Florida Highway Patrol investigating fatal hit-and-run involving motorcyclistFEMA agrees to outside investigation into avoiding homes with Trump signs
lehigh acres Florida Highway Patrol investigating fatal hit-and-run involving motorcyclist The Florida Highway Patrol is investigating a hit-and-run that left a motorcyclist dead in Lee County.
FEMA agrees to outside investigation into avoiding homes with Trump signs FEMA’s administrator has agreed to an outside investigation to find out why her employee gave orders to deny trump supporters aid after Hurricane Milton.
Denise Carlin sworn in as Lee County Schools superintendent It’s a big night for families with kids attending Lee County Schools! Dr. Denise Carlin was just sworn in as superintendent.
PORT CHARLOTTE 8 illegal immigrants arrested in Charlotte County Eight people have been arrested in Port Charlotte for being in the country illegally.
SANIBEL Memorial statue unveiled for exotic birds at Jerry’s Foods on Sanibel Island For over 40 years, Dick Muench displayed many of his exotic birds from Central and South America at Jerry’s Foods on Sanibel.
FORT MYERS Fort Myers veteran worried about FEMA code compliance letter One marine veteran is worried sick over having to raise his home.
Residents oppose U-Haul storage unit development in Collier County A lush line of trees in Collier County may turn into storage units, and neighbors are unhappy.
LEHIGH ACRES Parents want changes made to Lee County Schools JROTC The Lee County School District is making changes after 25 students were treated by emergency services for heat exhaustion at a local high school on Friday.
FORT MYERS BEACH La Ola speaks out a day after FEMA deadline A day after the FEMA deadline for temporary structures on Fort Myers Beach to be removed, the scenery remains largely unchanged.
FORT MYERS Neighbors react to plans for new Amazon warehouse in Fort Myers Amazon will soon have the largest building in Southwest Florida.
FORT MYERS Councilman Johnny Streets retires after nearly 20 years of service After nearly two decades of service, Fort Myers City Councilman Johnny Streets is retiring.
Local human trafficking survivor speaks out It’s a question many of us think we know the answer to: What is human trafficking? A Collier County woman told WINK her definition changed after she survived it.
Sheriff’s Office: Teen victim knew suspect in deadly Collier County shooting There is new information on the deadly shooting late Saturday of a teenage girl in Collier County.
FORT MYERS Inauguration ceremony for Lee Board of County Commissioners Lee County held an inauguration ceremony for a newly appointed county commissioner and two incumbents.
FGCU FGCU volleyball prepares to defend ASUN Tournament title FGCU volleyball looks to secure its fourth straight ASUN Tournament title this week and secure a spot in the NCAA Tournament.
lehigh acres Florida Highway Patrol investigating fatal hit-and-run involving motorcyclist The Florida Highway Patrol is investigating a hit-and-run that left a motorcyclist dead in Lee County.
FEMA agrees to outside investigation into avoiding homes with Trump signs FEMA’s administrator has agreed to an outside investigation to find out why her employee gave orders to deny trump supporters aid after Hurricane Milton.
Denise Carlin sworn in as Lee County Schools superintendent It’s a big night for families with kids attending Lee County Schools! Dr. Denise Carlin was just sworn in as superintendent.
PORT CHARLOTTE 8 illegal immigrants arrested in Charlotte County Eight people have been arrested in Port Charlotte for being in the country illegally.
SANIBEL Memorial statue unveiled for exotic birds at Jerry’s Foods on Sanibel Island For over 40 years, Dick Muench displayed many of his exotic birds from Central and South America at Jerry’s Foods on Sanibel.
FORT MYERS Fort Myers veteran worried about FEMA code compliance letter One marine veteran is worried sick over having to raise his home.
Residents oppose U-Haul storage unit development in Collier County A lush line of trees in Collier County may turn into storage units, and neighbors are unhappy.
LEHIGH ACRES Parents want changes made to Lee County Schools JROTC The Lee County School District is making changes after 25 students were treated by emergency services for heat exhaustion at a local high school on Friday.
FORT MYERS BEACH La Ola speaks out a day after FEMA deadline A day after the FEMA deadline for temporary structures on Fort Myers Beach to be removed, the scenery remains largely unchanged.
FORT MYERS Neighbors react to plans for new Amazon warehouse in Fort Myers Amazon will soon have the largest building in Southwest Florida.
FORT MYERS Councilman Johnny Streets retires after nearly 20 years of service After nearly two decades of service, Fort Myers City Councilman Johnny Streets is retiring.
Local human trafficking survivor speaks out It’s a question many of us think we know the answer to: What is human trafficking? A Collier County woman told WINK her definition changed after she survived it.
Sheriff’s Office: Teen victim knew suspect in deadly Collier County shooting There is new information on the deadly shooting late Saturday of a teenage girl in Collier County.
FORT MYERS Inauguration ceremony for Lee Board of County Commissioners Lee County held an inauguration ceremony for a newly appointed county commissioner and two incumbents.
FGCU FGCU volleyball prepares to defend ASUN Tournament title FGCU volleyball looks to secure its fourth straight ASUN Tournament title this week and secure a spot in the NCAA Tournament.
Barbeques, beaches, and booming business. Fort Myers Beach has come a long way since Hurricane Ian devastated the community. RELATED: ‘The Whale’ restaurant to break ground on new building The sun, water, and a holiday weekend brought many together. “Been exciting to get out of everybody. You know, like I said, it’s for Fort Myers. For all we’ve been through with the hurricane and everything so, you know, everything’s picking up and we’re starting to get back,” said Robert Mceeloy, a security guard for Margaritaville. Mceeloy works the night shift. “We’re fairly busy. I know the rooms are booked here,” said Mceeloy. “There hasn’t been any problems or everybody’s been good, just enjoying themself, you know, having a wonderful time.” According to Jacki Liszak, president of the Chamber of Commerce of Fort Myers Beach, businesses on the island are booming. “The crowds are out. Definitely, it’s busy,” said Liszak. “The beach is hopping and people are coming. The locals are coming. We do have some drive coming in.” Both Diamondhead and Margaritaville resorts were fully booked Saturday night. This is the first big holiday weekend Margaritaville has been open since its grand opening in December 2023. On Saturday, the Diamondhead Resort made $14,000 in food and beverage revenue. 1,200 hotel rooms on the island and almost 600 Vacation Rentals are open. Although compared to pre-Ian, there are not as many food and shopping options but that did not deter people from coming to the island for the holiday weekend. Several people who spoke to WINK News had differing opinions. Some say it is as crowded as pre-Ian, others say, it’s not even close. Regardless, visitors and locals enjoyed the sun and water Sunday morning. “I’ll tell you why I love it down here. I come down here for drinks and entertainment. It’s great,” said Michael O’Connell from Cape Coral. “The beautiful white sands. Just some calm you know,” Ann Phelps-Conroy of North Fort Myers said. O’Connell and Phelps-Conroy both knew the beach pre-Ian. “The buildings were completely destroyed. I just sat down and cried,” Phelps-Conroy, said. This weekend didn’t just consist of those enjoying the beach. Others were paying tribute to our troops. WINK News Reporter Olivia Jean asked two little ones what Memorial Day means to them. “We have to remember all the people that died and all the people that fought for America,” they said. When asked about the importance of the holiday, the boys answered. “Because it’s the only reason we are free today. Freedom,” one said. The other added, “That’s how our country came to be.” Both were part of a 50 person-group on Sunday morning that hit the beach, with a mission in mind. They walked miles for our veterans. CREDIT: WINK News. The group walking together on Fort Myers Beach. “We got together three local businesses to put on an event in honor of Memorial Day for those who gave it all and also to build awareness for some nonprofits that are doing great things for veterans,” said veteran Thor Hmielewski. Sarah McCormick, a local gym owner, was also walking with the group. “It is just a day to remember those that gave the ultimate sacrifice.” said Mccormick, “Obviously, we have like, intense appreciation for our veterans. And then all of those that lost their lives and the families, and just remembering all of them because there’s no way to repay that.” For Thor, Memorial Day is about those who served alongside him. “I was in the Marine Corps. I served twice in Afghanistan, in Helmand province. It was a life-changing experience and just knowing you know, guys that aren’t here any longer.” said Hmielewski. “Men and women that aren’t here any longer and being able to come out here and show support for them and their families.” CREDIT: WINK News. Thor Hmielewski walking on the beach Sunday morning. Hmielewski went on to say, “It’s a day to honor the people that you know, gave everything. left it all on the line, paid the ultimate price for our freedoms. And the only way we can really honor them is by being better Americans, coming out here and taking full advantage of everything that we have.” The group walking on the beach raised and donated a couple thousand dollars. The organizations the group sponsored are small non-profits with the goal of helping veterans, which includes Big Fish, Freedom 13, and Guardian Outdoors Division. Memorial Day is a day Thor and many others cherish as many lost their lives in combat and aren’t able to go to the beach.