New video: Search continues for Metro Diner tip jar thiefRight lane cleared on Edison Bridge after hit-and-run crash
PORT CHARLOTTE New video: Search continues for Metro Diner tip jar thief Someone stole a tip jar meant to help a mom with her baby in the NICU. Now, the restaurant is asking for help finding the guy who did it.
FORT MYERS Right lane cleared on Edison Bridge after hit-and-run crash The Fort Myers police department has confirmed this is a hit-and-run crash, and there are no reported injuries at this time.
CAPE CORAL Join The Weather Authority’s Chief Meteorologist Matt Devitt at the Cape Coral Hurricane Expo Meet Matt Devitt, pick up a WINK Hurricane Guide and rain gauge at the Cape Coral Hurricane Expo.
SOUTHWEST FLORIDA The Weather Authority: Scattered storms, mostly cloudy skies, below averages temperatures Signs of improvement in your weekend weather forecast, but some lingering tropical moisture means scattered storms.
FORT MYERS Businesses struggling to stay open in downtown Fort Myers Snowbird season is over, traffic is a mess from the Caloosahatchee Bridge closure and the new parking system isn’t exactly perfect in downtown Fort Myers.
FORT MYERS BEACH New numbers show open hotel rooms in parts of Lee County are low Lee County released new data this week on how different areas in the county are bouncing back after Ian by looking at how many hotels have reopened since the storm.
SOUTHWEST FLORIDA Lake Okeechobee on the rise after recent tropical moisture, days of rain Lake O’s water level has gone up by half a foot over the last several days due to the drenching the southern part of the state has received.
SOUTH FORT MYERS South Fort Myers neighborhood tired of dealing with flooding Residents in a south Fort Myers neighborhood had water going up to their garages after the downpour ended.
Tech-less program helping to keep Charlotte County students engaged The Charlotte County School District is pioneering a unique approach to make summer learning more engaging.
SAN CARLOS PARK Sewage overflows due to rain in San Carlos Park Many in San Carlos Park are worried about the water being hazardous for kids.
Fort Myers City Council extends contract with Edison Restaurant Bringing a restaurant loved by the community back to life. Last year, Fort Myers City Council hoped to save the Edison Restaurant.
PARKLAND Demolishing Marjory Stoneman Douglas High begins For six years, time stood still inside the 1200 building of Marjory Stoneman Douglas High, and on Friday, the site where 17 people were massacred is getting torn down.
President and CEO of Lee Health on future of healthcare system A decisive vote has set the stage for a major shift in southwest Florida’s healthcare landscape. Thursday, the Lee Health board voted 9 to 1 majority in favor of transitioning Lee Health, the largest non-for-profit public health system in the state, to a private entity. The move has sparked both support and dissent within the community.
NAPLES Naples Art Institute hosts Childhood Classics, original illustrations The Naples Art Institute has more than 100 timeless pieces of art and illustrations on display as part of a Childhood Classics exhibition.
SEBRING Evidence reveals Sebring killer’s spiral from fantasy to murder A chilling timeline of evidence revealed what a killer was thinking leading up to mass murder at a Sebring bank.
PORT CHARLOTTE New video: Search continues for Metro Diner tip jar thief Someone stole a tip jar meant to help a mom with her baby in the NICU. Now, the restaurant is asking for help finding the guy who did it.
FORT MYERS Right lane cleared on Edison Bridge after hit-and-run crash The Fort Myers police department has confirmed this is a hit-and-run crash, and there are no reported injuries at this time.
CAPE CORAL Join The Weather Authority’s Chief Meteorologist Matt Devitt at the Cape Coral Hurricane Expo Meet Matt Devitt, pick up a WINK Hurricane Guide and rain gauge at the Cape Coral Hurricane Expo.
SOUTHWEST FLORIDA The Weather Authority: Scattered storms, mostly cloudy skies, below averages temperatures Signs of improvement in your weekend weather forecast, but some lingering tropical moisture means scattered storms.
FORT MYERS Businesses struggling to stay open in downtown Fort Myers Snowbird season is over, traffic is a mess from the Caloosahatchee Bridge closure and the new parking system isn’t exactly perfect in downtown Fort Myers.
FORT MYERS BEACH New numbers show open hotel rooms in parts of Lee County are low Lee County released new data this week on how different areas in the county are bouncing back after Ian by looking at how many hotels have reopened since the storm.
SOUTHWEST FLORIDA Lake Okeechobee on the rise after recent tropical moisture, days of rain Lake O’s water level has gone up by half a foot over the last several days due to the drenching the southern part of the state has received.
SOUTH FORT MYERS South Fort Myers neighborhood tired of dealing with flooding Residents in a south Fort Myers neighborhood had water going up to their garages after the downpour ended.
Tech-less program helping to keep Charlotte County students engaged The Charlotte County School District is pioneering a unique approach to make summer learning more engaging.
SAN CARLOS PARK Sewage overflows due to rain in San Carlos Park Many in San Carlos Park are worried about the water being hazardous for kids.
Fort Myers City Council extends contract with Edison Restaurant Bringing a restaurant loved by the community back to life. Last year, Fort Myers City Council hoped to save the Edison Restaurant.
PARKLAND Demolishing Marjory Stoneman Douglas High begins For six years, time stood still inside the 1200 building of Marjory Stoneman Douglas High, and on Friday, the site where 17 people were massacred is getting torn down.
President and CEO of Lee Health on future of healthcare system A decisive vote has set the stage for a major shift in southwest Florida’s healthcare landscape. Thursday, the Lee Health board voted 9 to 1 majority in favor of transitioning Lee Health, the largest non-for-profit public health system in the state, to a private entity. The move has sparked both support and dissent within the community.
NAPLES Naples Art Institute hosts Childhood Classics, original illustrations The Naples Art Institute has more than 100 timeless pieces of art and illustrations on display as part of a Childhood Classics exhibition.
SEBRING Evidence reveals Sebring killer’s spiral from fantasy to murder A chilling timeline of evidence revealed what a killer was thinking leading up to mass murder at a Sebring bank.
If an evacuation order is issued, officials strongly encourage you to make every effort to leave the area. As public shelters may be crowded, other evacuation options may include: Staying at your house if you are not in an area under an evacuation order, or if you do not live in a mobile or manufactured home. Going to the home of a friend or family member who lives outside the evacuation zones. Checking into a hotel or motel that’s outside the evacuation zones. Traveling to a part of Florida that is not under an evacuation order. What You Need to Know About Shelters If you do not have a safe place to go, head for a shelter. Lists of local shelters are available on county websites, as well as in this guide. But, when planning where you’ll go, remember that some shelter locations may not be open and operating if they are too close to the storm and its path. Follow WINK News, The Weather Authority, via website, television, or radio for the latest information. If you must go to a shelter, here are some things for you to consider: There is a shortage of evacuation shelters. If you have a safe place to evacuate to, plan to use that alternate location rather than a public shelter. Shelters are not hotels. They do not provide any conveniences, luxuries, or amenities. Bring your family’s disaster supply kit to ensure proper provisions. Food and water should be available, but there may be a slight delay in initial service. Cots are not provided in general-population shelters. Weapons, smoking, or alcoholic beverages ARE NOT allowed in shelters. In fact, arriving at a public shelter with weapons or liquor under any circumstances could get you arrested. Service animals are allowed at all shelters, but family pets are not allowed in public shelters. Pets are permitted only in shelters designated as “pet-friendly.” All service animals must have vaccination records and be caged. You must also provide their food, water, leash, and waste management. Items to bring to a shelter Drinking water Snacks or special foods, including foods for special dietary requirements Lawn chair Bedroll Pillows and blankets Books, magazines, or electronics with headphones Medications Change of clothing Personal hygiene items (toothbrush, toothpaste, hand sanitizer, etc.) Important documents and ID (driver’s license or passport, proof of residence, etc.) If you are medically vulnerable, you should also remember to bring your own personal health equipment and hygiene products About Special Needs Shelters A special needs shelter is a temporary emergency facility capable of providing care to residents whose medical condition may require the use of electrical equipment, oxygen, or dialysis, as well as to individuals with physical or cognitive conditions requiring assistance from medical professionals. Those eligible to evacuate to a special needs shelter should pre-register with Emergency Management. Here’s what you should know about special needs shelters: You must register every year. Your application is good for one calendar year only. You must have a companion or caregiver accompany you during your time at the shelter. Typically, there are limited staff members on hand. You will receive a confirmation letter and instructions confirming that you’re on the registry for a special needs shelter, as well as what to expect if those shelters are opening. Note that, although special needs shelters provide more care than a general shelter, they do not provide the level of care found in a medical facility. About Pet-Friendly Shelters Prepare a pet supply kit that includes: Non-perishable food Water Medications Sturdy cage or carrier Collar and leash Up-to-date vaccination records Also consider: Keeping several photos of your pet with you to help with identification if you’re separated. Placing identification on your pet’s collar. Using a microchip to identify your pet. Check with your county to see if your local animal services department offers a microchipping program.