Suspect wanted for stealing electric bike in Fort Myers BeachKelly’s Roast Beef, Oar & Iron continue SWFL expansion
FORT MYERS BEACH Suspect wanted for stealing electric bike in Fort Myers Beach Southwest Florida Crime Stoppers is asking for the public’s help in identifying a suspect who stole an electric bike in Fort Myers Beach.
Kelly’s Roast Beef, Oar & Iron continue SWFL expansion A Massachusetts-based restaurant company is bringing a taste of its home state to Southwest Florida, plus a new surf and turf concept aimed at people who call the region home.
GOLDEN GATE Investigation at Golden Gate Middle School after overnight burglary An overnight burglary at a middle school had deputies rushing to the scene, causing parents to have to wait to drop their children off.
Naples Mayor Teresa Heitmann court date rescheduled Naples Mayor Teresa Heitmann is set to appear in court after pleading not guilty to her drunk driving charge.
Bonita springs “Cold stunned” evening bat rescued by CROW amid frigid Florida weather The Clinic for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife rescued an evening bat in Bonita Springs suspected of being “cold-stunned.”
THE WEATHER AUTHORITY Morning showers move out for your Wednesday afternoon plans The Weather Authority is tracking Wednesday morning showers, then chillier conditions remain throughout the afternoon.
CAPE CORAL Demolition begins on Bimini East properties Demolition has begun on the Bimini East properties that are part of the city of Cape Coral’s revitalization development.
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.
LEHIGH ACRES Lee County cousins arrested for street racing at 90 mph in Lehigh Acres Lee County deputies arrested two men after witnessing them racing down Lee Boulevard at nearly 90 mph.
FORT MYERS Fort Myers activist reacts to shutdown of government reproductive rights website The website ReproductiveRights.gov, which offered resources on abortion and reproductive rights, is no longer accessible.
2 Southwest Floridians involved in Jan. 6 attack pardoned and commuted by President Trump Two men involved in the January 6th attack are now back in southwest Florida, thanks to a series of pardons from President Trump.
ESTERO Local teen golfer to play at Augusta National One drive at a time, 14-year-old Jesus Bethencourt is doing something most only dream of: playing at Augusta National.
AI traffic cameras helping Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office solve crimes Artificial intelligence has been helping the Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office solve crimes.
ESTERO SWFL siblings start official Pickleball World Cup Hercilio and Miranda Cabieses love pickleball so much they make it their mission to share it with the world.
MARCO ISLAND Proposal to bring in police cameras to Marco Island Marco Island city leaders are considering a proposal for police officers to wear body cameras. The idea aims to modernize the department and increase trust with citizens.
FORT MYERS BEACH Suspect wanted for stealing electric bike in Fort Myers Beach Southwest Florida Crime Stoppers is asking for the public’s help in identifying a suspect who stole an electric bike in Fort Myers Beach.
Kelly’s Roast Beef, Oar & Iron continue SWFL expansion A Massachusetts-based restaurant company is bringing a taste of its home state to Southwest Florida, plus a new surf and turf concept aimed at people who call the region home.
GOLDEN GATE Investigation at Golden Gate Middle School after overnight burglary An overnight burglary at a middle school had deputies rushing to the scene, causing parents to have to wait to drop their children off.
Naples Mayor Teresa Heitmann court date rescheduled Naples Mayor Teresa Heitmann is set to appear in court after pleading not guilty to her drunk driving charge.
Bonita springs “Cold stunned” evening bat rescued by CROW amid frigid Florida weather The Clinic for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife rescued an evening bat in Bonita Springs suspected of being “cold-stunned.”
THE WEATHER AUTHORITY Morning showers move out for your Wednesday afternoon plans The Weather Authority is tracking Wednesday morning showers, then chillier conditions remain throughout the afternoon.
CAPE CORAL Demolition begins on Bimini East properties Demolition has begun on the Bimini East properties that are part of the city of Cape Coral’s revitalization development.
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.
LEHIGH ACRES Lee County cousins arrested for street racing at 90 mph in Lehigh Acres Lee County deputies arrested two men after witnessing them racing down Lee Boulevard at nearly 90 mph.
FORT MYERS Fort Myers activist reacts to shutdown of government reproductive rights website The website ReproductiveRights.gov, which offered resources on abortion and reproductive rights, is no longer accessible.
2 Southwest Floridians involved in Jan. 6 attack pardoned and commuted by President Trump Two men involved in the January 6th attack are now back in southwest Florida, thanks to a series of pardons from President Trump.
ESTERO Local teen golfer to play at Augusta National One drive at a time, 14-year-old Jesus Bethencourt is doing something most only dream of: playing at Augusta National.
AI traffic cameras helping Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office solve crimes Artificial intelligence has been helping the Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office solve crimes.
ESTERO SWFL siblings start official Pickleball World Cup Hercilio and Miranda Cabieses love pickleball so much they make it their mission to share it with the world.
MARCO ISLAND Proposal to bring in police cameras to Marco Island Marco Island city leaders are considering a proposal for police officers to wear body cameras. The idea aims to modernize the department and increase trust with citizens.
The developers of the Margaritaville Resort in Fort Myers Beach held a topping-off ceremony Friday morning as they put the last beam on top of the $200 million project. This milestone for Margaritaville also marks a significant move toward recovery in Fort Myers Beach in the aftermath of Hurricane Ian’s pummeling. It’s been a 3 1/2-month journey for locals, from thousands of pounds of debris being picked up to the first FEMA trailer being delivered, numerous visits from the state, city, and county officials working together to rebuild this town, and the beach finally reopening. Ian wiped out many memories for people on Fort Myers Beach, but throughout the recovery, people have told WINK News, “We will rebuild.” There were people excited about Margaritaville since long before the last hurricane season, but now there’s added weight to updates on the resort’s progress. “I think everybody’s just ready,” said Fort Myers Beach resident Brenda Schmidt. “I mean, it’s been really hard on everybody, and they’re glad to see all the progress that’s being made.” “We haven’t been back at all, so I am excited to see what’s open and walk around and see what’s left, really,” said Cape Coral resident Christina Rudow. Fort Myers Beach and Lee County also used the Margaritaville topping-off ceremony as an opportunity to recognize and celebrate businesses that have reopened since Ian or plan to reopen soon. As for when Margaritaville will open, “I know a lot of the media outlets have been asking us when our opening date is. So I am here to tell you profoundly… That… We don’t know,” said Robert Kisabeth, COO of TPI Hospitality. “[Friday] is the topping off of the building. And what that means is the topping off of the structure.” It is a visual validation of the progress that has been made. “It just demonstrates human ingenuity, resolve creativity,” said David Cezario, VP & opening general manager for Margaritaville. “In order to recover, we need to stimulate our economy by getting our visitors back so that they can spend their dollars in our local businesses,” said Tamara Pigott, director of the Visitor & Convention Bureau for Fort Myers Beach. This business comes in the form of a 254-room resort with five restaurants, and “What makes us special here are our people, and the passion they have is contagious,” said Pigott. That was no more evident than when Jacki Liszak, president & CEO of the Fort Myers Beach Chamber of Commerce, welcomed all of the business owners of Fort Myers Beach to stand behind her and show how many people fought hard to keep their livelihoods standing. “Really, what this means for the construction of the building is that they’re topped off, and they’re dry. So, sheetrock is going in as we speak. Plumbing, electric, you name it,” said Kisabeth. On Fort Myers Beach, the progress, the effort, and the beauty are still there for everyone to see.