NAPLES Celebrating Christmas Eve with the Magic of Lights Across southwest Florida, people have been feeling the Christmas spirit. In Collier County, families at the Magic of Lights experience counted down the minutes to Santa’s arrival in awe of the spectacular display.
FORT MYERS BEACH Beachgoers enjoy Fort Myers Beach on Christmas Eve Whether you’re a full-time Floridian, a snowbird or just vacationing here for Christmas, it was a great day to go to the beach.
SOUTHWEST FLORIDA ‘Chrismukkah’; Two major holidays fall on the same day This year Christmas and Hanukkah fall on the same day. Many people of both faiths across our area will participate in the rare opportunity to celebrate both holidays.
FORT MYERS BEACH Smokin’ Oyster Brewery reopens after damage from hurricanes It’s an iconic bar and restaurant on Fort Myers Beach that has been missing since Hurricane Ian destroyed it.
Family of 10 caught in American Airlines tech issue at RSW A family of ten thought they had a good plan to beat the Christmas travel rush at Southwest Florida International Airport.
NAPLES Taking an inside look at the Naples Police Department’s Technical Analysis Center WINK News got an inside look at the new license plate reading technology being used by the Naples Police Department.
CAPE CORAL Facebook post sparks Christmas miracle for Cape Coral family The joy of Christmas for many, especially kids, is seeing gifts under the tree, but for one family, they couldn’t afford not only presents but the bare necessities.
MATLACHA Matlacha businesses bounce back in time for the holidays Matlacha has had its share of damage this year from hurricanes Helene and Milton. While people continue to heal and recover, they’re also looking toward the new year and beyond.
CAPE CORAL Families in Cape Coral forced out of their homes right after the new year As many of us have already made our Christmas lists and checked them twice, dozens of neighbors are just wishing for a warm and safe place to live.
Final rush for holiday food If you are still baking and basting your holiday dish, time is running out.
FORT MYERS Jewelry of the future with AI One Fort Myers jewelry store is taking the art of jewelry making into the future, all with the help of AI.
LEHIGH ACRES 1 person dead after scene at Lehigh Acres home Deputies are in a tense back and forth with a man barricaded inside a home.
ESTERO From rookie to captain, Oliver Chau leads the Florida Everblades From shy newcomer to team leader, one man’s journey with the Florida Everblades has been remarkable.
FORT MYERS Reward increase of $5K for more information on Edison Mall shooter from 2011 Southwest Florida Crime Stoppers is seeking more information on a suspect wanted for shooting someone at the Edison Mall.
NAPLES Celebrating Christmas Eve with the Magic of Lights Across southwest Florida, people have been feeling the Christmas spirit. In Collier County, families at the Magic of Lights experience counted down the minutes to Santa’s arrival in awe of the spectacular display.
FORT MYERS BEACH Beachgoers enjoy Fort Myers Beach on Christmas Eve Whether you’re a full-time Floridian, a snowbird or just vacationing here for Christmas, it was a great day to go to the beach.
SOUTHWEST FLORIDA ‘Chrismukkah’; Two major holidays fall on the same day This year Christmas and Hanukkah fall on the same day. Many people of both faiths across our area will participate in the rare opportunity to celebrate both holidays.
FORT MYERS BEACH Smokin’ Oyster Brewery reopens after damage from hurricanes It’s an iconic bar and restaurant on Fort Myers Beach that has been missing since Hurricane Ian destroyed it.
Family of 10 caught in American Airlines tech issue at RSW A family of ten thought they had a good plan to beat the Christmas travel rush at Southwest Florida International Airport.
NAPLES Taking an inside look at the Naples Police Department’s Technical Analysis Center WINK News got an inside look at the new license plate reading technology being used by the Naples Police Department.
CAPE CORAL Facebook post sparks Christmas miracle for Cape Coral family The joy of Christmas for many, especially kids, is seeing gifts under the tree, but for one family, they couldn’t afford not only presents but the bare necessities.
MATLACHA Matlacha businesses bounce back in time for the holidays Matlacha has had its share of damage this year from hurricanes Helene and Milton. While people continue to heal and recover, they’re also looking toward the new year and beyond.
CAPE CORAL Families in Cape Coral forced out of their homes right after the new year As many of us have already made our Christmas lists and checked them twice, dozens of neighbors are just wishing for a warm and safe place to live.
Final rush for holiday food If you are still baking and basting your holiday dish, time is running out.
FORT MYERS Jewelry of the future with AI One Fort Myers jewelry store is taking the art of jewelry making into the future, all with the help of AI.
LEHIGH ACRES 1 person dead after scene at Lehigh Acres home Deputies are in a tense back and forth with a man barricaded inside a home.
ESTERO From rookie to captain, Oliver Chau leads the Florida Everblades From shy newcomer to team leader, one man’s journey with the Florida Everblades has been remarkable.
FORT MYERS Reward increase of $5K for more information on Edison Mall shooter from 2011 Southwest Florida Crime Stoppers is seeking more information on a suspect wanted for shooting someone at the Edison Mall.
Credit: The Lee County Sheriff’s Office The Cape Coral Police Department has arrested a man for the alleged rape of a 15-year-old. According to police, Christian Edward Hartman, 28, was arrested on Thursday after the father of the victim reported the alleged sexual battery of his daughter. “A father and daughter that came to the Cape Coral Police Department lobby to explain that his daughter was a victim of sexual battery. So we immediately started investigating from there,” said Cape Coral Police Officer Mercedes Simonds. Hartman allegedly met the victim at a car meet-up a few days prior, where they had exchanged phone numbers while telling the girl he was 18 years old. According to police, Hartman then asked the victim to enter his van to listen to music. “Being a 15-year-old girl, she felt under pressure. And so she got in the van with them. She said that there were no seats. It was just a mattress. There was curtains on the windows, so obviously not a good scenery. And then she was actually battered by this 28-year-old male,” said Officer Simonds. The victim told police that was when he attacked her, mentioning that the van had no seats, only a mattress and curtains covering the windows. “If anybody feels like they’ve been a victim of this, come forward, talk to the police department, and let us work it out with you. We have a lot of different resources we can offer you even just therapy alone is going to be really helpful for any victims,” said Officer Simonds. Following an investigation, detectives found and interviewed Hartman, who confessed to the allegations. Hartman was arrested and faces one count of sexual battery. Hartman is still in custody at the Lee County Jail. If you have been a victim of sexual assault, The Abuse Counseling & Treatment offers 24/7 service that provides comprehensive services to adult victims of sexual assault.