FORT MYERS City of Fort Myers announces Caloosahatchee Celtic Festival The City of Fort Myers invites the public to the 21st anniversary of the Caloosahatchee Celtic Festival in downtown Fort Myers.
MATLACHA Neighbors to protest delay in repairs to Matlacha Pass Bridge People are set to take the streets and protest the delay in repairs to the Matlacha Pass Bridge.
Port Authority postpones talk of RSW’s $346M, four-year delayed terminal expansion Lee County and Port Authority Commissioner Brian Hamman finally had a public forum to get some answers on why a construction project went more than $346 million over budget and will be more than four years behind schedule to complete.
DeSantis responds to question on possible Sheriff Marceno suspension Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis addressed calls for the suspension of Lee County’s sheriff amid an FBI investigation into his office.
Annette’s Beach Book Nook celebrates grand reopening on Fort Myers Beach From 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Jan. 18, Annette Stillson finally will be celebrating the grand reopening of the new-look Annette’s Beach Book Nook.
Punta Gorda renowned media artist finds safe haven for work Former businessman and artist David Sussman, known for his photography on canvas and coffee-table photography books, has found a safe, flood-proof homestead after he lost several homes and studios to hurricanes.
Mugshot released of man accused of injuring deputy then leading multi-county chase The Collier County Sheriff’s Office has released the mugshot of Fritzson Paul, the man accused of leading deputies on a multi-county chase stemming from a carjacking.
FORT MYERS FDOT hosts ribbon-cutting ceremony for Caloosahatchee River Bridge sidewalk project The Florida Department of Transportation held a ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the completion of the Caloosahatchee River Bridge and the New Sidewalk Project.
Fort Myers Council explores possible locations for new City Hall When the city of Fort Myers builds a new City Hall, it’s most likely to remain downtown at then current site.
Tim Aten Knows: Plans advance for second Costco store Costco Wholesale Corp. is moving ahead with plans for a second store in Collier County on the southeast corner of Rattlesnake Hammock Road and Collier Boulevard, immediately north of Physician Regional Medical Center-Collier Boulevard.
naples Naples Winter Wine Festival holds online auction for charity The Naples Winter Wine Festival is set to hold its 10th annual online auction, raising funds for the Naples Children & Education Foundation and donating all proceeds.
the weather authority Clouds and isolated rain for your Friday plans The Weather Authority is tracking isolated rain showers and increased cloud coverage that may impact your Friday afternoon plans.
Web Exclusive: Rachel Cox-Rosen’s Construction Heads-Up 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.
Charlotte County Man killed in deputy-involved shooting; Charlotte deputies say he pointed gun at them The Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a deputy-involved shooting, which killed a man they said pointed a gun at them.
FORT MYERS City of Fort Myers announces Caloosahatchee Celtic Festival The City of Fort Myers invites the public to the 21st anniversary of the Caloosahatchee Celtic Festival in downtown Fort Myers.
MATLACHA Neighbors to protest delay in repairs to Matlacha Pass Bridge People are set to take the streets and protest the delay in repairs to the Matlacha Pass Bridge.
Port Authority postpones talk of RSW’s $346M, four-year delayed terminal expansion Lee County and Port Authority Commissioner Brian Hamman finally had a public forum to get some answers on why a construction project went more than $346 million over budget and will be more than four years behind schedule to complete.
DeSantis responds to question on possible Sheriff Marceno suspension Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis addressed calls for the suspension of Lee County’s sheriff amid an FBI investigation into his office.
Annette’s Beach Book Nook celebrates grand reopening on Fort Myers Beach From 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Jan. 18, Annette Stillson finally will be celebrating the grand reopening of the new-look Annette’s Beach Book Nook.
Punta Gorda renowned media artist finds safe haven for work Former businessman and artist David Sussman, known for his photography on canvas and coffee-table photography books, has found a safe, flood-proof homestead after he lost several homes and studios to hurricanes.
Mugshot released of man accused of injuring deputy then leading multi-county chase The Collier County Sheriff’s Office has released the mugshot of Fritzson Paul, the man accused of leading deputies on a multi-county chase stemming from a carjacking.
FORT MYERS FDOT hosts ribbon-cutting ceremony for Caloosahatchee River Bridge sidewalk project The Florida Department of Transportation held a ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the completion of the Caloosahatchee River Bridge and the New Sidewalk Project.
Fort Myers Council explores possible locations for new City Hall When the city of Fort Myers builds a new City Hall, it’s most likely to remain downtown at then current site.
Tim Aten Knows: Plans advance for second Costco store Costco Wholesale Corp. is moving ahead with plans for a second store in Collier County on the southeast corner of Rattlesnake Hammock Road and Collier Boulevard, immediately north of Physician Regional Medical Center-Collier Boulevard.
naples Naples Winter Wine Festival holds online auction for charity The Naples Winter Wine Festival is set to hold its 10th annual online auction, raising funds for the Naples Children & Education Foundation and donating all proceeds.
the weather authority Clouds and isolated rain for your Friday plans The Weather Authority is tracking isolated rain showers and increased cloud coverage that may impact your Friday afternoon plans.
Web Exclusive: Rachel Cox-Rosen’s Construction Heads-Up 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.
Charlotte County Man killed in deputy-involved shooting; Charlotte deputies say he pointed gun at them The Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a deputy-involved shooting, which killed a man they said pointed a gun at them.
Credit: WINK News Safety concerns are growing as the Naples Police Department continues to lose officers. Now there are negotiations between the city and the department to get to the bottom of the problem. The president and vice president of the Fraternal Order of Police say having a salary structure, or a step plan, would be the place to start. They claim six of the last 12 officers hired are gone, but the city’s not interested in a salary structure. WINK News reporter Annette Montgomery asked Naples City Councilman Mike McCabe why the city is not interested in moving back to a step plan. McCabe said, “I’m not at liberty to say given what the negotiations are but we have other things, as far as the city. What we have on the table is very fair and a great response to what the union requirements are.” It is a response that Erik Noe, the vice president of the Fraternal Order of Police in Naples, said isn’t good enough to keep officers from looking for jobs in other places. “It’s a shame that they don’t want to do the right thing.” Noe said in effect, Naples is becoming a training ground for officers because the city won’t put a salary structure in place. “They give us a salary range; well you could make $53,000 up to $95,000. Well, how do I get to $95,000 City of Naples? They don’t have an answer. They just keep giving us 2%, 4% increases and we’re chasing the carrot and we can never get there,” said Noe. Naples Interim City Manager Pete DiMaria said, “we feel confident that the amount of funds that we’re putting on the table. It’s over 20% in this 3-year contract.” Jesse Granese, the president of the Fraternal Order of Police Lodge said it’s not good enough. It’s expensive to live in Naples. “Get out and actually talk with us, come ride with us, you can ride as a stand-in and see what we do every day. See what’s going on in your city, I feel if they did that, they would actually become more in touch with what’s going on in their city.” Both sides believe they can get a deal done and believe that they’ve made progress since they started negotiations. It is still unknown when those negotiations will end.