Tax tips for those who are recovering from hurricanes The holiday season is over and tax season is upon us. Between two hurricanes and Ian, there are things you’ll want to do to get money back.
SOUTHWEST FLORIDA Beyond the businessman: Who is Tom Golisano? Beyond the buildings that bear his name, who is Tom Golisano?
Accused drunk driver nearly hits 8 Lee County deputies An accused drunk driver almost hit eight deputies trying to stop and get him out of his car.
CAPE CORAL Cape Coral nonprofit rescues five dogs from breeder Karena Loudin rescued five miniature Schnauzers – Molly, Joey, Ike, Zeus and Maggie from dog breeder Delaine Lowry’s home in Big Pine Key.
ARCADIA Arcadia residents reflect on Hurricane Ian over 2 years later People in Arcadia survived Helene and Milton with minor impacts, but their Ian story is one that doesn’t get told often or enough.
LEHIGH ACRES More businesses heading to Lehigh Acres, including Chipotle and Chick-fil-A New developments are coming to Lehigh Acres, including numerous restaurants like Panda Express and Zaxby’s.
Former Make-a-Wish recipient gives back to SWFL community From wish kid to wish giver a local college student is turning a life-changing experience into a mission to give back.
FORT MYERS BEACH People spend holiday break on Fort Myers Beach For those who decided to stay in Southwest Florida during the holidays, they had one thing in mind: the beach.
FORT MYERS Innovative thumb joint replacement surgery Similar to getting a new knee or hip to relieve severe arthritis, a growing number of people are getting a thumb joint replacement.
FORT MYERS BEACH Bonita Bills restaurant closing after 30+ years of service Bonita Bill’s will be closing its doors after 30+ years of service.
FORT MYERS BEACH 2 juveniles, 1 man accused of armed robbery, fleeing from Lee County deputies Two juveniles and one man have been arrested after allegedly robbing a victim at gunpoint and then fleeing from Lee County deputies.
cape coral 19-year-old Cape Coral man accused of attempted car burglary on Christmas Eve The Cape Coral Police Department has arrested a man accused of attempting to steal a car on Christmas Eve.
RSW braces for post-holiday travel Now that the holidays have passed for many, the return to normalcy has begun as Southwest Florida International Airport prepares for a large influx of travelers.
wink news Mega Millions jackpot surges over $1B; next drawing set for Friday The elusive Mega Millions jackpot has evaded players this holiday season as the prize money has ballooned to $1.15 billion.
THE WEATHER AUTHORITY Warmer temperatures and isolated showers for your Thursday plans The Weather Authority is tracking warmer temperatures along with isolated showers expected throughout this Thursday afternoon.
Tax tips for those who are recovering from hurricanes The holiday season is over and tax season is upon us. Between two hurricanes and Ian, there are things you’ll want to do to get money back.
SOUTHWEST FLORIDA Beyond the businessman: Who is Tom Golisano? Beyond the buildings that bear his name, who is Tom Golisano?
Accused drunk driver nearly hits 8 Lee County deputies An accused drunk driver almost hit eight deputies trying to stop and get him out of his car.
CAPE CORAL Cape Coral nonprofit rescues five dogs from breeder Karena Loudin rescued five miniature Schnauzers – Molly, Joey, Ike, Zeus and Maggie from dog breeder Delaine Lowry’s home in Big Pine Key.
ARCADIA Arcadia residents reflect on Hurricane Ian over 2 years later People in Arcadia survived Helene and Milton with minor impacts, but their Ian story is one that doesn’t get told often or enough.
LEHIGH ACRES More businesses heading to Lehigh Acres, including Chipotle and Chick-fil-A New developments are coming to Lehigh Acres, including numerous restaurants like Panda Express and Zaxby’s.
Former Make-a-Wish recipient gives back to SWFL community From wish kid to wish giver a local college student is turning a life-changing experience into a mission to give back.
FORT MYERS BEACH People spend holiday break on Fort Myers Beach For those who decided to stay in Southwest Florida during the holidays, they had one thing in mind: the beach.
FORT MYERS Innovative thumb joint replacement surgery Similar to getting a new knee or hip to relieve severe arthritis, a growing number of people are getting a thumb joint replacement.
FORT MYERS BEACH Bonita Bills restaurant closing after 30+ years of service Bonita Bill’s will be closing its doors after 30+ years of service.
FORT MYERS BEACH 2 juveniles, 1 man accused of armed robbery, fleeing from Lee County deputies Two juveniles and one man have been arrested after allegedly robbing a victim at gunpoint and then fleeing from Lee County deputies.
cape coral 19-year-old Cape Coral man accused of attempted car burglary on Christmas Eve The Cape Coral Police Department has arrested a man accused of attempting to steal a car on Christmas Eve.
RSW braces for post-holiday travel Now that the holidays have passed for many, the return to normalcy has begun as Southwest Florida International Airport prepares for a large influx of travelers.
wink news Mega Millions jackpot surges over $1B; next drawing set for Friday The elusive Mega Millions jackpot has evaded players this holiday season as the prize money has ballooned to $1.15 billion.
THE WEATHER AUTHORITY Warmer temperatures and isolated showers for your Thursday plans The Weather Authority is tracking warmer temperatures along with isolated showers expected throughout this Thursday afternoon.
Jefferson Romero embraces his father Oscar in front of the ruins of their home, destroyed by a brush fire in Golden Gate Estates. Credit: WINK News While the brush fire that raged across Collier County over the weekend is 90% contained as of Monday afternoon, the Romero family lost everything in the flames. Their pickup truck will never run again, and all that’s left of the house is the frame. Oscar Romero says his wife was still in the house when the fire surrounded it. The Romeros lived in the home for 13 years. Oscar came to the U.S. from Colombia in 1996 with nothing and worked hard for years before buying a beautiful home for his family. “I saw how much this man worked, you know, for me and for the home,” said Jefferson Romeo, Oscar’s son. “And seeing it all gone, and knowing where they came from, knowing where he came from, coming to this country with nothing… it’s not easy. But I know God has much better things for him and for us, and for everyone that was affected. I’m just happy that he’s here and my mom is here and that I’m able to hold them and kiss them, because they mean the world to me.” The Romeros’ destroyed Golden Gate Estates home. Credit: WINK News The Romeros must, in a way, start all over again with nothing, but they do have each other. Jefferson was in North Carolina when he heard the news and saw the flames engulfing his parents’ home. He says he felt helpless and hopped on a flight home as soon as he could. “I came home to this, and that was my room,” Jefferson said, standing in the ruins of the house. “And I’m just very thankful to God that my mom is alive because when I got the phone call, they just said, ‘Hey, the back of the house is on fire and mom is inside, and she doesn’t want to get out.’ And I live in North Carolina, so I really didn’t know what to do. I just got on my knees and prayed. And, thanks to God, he sent an angel, and the cop was able to get her out just in time, and she’s alive. And that’s what matters to me the most.” Religious statues left charred in the ruins of the Romeros’ house. Credit: WINK News Jefferson is trying to help his parents pick up the pieces. Oscar has a hard time talking about the event. “I can’t say anything,” Oscar said. “I am sorry.” While his home is gone, Oscar is mostly upset about what his wife went through. “My wife right now, she’s in shock… nothing I can do for my wife,” Oscar said. “She’ll be OK and then frantically start crying,” Jefferson said. “Saying, ‘my casita,’ you know, ‘my home.’ She’s just… she hasn’t been back here.” Oscar Romero and his son Jefferson in front of the ruins of their home, destroyed by a brush fire in Golden Gate Estates. Credit: WINK News The Romeros believe that the Collier County Sheriff’s deputy who got Mrs. Romero out of the house is a hero. The family has not decided whether to rebuild or move on. For now, they’re just thankful none of them were hurt in the fire.