Crime Stoppers increases cash reward for man missing since 2020Collier County creates food truck park policy
NORTH FORT MYERS Crime Stoppers increases cash reward for man missing since 2020 The Southwest Florida Crime Stoppers has announced an increased cash reward regarding a case of a missing person from North Fort Myers.
Collier County creates food truck park policy Food trucks have become increasingly popular due to their convenience, affordability and unique offerings, especially for employees seeking a quick breakfast or lunch at businesses and commercial areas.
SWFL celebrates MLK Day with community gatherings and service In Southwest Florida, Martin Luther King Jr. Day is marked with parades, rallies, and community service events that honor the civil rights leader’s legacy.
Fatal multi-vehicle crash closes all lanes on SR-82 in Lehigh Acres The Florida Highway Patrol is investigating a fatal crash involving multiple vehicles on SR-82 west of 40th Street in Lehigh Acres.
port charlotte Tribute breakfast to be held for Charlotte County Sgt. Elio Diaz A tribute breakfast is set to be held for Charlotte County Deputy Sgt. Elio Diaz, who was killed in the line of duty in December.
winter haven Gov. DeSantis calls for stricter immigration reform Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis is set to hold a news conference in Winter Haven.
FORT MYERS Shell Factory & Nature Park announces online auction liquidation of remaining inventory Fans of the now-closed Shell Factory & Nature Park will have a final chance to own a piece of nostalgia with two virtual auctions.
the weather authority More clouds than sun for your Wednesday The Weather Authority is tracking an increased cloud coverage along with cooler conditions this Wednesday afternoon.
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.
PORT CHARLOTTE ‘It’s devastating’: Neighbor reflects on fatal fire in Port Charlotte A devastating house fire Monday night in Port Charlotte has left one person dead and another hospitalized while neighbors mourn the possible loss of a beloved member of their community.
‘The sound of death;’ Neighbors concerned by amount of crashes on Joel Blvd. A woman is heartbroken from witnessing crash after crash outside her Lehigh Acres home.
Fort Myers get 15% increase on flood insurance discount WINK News is finding out what led to the city of Fort Myers going from just a 5% FEMA flood insurance discount to a 20% discount.
FORT MYERS Locals house California wildfire victims The effects of the California wildfires are being felt worldwide, and as people evacuate, some are in Southwest Florida.
LOVERS KEY Couple returns to Lovers Key condo post Ian While Hurricane Ian is long gone from Southwest Florida, many are still feeling its impacts.
EVERGLADES Biden signs Water Resources Development Act, its effect on SWFL President Biden recently signed into law the Water Resources Development Act with an aim to improve rivers and harbors across the country and provide for the conservation of water. Southwest Florida was included in that act. Putting the 240-page plan together took a lot of work, not just from state and federal lawmakers, but also […]
NORTH FORT MYERS Crime Stoppers increases cash reward for man missing since 2020 The Southwest Florida Crime Stoppers has announced an increased cash reward regarding a case of a missing person from North Fort Myers.
Collier County creates food truck park policy Food trucks have become increasingly popular due to their convenience, affordability and unique offerings, especially for employees seeking a quick breakfast or lunch at businesses and commercial areas.
SWFL celebrates MLK Day with community gatherings and service In Southwest Florida, Martin Luther King Jr. Day is marked with parades, rallies, and community service events that honor the civil rights leader’s legacy.
Fatal multi-vehicle crash closes all lanes on SR-82 in Lehigh Acres The Florida Highway Patrol is investigating a fatal crash involving multiple vehicles on SR-82 west of 40th Street in Lehigh Acres.
port charlotte Tribute breakfast to be held for Charlotte County Sgt. Elio Diaz A tribute breakfast is set to be held for Charlotte County Deputy Sgt. Elio Diaz, who was killed in the line of duty in December.
winter haven Gov. DeSantis calls for stricter immigration reform Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis is set to hold a news conference in Winter Haven.
FORT MYERS Shell Factory & Nature Park announces online auction liquidation of remaining inventory Fans of the now-closed Shell Factory & Nature Park will have a final chance to own a piece of nostalgia with two virtual auctions.
the weather authority More clouds than sun for your Wednesday The Weather Authority is tracking an increased cloud coverage along with cooler conditions this Wednesday afternoon.
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.
PORT CHARLOTTE ‘It’s devastating’: Neighbor reflects on fatal fire in Port Charlotte A devastating house fire Monday night in Port Charlotte has left one person dead and another hospitalized while neighbors mourn the possible loss of a beloved member of their community.
‘The sound of death;’ Neighbors concerned by amount of crashes on Joel Blvd. A woman is heartbroken from witnessing crash after crash outside her Lehigh Acres home.
Fort Myers get 15% increase on flood insurance discount WINK News is finding out what led to the city of Fort Myers going from just a 5% FEMA flood insurance discount to a 20% discount.
FORT MYERS Locals house California wildfire victims The effects of the California wildfires are being felt worldwide, and as people evacuate, some are in Southwest Florida.
LOVERS KEY Couple returns to Lovers Key condo post Ian While Hurricane Ian is long gone from Southwest Florida, many are still feeling its impacts.
EVERGLADES Biden signs Water Resources Development Act, its effect on SWFL President Biden recently signed into law the Water Resources Development Act with an aim to improve rivers and harbors across the country and provide for the conservation of water. Southwest Florida was included in that act. Putting the 240-page plan together took a lot of work, not just from state and federal lawmakers, but also […]
CREDIT: NCH NCH Healthcare system neurosurgeon Dr. Mark B. Gerber, MD spends his days saving peoples lives in the operating room, creates metal art on the weekends. Ending the COVID-19 pandemic, Dr. Gerber and his son learned how to weld as a form of bonding. Dr. Gerber learned how to weld by watching YouTube videos, and has created all different types of creatures. “It’s a lot like operating. It’s very meticulous,” said Dr. Gerber “It’s very slow. It’s very controlled.” One project, the biggest Dr. Gerber has ever made, is a several hundred-pound metal bear named “Teddy the Bear.” The bear took six months to make standing around 3 feet tall, made with solid metal inside and out, along with his set of golf clubs. “My favorite time to start is 2 a.m. on Saturdays,” said Gerber “It’s so peaceful outside and with some country music in the background, it’s the perfect time to relax and have some downtime.” According to Dr. Gerber, he uses repurposed hospital operating room equipment that can no longer be used on patients to use for his sculptures. “Most of the fingers for all my monsters are these pieces cut up and re-welded together and I’m working on this piece,” said Gerber “It’s all orthopedic hardware handles from things have broken.” For more than 65 years, philanthropic support has made NCH grow from a small nonprofit 50-bed hospital to a nationally recognized 716-bed, two-hospital healthcare system. The healthcare system just held its “Frosted Masquerade Affair,” collaborating with Jack Nicklaus Childrens Hospital with a few weeks ago. The ball featured “Teddy the Bear” as one of their main auction items. According to CEO-President of NCH, Paul Hiltz MHA FACHE, he said the ball raised more than $3 million towards pediatric care. “Specifically, really working on getting pediatric subspecialties,” says Hiltz, “So that kids can stay closer to their home to be taken care of.” “Teddy the Bear” was auctioned off for $130,000 bought by Jack Nicklaus Children’s Hospital but was donated back to NCH. Read the full statement below from Jack Nicklaus Childrens Hospital: “Teddy the Bear” is a true symbol of the deeply held commitment both NCH and Nicklaus Children’s have to the Collier County community,” said Dr. Saima Aftab, chief strategy officer of Nicklaus Children’s Health System and Neonatologist. “It is such an honor to partner with NCH to enhance care and ensure the children of Collier County have access to world-renowned care right here at home. “Teddy the Bear” not only represents our collaboration, it is a reminder to all of us of the innocence and tenderness of the young lives we will touch today and for generations to come. Dr. Gerber tells WINK News that he would like to continue creating more animals and creatures for other charities in Southwest Florida for children. “Teddy the Bear” will be located at NCH North Naples Hospital, off Immokalee Road. He’ll placed at the facility within the next couple of weeks.