NCAA approves plan to pay women’s basketball tournament teams In a historic unanimous vote, the NCAA approves of a plan to pay women’s basketball teams that compete in March Madness.
FORT MYERS City of Fort Myers announces Caloosahatchee Celtic Festival The City of Fort Myers invites the public to the 21st anniversary of the Caloosahatchee Celtic Festival in downtown Fort Myers.
MATLACHA Neighbors to protest delay in repairs to Matlacha Pass Bridge People are set to take the streets and protest the delay in repairs to the Matlacha Pass Bridge.
Port Authority postpones talk of RSW’s $346M, four-year delayed terminal expansion Lee County and Port Authority Commissioner Brian Hamman finally had a public forum to get some answers on why a construction project went more than $346 million over budget and will be more than four years behind schedule to complete.
DeSantis responds to question on possible Sheriff Marceno suspension Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis addressed calls for the suspension of Lee County’s sheriff amid an FBI investigation into his office.
Annette’s Beach Book Nook celebrates grand reopening on Fort Myers Beach From 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Jan. 18, Annette Stillson finally will be celebrating the grand reopening of the new-look Annette’s Beach Book Nook.
Punta Gorda renowned media artist finds safe haven for work Former businessman and artist David Sussman, known for his photography on canvas and coffee-table photography books, has found a safe, flood-proof homestead after he lost several homes and studios to hurricanes.
Mugshot released of man accused of injuring deputy then leading multi-county chase The Collier County Sheriff’s Office has released the mugshot of Fritzson Paul, the man accused of leading deputies on a multi-county chase stemming from a carjacking.
FORT MYERS FDOT hosts ribbon-cutting ceremony for Caloosahatchee River Bridge sidewalk project The Florida Department of Transportation held a ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the completion of the Caloosahatchee River Bridge and the New Sidewalk Project.
Fort Myers Council explores possible locations for new City Hall When the city of Fort Myers builds a new City Hall, it’s most likely to remain downtown at then current site.
Tim Aten Knows: Plans advance for second Costco store Costco Wholesale Corp. is moving ahead with plans for a second store in Collier County on the southeast corner of Rattlesnake Hammock Road and Collier Boulevard, immediately north of Physician Regional Medical Center-Collier Boulevard.
naples Naples Winter Wine Festival holds online auction for charity The Naples Winter Wine Festival is set to hold its 10th annual online auction, raising funds for the Naples Children & Education Foundation and donating all proceeds.
the weather authority Clouds and isolated rain for your Friday plans The Weather Authority is tracking isolated rain showers and increased cloud coverage that may impact your Friday afternoon plans.
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.
NCAA approves plan to pay women’s basketball tournament teams In a historic unanimous vote, the NCAA approves of a plan to pay women’s basketball teams that compete in March Madness.
FORT MYERS City of Fort Myers announces Caloosahatchee Celtic Festival The City of Fort Myers invites the public to the 21st anniversary of the Caloosahatchee Celtic Festival in downtown Fort Myers.
MATLACHA Neighbors to protest delay in repairs to Matlacha Pass Bridge People are set to take the streets and protest the delay in repairs to the Matlacha Pass Bridge.
Port Authority postpones talk of RSW’s $346M, four-year delayed terminal expansion Lee County and Port Authority Commissioner Brian Hamman finally had a public forum to get some answers on why a construction project went more than $346 million over budget and will be more than four years behind schedule to complete.
DeSantis responds to question on possible Sheriff Marceno suspension Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis addressed calls for the suspension of Lee County’s sheriff amid an FBI investigation into his office.
Annette’s Beach Book Nook celebrates grand reopening on Fort Myers Beach From 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Jan. 18, Annette Stillson finally will be celebrating the grand reopening of the new-look Annette’s Beach Book Nook.
Punta Gorda renowned media artist finds safe haven for work Former businessman and artist David Sussman, known for his photography on canvas and coffee-table photography books, has found a safe, flood-proof homestead after he lost several homes and studios to hurricanes.
Mugshot released of man accused of injuring deputy then leading multi-county chase The Collier County Sheriff’s Office has released the mugshot of Fritzson Paul, the man accused of leading deputies on a multi-county chase stemming from a carjacking.
FORT MYERS FDOT hosts ribbon-cutting ceremony for Caloosahatchee River Bridge sidewalk project The Florida Department of Transportation held a ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the completion of the Caloosahatchee River Bridge and the New Sidewalk Project.
Fort Myers Council explores possible locations for new City Hall When the city of Fort Myers builds a new City Hall, it’s most likely to remain downtown at then current site.
Tim Aten Knows: Plans advance for second Costco store Costco Wholesale Corp. is moving ahead with plans for a second store in Collier County on the southeast corner of Rattlesnake Hammock Road and Collier Boulevard, immediately north of Physician Regional Medical Center-Collier Boulevard.
naples Naples Winter Wine Festival holds online auction for charity The Naples Winter Wine Festival is set to hold its 10th annual online auction, raising funds for the Naples Children & Education Foundation and donating all proceeds.
the weather authority Clouds and isolated rain for your Friday plans The Weather Authority is tracking isolated rain showers and increased cloud coverage that may impact your Friday afternoon plans.
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.
An elementary school teacher walking his students into a classroom. Photo Credit: WINK A Lee County public school administrator reached out after WINK News spoke with 22 Lee County teachers about salaries that make it hard to live in the county where they teach. Several teachers have spoken about the pressures and responsibilities they feel, and how they are struggling to make ends meet. “Think about how expensive rent is getting, food costs, gas, everything like that. It really adds up so much,” said Brigette Rivette, a Lee County School Teacher. READ MORE: Lee County schools suffering persistent teacher shortage, down 200 educators The Lee County School administrator asked WINK News to conceal her identity. “Kids aren’t getting the instruction that they’re supposed to be getting when they have two classes in one room or when a history teacher is having to cover for a math teacher,” the administrator said. WINK News called, emailed and texted every school board member. Three agreed to speak with WINK News. Debbie Jordan admitted it’s hard to live in Lee County on a Lee County teacher’s salary. “I think that we pay if you compare us to what’s going on around, sure. Yes, in order to live here,” Jordan said. Melisa Giovannelli told WINK News the board is trying to help. WINK News asked if they plan to raise wages. “I hope so, that’s our plan,” said Giovannelli, “They are in the middle of bargaining. I can’t really talk about it.” Armor Persons, the School Board Chair, said Lee County Schools is working hard to increase teachers’ pay. “I wish I could say we had money, some people think there’s just a lot of money out there. But our budget is balanced, so wherever we take additional monies to give teachers, we have to take money away from something else,” said Persons.