Navigating ER wait times this flu season As is often the case this time of year, local emergency rooms are filling up, driven in large part by the flu, COVID-19, RSV and other sicknesses that are going around.
Alico Inc. CEO explains shift away from citrus industry In announcing Jan. 6 that it would be stepping back from citrus farming, Alico Inc. also announced it would be charting a new course for the future.
Hurricane Milton debris collection complete for unincorporated areas of Lee County Lee County Solid Waste announced that debris collection for Hurricane Milton has concluded for unincorporated areas of Lee County.
Alico Inc. to wind down citrus division; cites greening as reason Alico Inc., a company deep-rooted in Florida, has announced the diversification of its Alico Citrus division to focus on being a land company.
PORT CHARLOTTE Trio wanted for attempted burglary in Port Charlotte neighborhood Three individuals are wanted for attempting to break into two cars in the driveway of a home in Port Charlotte.
marco island Red tide advisory in effect for South Marco Beach in Collier County The Florida Department of Health has informed the public of the presence of red tide reported near South Marco Beach.
Maine Shack shares taste of New England in North Naples Specializing in lobster rolls, fried clams and roast beef sandwiches, Maine Shack quietly launched Dec. 23 in the former space of Kruk’s Philly Steaks in the Promenade at Naples Centre on the corner of Naples Boulevard and Airport-Pulling Road.
Lee Health experiencing higher influx of patients amid cold and flu season Patients at Lee Health have been experiencing higher wait times as an influx of people with illnesses has overflooded several locations.
Lee County Ground transportation location changes happening at RSW Southwest Florida International Airport is making changes to its ground transportation locations because of its terminal expansion project.
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.
the weather authority Cold morning makes way for another chilly day The Weather Authority is tracking the coldest morning of the season as Southwest Florida braces for another chilly Wednesday afternoon.
NAPLES MANOR Collier County hit-and-run victims seek justice after New Year’s Day crash A mother and daughter were left for dead on the side of the road; the crash happened on New Year’s Day on Texas Avenue in Collier County.
FORT MYERS Florida wildlife affected by cold weather If you’re not a snowbird you’re probably going to spend this week shivering.
Fort Myers leaders discuss Dunbar Park renovation plans City leaders want to breathe new life into a community park many say has been neglected and forgotten Dunbar Park.
Deadline arrives for FEMA hurricane assistance in Florida The application deadline has arrived for those affected by the 2024 hurricane season to apply for assistance through the Federal Emergency Management Agency.
Navigating ER wait times this flu season As is often the case this time of year, local emergency rooms are filling up, driven in large part by the flu, COVID-19, RSV and other sicknesses that are going around.
Alico Inc. CEO explains shift away from citrus industry In announcing Jan. 6 that it would be stepping back from citrus farming, Alico Inc. also announced it would be charting a new course for the future.
Hurricane Milton debris collection complete for unincorporated areas of Lee County Lee County Solid Waste announced that debris collection for Hurricane Milton has concluded for unincorporated areas of Lee County.
Alico Inc. to wind down citrus division; cites greening as reason Alico Inc., a company deep-rooted in Florida, has announced the diversification of its Alico Citrus division to focus on being a land company.
PORT CHARLOTTE Trio wanted for attempted burglary in Port Charlotte neighborhood Three individuals are wanted for attempting to break into two cars in the driveway of a home in Port Charlotte.
marco island Red tide advisory in effect for South Marco Beach in Collier County The Florida Department of Health has informed the public of the presence of red tide reported near South Marco Beach.
Maine Shack shares taste of New England in North Naples Specializing in lobster rolls, fried clams and roast beef sandwiches, Maine Shack quietly launched Dec. 23 in the former space of Kruk’s Philly Steaks in the Promenade at Naples Centre on the corner of Naples Boulevard and Airport-Pulling Road.
Lee Health experiencing higher influx of patients amid cold and flu season Patients at Lee Health have been experiencing higher wait times as an influx of people with illnesses has overflooded several locations.
Lee County Ground transportation location changes happening at RSW Southwest Florida International Airport is making changes to its ground transportation locations because of its terminal expansion project.
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.
the weather authority Cold morning makes way for another chilly day The Weather Authority is tracking the coldest morning of the season as Southwest Florida braces for another chilly Wednesday afternoon.
NAPLES MANOR Collier County hit-and-run victims seek justice after New Year’s Day crash A mother and daughter were left for dead on the side of the road; the crash happened on New Year’s Day on Texas Avenue in Collier County.
FORT MYERS Florida wildlife affected by cold weather If you’re not a snowbird you’re probably going to spend this week shivering.
Fort Myers leaders discuss Dunbar Park renovation plans City leaders want to breathe new life into a community park many say has been neglected and forgotten Dunbar Park.
Deadline arrives for FEMA hurricane assistance in Florida The application deadline has arrived for those affected by the 2024 hurricane season to apply for assistance through the Federal Emergency Management Agency.
(Credit: WINK News) Rent prices are through the roof, but how high are they in Southwest Florida? A new FGCU study looks at the country’s top 25 most overvalued rental markets. The top five most overvalued cities were all in Florida. Fort Myers ranked Second. According to the study, the average price for rent in Fort Myers is more than $2,000. If you want to buy a house or rent an apartment in Fort Myers, be ready to empty your wallet. Tessa Moran is a college student at Florida Gulf Coast University. When she heard Fort Myers ranked second for most expensive housing, “It’s a little scary, I won’t lie,” said Moran. FGCU Professor Shelton Weeks, a Lucas Professor of Real Estate who was part of the study was shocked by the results. “I knew it would be close to the top based on the numbers that I’d heard from people having their rental rates increase when the lease is renewed. A bit surprised that it was actually number two,” said Weeks. In the last year, the price of single-family homes in Lee County went up 24%. In Charlotte County, they went up 38%, and in Collier County, the increase was 25%. All three counties saw prices go up, but sales dropped. “When you combine it with the increased cost of construction, then purchasing becomes less of an option, forcing people to stay in the rental market longer,” said Weeks. The study has Moran wondering if staying in Florida is even worth it. “For college students, you have to take that into account. What you’re paying right now might not be the same next year and in three years. You really have to budget your money now and kind of plan ahead,” said Moran. Professor Weeks says it is not yet time to lose hope. “We’re seeing upper pressure on wages too. So those will eventually catch up. It just tends to be a little slower.” According to the FGCU study, Miami and Fort Lauderdale ranked first, right before Fort Myers. If you would like to see the complete ranking from FAU and UA, click here. https://winknews.com/wp-content/uploads/indicators202205.pdf