FORT MYERS BEACH Beachgoers enjoy Fort Myers Beach on Christmas Eve Whether you’re a full-time Floridian, a snowbird or just vacationing here for Christmas, it was a great day to go to the beach.
SOUTHWEST FLORIDA ‘Chrismukkah’; Two major holidays fall on the same day This year Christmas and Hanukkah fall on the same day. Many people of both faiths across our area will participate in the rare opportunity to celebrate both holidays.
FORT MYERS BEACH Smokin’ Oyster Brewery reopens after damage from hurricanes It’s an iconic bar and restaurant on Fort Myers Beach that has been missing since Hurricane Ian destroyed it.
Family of 10 caught in American Airlines tech issue at RSW A family of ten thought they had a good plan to beat the Christmas travel rush at Southwest Florida International Airport.
NAPLES Taking an inside look at Naples Police Department’s Technical Analysis Center WINK News got an inside look at the new license plate reading technology being used by the Naples Police Department.
CAPE CORAL Facebook post sparks Christmas miracle for Cape Coral family The joy of Christmas for many, especially kids, is seeing gifts under the tree, but for one family, they couldn’t afford not only presents but the bare necessities.
MATLACHA Matlacha businesses bounce back in time for the holidays Matlacha has had its share of damage this year from hurricanes Helene and Milton. While people continue to heal and recover, they’re also looking toward the new year and beyond.
CAPE CORAL Families in Cape Coral forced out of their homes right after the new year As many of us have already made our Christmas lists and checked them twice, dozens of neighbors are just wishing for a warm and safe place to live.
Final rush for holiday food If you are still baking and basting your holiday dish, time is running out.
FORT MYERS Jewelry of the future with AI One Fort Myers jewelry store is taking the art of jewelry making into the future, all with the help of AI.
LEHIGH ACRES 1 person dead after scene at Lehigh Acres home Deputies are in a tense back and forth with a man barricaded inside a home.
ESTERO From rookie to captain, Oliver Chau leads the Florida Everblades From shy newcomer to team leader, one man’s journey with the Florida Everblades has been remarkable.
FORT MYERS Reward increase of $5K for more information on Edison Mall shooter from 2011 Southwest Florida Crime Stoppers is seeking more information on a suspect wanted for shooting someone at the Edison Mall.
CAPE CORAL Precautionary boil water notice issued for neighborhood in Cape Coral A precautionary boil water notice is in effect for residents in the area of Southwest 5th Avenue following a water main break that briefly halted potable water service.
FORT MYERS BEACH Beachgoers enjoy Fort Myers Beach on Christmas Eve Whether you’re a full-time Floridian, a snowbird or just vacationing here for Christmas, it was a great day to go to the beach.
SOUTHWEST FLORIDA ‘Chrismukkah’; Two major holidays fall on the same day This year Christmas and Hanukkah fall on the same day. Many people of both faiths across our area will participate in the rare opportunity to celebrate both holidays.
FORT MYERS BEACH Smokin’ Oyster Brewery reopens after damage from hurricanes It’s an iconic bar and restaurant on Fort Myers Beach that has been missing since Hurricane Ian destroyed it.
Family of 10 caught in American Airlines tech issue at RSW A family of ten thought they had a good plan to beat the Christmas travel rush at Southwest Florida International Airport.
NAPLES Taking an inside look at Naples Police Department’s Technical Analysis Center WINK News got an inside look at the new license plate reading technology being used by the Naples Police Department.
CAPE CORAL Facebook post sparks Christmas miracle for Cape Coral family The joy of Christmas for many, especially kids, is seeing gifts under the tree, but for one family, they couldn’t afford not only presents but the bare necessities.
MATLACHA Matlacha businesses bounce back in time for the holidays Matlacha has had its share of damage this year from hurricanes Helene and Milton. While people continue to heal and recover, they’re also looking toward the new year and beyond.
CAPE CORAL Families in Cape Coral forced out of their homes right after the new year As many of us have already made our Christmas lists and checked them twice, dozens of neighbors are just wishing for a warm and safe place to live.
Final rush for holiday food If you are still baking and basting your holiday dish, time is running out.
FORT MYERS Jewelry of the future with AI One Fort Myers jewelry store is taking the art of jewelry making into the future, all with the help of AI.
LEHIGH ACRES 1 person dead after scene at Lehigh Acres home Deputies are in a tense back and forth with a man barricaded inside a home.
ESTERO From rookie to captain, Oliver Chau leads the Florida Everblades From shy newcomer to team leader, one man’s journey with the Florida Everblades has been remarkable.
FORT MYERS Reward increase of $5K for more information on Edison Mall shooter from 2011 Southwest Florida Crime Stoppers is seeking more information on a suspect wanted for shooting someone at the Edison Mall.
CAPE CORAL Precautionary boil water notice issued for neighborhood in Cape Coral A precautionary boil water notice is in effect for residents in the area of Southwest 5th Avenue following a water main break that briefly halted potable water service.
pelicans break in Credit: WINK News A fourth break-in has been confirmed in one part of Southwest Florida. Now, business owners in Charlotte County are hoping not to be the next target. Some have even been forced to close their doors as a way to recover. Charlotte County Sheriff’s deputies believe these business break-ins are connected, or at least they say it appears that way. Now the sheriff’s office is encouraging all business owners to make sure their surveillance cameras are working and recording properly before locking up their stores for the night. Because, so far, deputies do not have a clear picture or video of what the person(s) committing these burglaries looks like. Charlotte County detectives have been investigating business break-ins. This trend is a troubling start to the new year. Claudette Smith is the public information officer for the Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office. “Just from in the month of January, we’ve seen four already,” Smith said. Smith says the sheriff’s office is unsure if the break-ins are related, but many suspect that they could be. “We are unsure if they’re related, but the method seems to be the same,” said Smith. The first break-in happened at Pelican’s Snoballs in Port Charlotte. That burglary was overnight Sunday into Monday. WINK News has video of forensic specialists and deputies processing that scene. Then, there was a similar break-in at Ice Cream Gelato World along Tamiami Trail. That store owner told WINK News that the person who broke inside made off with the register in under one minute. Luckily, she was able to get a new door and is now back in business. Tina Figliuolo is the CEO of the homeless coalition. When she arrived at Fabulous Finds Resale Shop, along Tamiami Trail, she was heartbroken at what she found. “This was a horrible scene to see that somebody would break into our resale shop as part of a nonprofit organization,” said Figliuolo. When she got there, the door was shattered. Gone was some cash and a donation jar for the coalition that they keep at the front counter. “It’s just heart-wrenching to know that somebody out there is doing this to small businesses. Charlotte County… prides themselves on our small businesses. Especially from a nonprofit, it’s sad to see that someone would, would take advantage of us,” Figliuolo said. Detectives say they do believe the break-ins to be related, as the technique is the same, but they do not have enough evidence to confirm that.