Sea Love Candle Bar & Boutique opens at Coconut Point in EsteroPerkins Restaurant & Bakery to close in Estero
Sea Love Candle Bar & Boutique opens at Coconut Point in Estero Tina Smagala had spent about three decades working in corporate human resources and communications in various industries, and she was looking to try something else for a change.
Perkins Restaurant & Bakery to close in Estero The only Perkins Restaurant & Bakery in south Lee County is closing April13, and the question now is what’s going to take its place.
Changes coming to Social Security identity verification The Social Security Administration is changing how people can verify their identity for retirement, survivors, or family benefits.
the weather authority Warm and breezy this Thursday afternoon The Weather Authority is tracking a warm and breezy Thursday with conditions that may increase the risk of brush fires this afternoon.
NAPLES NCH Naples uses actors to prepare medical staff for emergencies NCH is taking medical training to an innovative level by providing real-life simulations for doctors and nurses.
ESTERO FGCU police wrangle 6-foot gator on busy campus boardwalk A 6-foot alligator made an unexpected appearance at Florida Gulf Coast University, causing a commotion on a busy boardwalk.
FORT MYERS Fort Myers City council faces backlash over ICE partnership The Fort Myers City Council’s partnership with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has been a point of contention
NAPLES Collier County teen hospitalized after protecting friend from dating violence incident A 17-year-old hero is fighting for his life in the hospital after a violent incident in Collier County.
FORT MYERS Fort Myers fire officials urge honesty to aid investigations, ensure safety The Fort Myers Fire Department is urging the community to be open and honest during fire investigations.
WWII veteran recalls life as a woman in war While many are familiar with the stories of men who served in World War II, the women who served also played a crucial role in shaping history.
Most Wanted Wednesday: Southwest Florida’s most wanted suspects for March 26, 2025 WINK News is back with Most Wanted Wednesday, spotlighting some of Southwest Florida’s most sought-after criminals. This initiative, in collaboration with Southwest Florida Crime Stoppers, aims to aid law enforcement by sharing crucial information about individuals they are trying to locate. This week, authorities are searching for Arquesha Brown in Fort Myers. The 47-year-old was […]
Florida Panther caught on camera mimicking house cat behavior A new video of a Florida Panther shows that these wild animals have more in common with house cats than you might think.
FORT MYERS Fort Myers councilman proposes cameras for McGregor Blvd school zones Fort Myers may soon see new traffic cameras installed in school zones along McGregor Boulevard.
AI in Florida insurance: New bill demands human review Lawmakers have proposed a bill to ensure that artificial intelligence (AI) cannot be the sole factor in denying insurance claims. This includes claims for home, auto, or health insurance.
ESTERO Estero teen to play in third Augusta National Women’s Amateur Estero 17-year-old Gianna Clemente is making her third appearance in the Augusta National Women’s Amateur.
Sea Love Candle Bar & Boutique opens at Coconut Point in Estero Tina Smagala had spent about three decades working in corporate human resources and communications in various industries, and she was looking to try something else for a change.
Perkins Restaurant & Bakery to close in Estero The only Perkins Restaurant & Bakery in south Lee County is closing April13, and the question now is what’s going to take its place.
Changes coming to Social Security identity verification The Social Security Administration is changing how people can verify their identity for retirement, survivors, or family benefits.
the weather authority Warm and breezy this Thursday afternoon The Weather Authority is tracking a warm and breezy Thursday with conditions that may increase the risk of brush fires this afternoon.
NAPLES NCH Naples uses actors to prepare medical staff for emergencies NCH is taking medical training to an innovative level by providing real-life simulations for doctors and nurses.
ESTERO FGCU police wrangle 6-foot gator on busy campus boardwalk A 6-foot alligator made an unexpected appearance at Florida Gulf Coast University, causing a commotion on a busy boardwalk.
FORT MYERS Fort Myers City council faces backlash over ICE partnership The Fort Myers City Council’s partnership with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has been a point of contention
NAPLES Collier County teen hospitalized after protecting friend from dating violence incident A 17-year-old hero is fighting for his life in the hospital after a violent incident in Collier County.
FORT MYERS Fort Myers fire officials urge honesty to aid investigations, ensure safety The Fort Myers Fire Department is urging the community to be open and honest during fire investigations.
WWII veteran recalls life as a woman in war While many are familiar with the stories of men who served in World War II, the women who served also played a crucial role in shaping history.
Most Wanted Wednesday: Southwest Florida’s most wanted suspects for March 26, 2025 WINK News is back with Most Wanted Wednesday, spotlighting some of Southwest Florida’s most sought-after criminals. This initiative, in collaboration with Southwest Florida Crime Stoppers, aims to aid law enforcement by sharing crucial information about individuals they are trying to locate. This week, authorities are searching for Arquesha Brown in Fort Myers. The 47-year-old was […]
Florida Panther caught on camera mimicking house cat behavior A new video of a Florida Panther shows that these wild animals have more in common with house cats than you might think.
FORT MYERS Fort Myers councilman proposes cameras for McGregor Blvd school zones Fort Myers may soon see new traffic cameras installed in school zones along McGregor Boulevard.
AI in Florida insurance: New bill demands human review Lawmakers have proposed a bill to ensure that artificial intelligence (AI) cannot be the sole factor in denying insurance claims. This includes claims for home, auto, or health insurance.
ESTERO Estero teen to play in third Augusta National Women’s Amateur Estero 17-year-old Gianna Clemente is making her third appearance in the Augusta National Women’s Amateur.
Photo by Andrea Piacquadio on Pexels.com A stomach bug is making a lot of people sick in Florida, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Giardia duodenalis is a common intestinal parasite found worldwide, particularly in areas with inadequate sanitation and untreated water sources. It is often transmitted through ingesting contaminated water or food or through direct contact with infected individuals or animals. Once ingested, the stomach bug can cause a condition known as giardiasis, characterized by symptoms such as diarrhea, abdominal cramps, bloating, nausea and fatigue. In 2023, the state of Florida reported 320 cases in the calendar year. This year, 378 cases have been reported as of April, a 16.62% increase year-over-year. According to the Florida Department of Health, there were 35 cases this year to date in Southwest Florida with the following breakdown by counties: Lee: 24 Charlotte: 3 Collier: 6 Hendry: 2 In 2023, Collier County had 25 cases over the course of the year, and there were 58 cases in Lee, with Charlotte and Hendry in the single digits. While many individuals infected with giardiasis may not develop symptoms, those who do may experience discomfort and inconvenience for several weeks. In some cases, especially among vulnerable populations such as young children, the elderly and individuals with weakened immune systems, the stomach illness can lead to more severe complications requiring medical attention. Preventing giardia infection primarily involves practicing good hygiene and taking precautions when consuming water or food from potentially contaminated sources. Simple measures such as washing hands thoroughly with soap and water, avoiding drinking untreated water from lakes, rivers or streams and properly treating water before consumption can significantly reduce the risk of infection.