$150k worth of equipment stolen from Lee HealthAward-winning stylist to host event during Naples Automotive Experience
FORT MYERS $150k worth of equipment stolen from Lee Health Fort Myers police arrested a hospital employee accused of stealing more than 150 thousand dollars worth of medical equipment from Lee Health.
NAPLES Award-winning stylist to host event during Naples Automotive Experience On Friday, an Emmy Award-winning Hollywood stylist will host Forever Fabulous, a charity event with the St. Matthew’s House.
FORT MYERS Colonial and I-75 diverging diamond to be completed by spring The diverging diamond at Colonial Boulevard and Interstate 75 in Fort Myers is diverting drivers.
NAPLES 20th Annual Spring Home & Garden show coming to Naples The 20th semi-annual Spring Home & Garden show is coming to Naples.
NAPLES Collier Publix worker spreads joy with kindness cards In Collier County, one person stands out for his daily acts of kindness, bringing smiles to those around him.
FGCU FGCU softball pitcher ranked among the best in the country FGCU softball pitcher Allison Sparkman enters her sophomore season ranked as one of the top pitchers in the country.
Congress steps in as Port Charlotte widow searches for husband’s ashes A Port Charlotte woman continues to fight to find her husband’s ashes, lost in the mail. Members of Congress are now backing her efforts.
FORT MYERS Fort Myers mom recounts dramatic chase to find kidnapped daughter A mother’s worst nightmare unfolded when her 2-year-old daughter was taken from her in Fort Myers on Monday.
ESTERO Copperleaf Community fights hunger through fundraising The Copperleaf Country Club community in Estero is making a significant impact in the fight against hunger.
NAPLES Collier County students explore trade careers at job fair Hundreds of Collier County students explored potential future careers at the Build My Future Job Fair.
NORTH NAPLES New orthopedic hospital nears completion in Collier County A new orthopedic hospital is nearing completion in Collier County, Florida, with an estimated cost of $140 million.
Real estate deals that shaped the SWFL landscape in 2024 The rise of online retail and continued regional population growth played a large role in a series of yin/yang real estate transactions that defined Southwest Florida’s top deals of 2024.
New Florida law governs oversight, brings financial bite A new law has transformed the condominium market in Florida, forcing owners to change their financial plans. The laws have been prompting many owners to sell their condos now, because the bills have come due and they cannot afford to pay them.
Punta Gorda imposes moratorium on car washes, storage facilities Approvals for new car washes and storage facilities in Punta Gorda will be put on pause for a period of 180 days during a moratorium begininng after the next City Council meeting Feb. 19.
Stephen Deutsch, Charlotte County commissioner, accused of using racial slur A Charlotte County commissioner is involved in an investigation after being accused of using a racial slur.
FORT MYERS $150k worth of equipment stolen from Lee Health Fort Myers police arrested a hospital employee accused of stealing more than 150 thousand dollars worth of medical equipment from Lee Health.
NAPLES Award-winning stylist to host event during Naples Automotive Experience On Friday, an Emmy Award-winning Hollywood stylist will host Forever Fabulous, a charity event with the St. Matthew’s House.
FORT MYERS Colonial and I-75 diverging diamond to be completed by spring The diverging diamond at Colonial Boulevard and Interstate 75 in Fort Myers is diverting drivers.
NAPLES 20th Annual Spring Home & Garden show coming to Naples The 20th semi-annual Spring Home & Garden show is coming to Naples.
NAPLES Collier Publix worker spreads joy with kindness cards In Collier County, one person stands out for his daily acts of kindness, bringing smiles to those around him.
FGCU FGCU softball pitcher ranked among the best in the country FGCU softball pitcher Allison Sparkman enters her sophomore season ranked as one of the top pitchers in the country.
Congress steps in as Port Charlotte widow searches for husband’s ashes A Port Charlotte woman continues to fight to find her husband’s ashes, lost in the mail. Members of Congress are now backing her efforts.
FORT MYERS Fort Myers mom recounts dramatic chase to find kidnapped daughter A mother’s worst nightmare unfolded when her 2-year-old daughter was taken from her in Fort Myers on Monday.
ESTERO Copperleaf Community fights hunger through fundraising The Copperleaf Country Club community in Estero is making a significant impact in the fight against hunger.
NAPLES Collier County students explore trade careers at job fair Hundreds of Collier County students explored potential future careers at the Build My Future Job Fair.
NORTH NAPLES New orthopedic hospital nears completion in Collier County A new orthopedic hospital is nearing completion in Collier County, Florida, with an estimated cost of $140 million.
Real estate deals that shaped the SWFL landscape in 2024 The rise of online retail and continued regional population growth played a large role in a series of yin/yang real estate transactions that defined Southwest Florida’s top deals of 2024.
New Florida law governs oversight, brings financial bite A new law has transformed the condominium market in Florida, forcing owners to change their financial plans. The laws have been prompting many owners to sell their condos now, because the bills have come due and they cannot afford to pay them.
Punta Gorda imposes moratorium on car washes, storage facilities Approvals for new car washes and storage facilities in Punta Gorda will be put on pause for a period of 180 days during a moratorium begininng after the next City Council meeting Feb. 19.
Stephen Deutsch, Charlotte County commissioner, accused of using racial slur A Charlotte County commissioner is involved in an investigation after being accused of using a racial slur.
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.