WINK News helps Charlotte County woman recover lost Christmas gifts19 heavy metal bands to perform at 119-year-old Arcadia opera house
PUNTA GORDA WINK News helps Charlotte County woman recover lost Christmas gifts Sheila Nicoloff from Charlotte County faced disappointment when the Christmas presents she sent to her family in Ohio did not arrive on time.
ARCADIA 19 heavy metal bands to perform at 119-year-old Arcadia opera house A 119-year-old opera house will host 19 local heavy metal bands as part of a two-day festival.
Florida officials seek tougher penalties for illegal arcades Experts say that illegal gaming places are like cockroaches: if you squash one of them, a bunch more pop up in their place.
ENGLEWOOD 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.
CAPE CORAL Behind the scenes look at upcoming Sunplash upgrades Sunsplash Waterpark in Cape Coral is set to unveil its newest attraction, Paradise Cove, later this year.
little gasparilla island Relief for Little Gasparilla as barge begins debris removal after hurricanes Little Gasparilla Island is receiving much-needed assistance from Charlotte County to clear debris from hurricanes Helene and Milton.
Space research may unlock heart repair breakthroughs Researchers are exploring new frontiers in medical science by conducting experiments in space to address cardiovascular disease, a leading cause of death.
PORT CHARLOTTE 911 call released of man who shot and killed wife in Port Charlotte home The 911 call of a man who called to report he had shot his wife while his two children were inside the home has been released.
NORTH PORT Gabby Petito documentary coming to Netflix The story of Gabby Petito’s murder captured the hearts and minds of Southwest Florida and the entire country. Now, Netflix is picking it up.
NAPLES Silver anniversary of the Naples Winter Wine Festival brings in lots of green – $34M The Naples Winter Wine Festival auction on Saturday struck a chord with patrons and inspired them to open their wallets.
BONITA SPRINGS Fort Myers woman accused of throwing brick through ex-husband’s window A woman has been arrested after allegedly throwing a brick through her ex-husband’s Bonita Springs house window.
NORTH PORT North Port man accused of staging scene after murdering wife A North Port man has been arrested after allegedly murdering his wife and staging the scene to make the incident look self-inflicted.
NAPLES Child abuse incident at Naples Pier leads to police officer’s arrest A police officer found himself on the other side of law after severely striking his child with a belt on Naples Pier.
the weather authority Chilly January wraps up; what to expect for February’s weather? With January wrapping up, Southwest Florida experienced quite a chilly month. Only two days throughout the entire month reached temperatures of 80 degrees or higher, the fewest since 2016.
downtown fort myers UFC Hall of Famer Tito Ortiz to Grand Marshall Edison Festival of Light Former UFC Light Heavyweight World Champion and Hall of Famer Tito Ortiz has been announced as the grand marshall of the 87th annual Edison Festival of Light parade.
PUNTA GORDA WINK News helps Charlotte County woman recover lost Christmas gifts Sheila Nicoloff from Charlotte County faced disappointment when the Christmas presents she sent to her family in Ohio did not arrive on time.
ARCADIA 19 heavy metal bands to perform at 119-year-old Arcadia opera house A 119-year-old opera house will host 19 local heavy metal bands as part of a two-day festival.
Florida officials seek tougher penalties for illegal arcades Experts say that illegal gaming places are like cockroaches: if you squash one of them, a bunch more pop up in their place.
ENGLEWOOD 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.
CAPE CORAL Behind the scenes look at upcoming Sunplash upgrades Sunsplash Waterpark in Cape Coral is set to unveil its newest attraction, Paradise Cove, later this year.
little gasparilla island Relief for Little Gasparilla as barge begins debris removal after hurricanes Little Gasparilla Island is receiving much-needed assistance from Charlotte County to clear debris from hurricanes Helene and Milton.
Space research may unlock heart repair breakthroughs Researchers are exploring new frontiers in medical science by conducting experiments in space to address cardiovascular disease, a leading cause of death.
PORT CHARLOTTE 911 call released of man who shot and killed wife in Port Charlotte home The 911 call of a man who called to report he had shot his wife while his two children were inside the home has been released.
NORTH PORT Gabby Petito documentary coming to Netflix The story of Gabby Petito’s murder captured the hearts and minds of Southwest Florida and the entire country. Now, Netflix is picking it up.
NAPLES Silver anniversary of the Naples Winter Wine Festival brings in lots of green – $34M The Naples Winter Wine Festival auction on Saturday struck a chord with patrons and inspired them to open their wallets.
BONITA SPRINGS Fort Myers woman accused of throwing brick through ex-husband’s window A woman has been arrested after allegedly throwing a brick through her ex-husband’s Bonita Springs house window.
NORTH PORT North Port man accused of staging scene after murdering wife A North Port man has been arrested after allegedly murdering his wife and staging the scene to make the incident look self-inflicted.
NAPLES Child abuse incident at Naples Pier leads to police officer’s arrest A police officer found himself on the other side of law after severely striking his child with a belt on Naples Pier.
the weather authority Chilly January wraps up; what to expect for February’s weather? With January wrapping up, Southwest Florida experienced quite a chilly month. Only two days throughout the entire month reached temperatures of 80 degrees or higher, the fewest since 2016.
downtown fort myers UFC Hall of Famer Tito Ortiz to Grand Marshall Edison Festival of Light Former UFC Light Heavyweight World Champion and Hall of Famer Tito Ortiz has been announced as the grand marshall of the 87th annual Edison Festival of Light parade.
On Saturday, dozens of agencies gathered in Lee County as a way to help families affected by last week’s EF2 tornado. Many had their homes destroyed in Iona along the McGregor corridor. Edward Murray is typically the one helping others. But, on Saturday, Murray had to get some essentials after the EF2 tornado in Iona took everything from him. “Trying to find out what is available, to give us some assistance in getting re-established. Meeting some very nice people who have done some very wonderful things,” said Murray. The Lee County Emergency Management Center opened on Saturday, and leaders there say they’ll remain open as long as needed. Sandra Tapfumaneyi is the director of Lee County Emergency Management. “We are asking them questions about what kind of damage that might have occurred, do they have insurance that might cover some of those damages, and just trying to meet the unmet needs with the resources that we have here locally,” said Tapfumaneyi. Inside, organizations like the Red Cross, the United Way and the Lee County Tax Collector were all on hand. And outside, there was a Harry Chapin Food Bank distribution taking place. The emergency management center became like a one-stop-shop. Richard LeBer is the CEO of Harry Chapin Food Bank. “Even if your food wasn’t destroyed, when people take that kind of financial hit, a lot of times, where they try to economize with their food budget, which makes it hard for them to have enough food to feed themselves and their families,” LeBer said. Carolyn Mijokovic wants to be sure that everyone has what they need. So that’s why she volunteers. “it’s almost like PTSD. You know, you are so shocked when you do see it. And it doesn’t leave you. So, you feel like you want to do something,” Mijokovic said. Murray is grateful for the generous spirit of people like Mijokovic. “I feel a little strange being in the situation because usually, I’m the one doing the helping. But I feel a little strange. But I’m so gratified, and I just hope that God blesses everyone that has been involved,” Murray said. The most recent damage assessment says the 74 homes were completely destroyed during the storm, and 61 homes had major damage. Another 58 homes suffered minor damage. The Multi-Agency Resource Center (MARC) is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday. The temporary center is located at the Wa-Ke Hatcheee Recreation Center. No closing date has been announced so far.