic Ball-Strike System during Spring Training
MLB is testing the Automatic Ball-Strike System during Spring Training to see if it can be called up to regular season games.
Historic debut: FC Naples soccer team kicks off in Collier County
In a historic night for Collier County, FC Naples fans gathered to witness their team’s first-ever match.
Chelsea Lyles named ASUN Coach of the Year ahead of ASUN Tourney
FGCU women’s basketball head coach Chelsea Lyles wins ASUN Coach of the Year in first year as Eagles go for conference tournament title.
FC Naples set for inaugural home opener Saturday night
FC Naples is set to play its inaugural home opener Saturday night, which marks the culmination of the past year of building this club.
One-on-one with FC Naples head coach Matt Poland
WINK Sports Reporter Zach Oliveri sat down with FC Naples head coach Matt Poland to talk about the inaugural season.
Bregman and Crochet make Red Sox Spring Training debut
Alex Bregman and Garrett Crochet make their Red Sox Spring Training debut in the team’s Grapefruit League home opener Sunday.
Rays fans make most of home field during Spring Training
Tampa Bay Rays fans cherish opportunity to see their team at their Spring Training home after Hurricane Milton damaged Tropicana Field.
Former FSW and Mighty Mussels hitting coach joins Twins staff
Former FSW and Mighty Mussels hitting coach Rayden Sierra enters his first as a hitting coach for the Minnesota Twins.
No. 2 prospect in MLB Roman Anthony with Red Sox for Spring Training
Roman Anthony, who is ranked as the second best in baseball, is with the Boston Red Sox for his first Spring Training.
Campaign Central
Byron Donalds enters race for Florida governor
Congressman Byron Donalds has announced his candidacy for the next governor of Florida.
Gov. Ron DeSantis takes swipe at Congressman Byron Donalds
Gov. Ron DeSantis has publicly criticized Florida Congressman Byron Donalds, saying that the Republican representative should not be credited with the state’s successes.
Sanibel voters to decide on city council seats, charter amendment
Sanibel is gearing up for its March 4 election, as voters will head to the polls from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. at two locations.