Apple AirPods lead LCSO to an arrest ; over $100,000 worth of stolen items recoveredHendry County rolls out cameras for school speed zones
FORT MYERS Apple AirPods lead LCSO to an arrest ; over $100,000 worth of stolen items recovered Through the use of Apple Airpods, the Lee County Sheriff’s Office was able to locate nearly $100,000 worth of stolen items, leading to an arrest.
LABELLE Hendry County rolls out cameras for school speed zones The Hendry County Sheriff’s Office has rolled out a new way of enforcing school zone speed limits by using cameras that will target drivers traveling over a certain speed in a school zone.
CAPE CORAL Cape Coral officials approve replacement funding for hurricane-damaged stop signs The Cape Coral City Council has approved funding to replace stop signs damaged during Hurricane Milton, resulting in an emergency purchase.
Holiday events happening in Southwest Florida Southwest Florida is embracing the holiday spirit with a variety of festive events this Christmas season.
Collier man accused of supplying fentanyl-laced pills, enough to kill 531,500 people The Collier County Sheriff’s Office has arrested a man accused of supplying more than 10,000 fentanyl-laced pills disguised as prescription painkillers.
CAPE CORAL Cape Coral council supports construction of I-75 interchange into city The Cape Coral City Council has approved a resolution requesting support from Lee and Charlotte counties to prioritize state and federal funding for the Interstate 75 Interchange at Slater Road.
PUNTA GORDA Crews removing derelict boats from Gilchrist Park Crews are working to remove derelict boats from Gilchrist Park after several of them washed ashore during Hurricane Milton in October.
33rd endangered Florida panther death of 2024; killed by vehicle in Hardee County Another Florida panther has been killed by a vehicle, this time in Hardee County, increasing the death toll of the endangered species to 33 for 2024.
the weather authority Cool and breezy for your Thursday afternoon After waking up to a cold morning, the Weather Authority is tracking warming conditions to the low 70s this Thursday.
Police release threat made at Florida Gulf Coast University Students at Florida Gulf Coast University said they don’t know the specifics of a threat made last week, but they do know it was taken care of.
Missing and endangered boy found in Lehigh Acres Authorities have found a missing and endangered boy in Lehigh Acres. Police asked for the public’s help in locating Zachariah McKelvin.
School District denies bus service to student despite mother’s measurements When we think of the bus stop, we typically think of it as a safe place for our children, but one mother says the Lee County School District told her they live too close to the school to get a bus route.
MATLACHA 2 stranded dolphins rescued from mangroves near Matlacha Two stranded dolphins were pulled from mangroves near Matlacha.
CAPE CORAL NAACP honors Cape Coral Police Chief after acknowledging hate crime NAACP President, James Muwakkil, was so impressed with Cape Coral Police Chief Anthony Sizemore that he wanted the entire city to know.
NAPLES Jingled Elves trolley tour underway Breaking out your best dance moves and spreading Christmas cheer. These ‘jingled elves’ are breaking it down with a purpose.
FORT MYERS Apple AirPods lead LCSO to an arrest ; over $100,000 worth of stolen items recovered Through the use of Apple Airpods, the Lee County Sheriff’s Office was able to locate nearly $100,000 worth of stolen items, leading to an arrest.
LABELLE Hendry County rolls out cameras for school speed zones The Hendry County Sheriff’s Office has rolled out a new way of enforcing school zone speed limits by using cameras that will target drivers traveling over a certain speed in a school zone.
CAPE CORAL Cape Coral officials approve replacement funding for hurricane-damaged stop signs The Cape Coral City Council has approved funding to replace stop signs damaged during Hurricane Milton, resulting in an emergency purchase.
Holiday events happening in Southwest Florida Southwest Florida is embracing the holiday spirit with a variety of festive events this Christmas season.
Collier man accused of supplying fentanyl-laced pills, enough to kill 531,500 people The Collier County Sheriff’s Office has arrested a man accused of supplying more than 10,000 fentanyl-laced pills disguised as prescription painkillers.
CAPE CORAL Cape Coral council supports construction of I-75 interchange into city The Cape Coral City Council has approved a resolution requesting support from Lee and Charlotte counties to prioritize state and federal funding for the Interstate 75 Interchange at Slater Road.
PUNTA GORDA Crews removing derelict boats from Gilchrist Park Crews are working to remove derelict boats from Gilchrist Park after several of them washed ashore during Hurricane Milton in October.
33rd endangered Florida panther death of 2024; killed by vehicle in Hardee County Another Florida panther has been killed by a vehicle, this time in Hardee County, increasing the death toll of the endangered species to 33 for 2024.
the weather authority Cool and breezy for your Thursday afternoon After waking up to a cold morning, the Weather Authority is tracking warming conditions to the low 70s this Thursday.
Police release threat made at Florida Gulf Coast University Students at Florida Gulf Coast University said they don’t know the specifics of a threat made last week, but they do know it was taken care of.
Missing and endangered boy found in Lehigh Acres Authorities have found a missing and endangered boy in Lehigh Acres. Police asked for the public’s help in locating Zachariah McKelvin.
School District denies bus service to student despite mother’s measurements When we think of the bus stop, we typically think of it as a safe place for our children, but one mother says the Lee County School District told her they live too close to the school to get a bus route.
MATLACHA 2 stranded dolphins rescued from mangroves near Matlacha Two stranded dolphins were pulled from mangroves near Matlacha.
CAPE CORAL NAACP honors Cape Coral Police Chief after acknowledging hate crime NAACP President, James Muwakkil, was so impressed with Cape Coral Police Chief Anthony Sizemore that he wanted the entire city to know.
NAPLES Jingled Elves trolley tour underway Breaking out your best dance moves and spreading Christmas cheer. These ‘jingled elves’ are breaking it down with a purpose.
The Sanibel baseball fields undergoing construction. The City of Sanibel is bringing back another crucial part of the island community – while helping its Osprey population too. The city partnered up with the International Osprey Foundation to restore the Sanibel School baseball fields while giving nests to this bird species. The important partnership not only gives the community back its gathering spot, but it’s bringing the island Osprey population back to life. Natural Resources Director for the City of Sanibel, Holly Milbrandt, told Wink News how important bringing these Osprey nests back with the baseball fields is for the Island. “I think everybody who’s working on Hurricane Ian recovery recognizes that it takes a village. Really nobody can can do this by themselves. And so, the city has been fortunate to have really great partners who have helped with the conservation ethic of Sanibel, and the International Osprey Foundation is one of the most,” said Milbrandt. The Sanibel School on Sanibel Island. The baseball fields were used as a staging area for natural disaster relief groups after Hurricane Ian caused mass destruction across the island and Southwest Florida. Now as the island continues to rebuild, the city said it is excited to see the fields come back for the community and wildlife. RELATED: Could the Sanibel Causeway become ‘Ron DeSantis Sanibel Causeway’? Andrea Miller, Recreation Director for the City of Sanibel, said, “It is so important for Sanibel. We’re barrier island. We’re a sanctuary island. It is one of our top priorities to live in harmony with with nature and cohabitate. So the fact that we can, you know, not only bring this back for the human population, but also our bird and our wildlife population come back along with us is crucial. So it’s just another big step forward to keep people motivated.” Ospreys home on the ball field If you look up to the top of the ball field lights, you will see a platform that now serves as these ospreys new home. Each osprey platform is hand made by International Osprey Foundation volunteer, Jim Columbo. Each platform takes one day to make. So far, there are six up on the baseball field. One of the latest nests was put up last Friday. Crews work to put up a light pole on the Sanibel School baseball fields. On top of the light is a handmade Osprey platform. As the second largest breeding ground for Ospreys in the world, Kathryn Britinaol, the President of the International Osprey Foundation, is more than happy to see these birds return home. Britinaol said, “It’s very emotional, because the loss is very emotional. So the building back is hope. And one of the things that’s desperately needed on these islands is hope. You know, it’s always two steps forward 10 steps back with all of the recovery efforts. And that’s the same with the birds too.” Local Impact For many, the Sanibel School baseball fields are more than a place to play ball. They are a community gather spot. RELATED: Sea Shelling do’s and dont’s Joshua Stewart grew up on the island, and now raises his children with his wife. Some of his fondest memories from his childhood took place on that dirt. “We would be out there serving hot dogs and hamburgers, and like the whole community, everybody was out there. We had all the teams. You get to see everybody. So I think that’s one thing that is hard to come by around here – finding gathering places,” said Stewart. Adventures in Paradise shop on Sanibel Island. Owned by Joshua Stewart. A home for the community and the ospreys. Stewart said he can’t imagine the fields without the birds there cheering them on. “I mean, the sound, like the Osprey cry. That’s like the theme song of those baseball fields, because you would always hear them out there. That sound is synonymous with Sanibel,” added Stewart. The City of Sanibel hopes to have the Sanibel School baseball fields finished by this Spring. They plan to send updates on the fields reopening.