Scattered storms ahead for your Saturday plans The Weather Authority is tracking weekend temperatures in the low to mid-90s this weekend with a chance for scattered storms this afternoon.
ESTERO Home Base Golf Tournament helps SWFL Veterans On Saturday, Copper Leaf Golf Club is hosting Home Base Florida, a national non-profit dedicated to veterans.
WINK NEWS SWFL Scoreboard: High School Football Week 3 Thunderstorms tried to put a stop to week three of high school football on Friday Night, but gridiron action prevailed.
Man accused of plotting murder-for-hire denied bond A man suspected of being involved with a murder-for-hire plot will stay behind bars. Ryan Toranzo had his renewed motion to set bond denied today in Collier County Court.
LABELLE Two dead after crash on State Road 80 According to the Florida Highway Patrol, there was a crash on State Road 80 that has left at least one person dead Friday evening.
DeSoto County looks to recruit more teachers While it can sometimes be easy to fill a classroom with students, it is not so easy for teachers. Schools across the nation and locally in Southwest Florida are still dealing with the challenges of teacher shortages. With class back in session, so is teacher recruiting for DeSoto County schools. The assistant superintendent, Jake Reynolds, […]
IMMOKALEE ROAD Push for change after deadly crash on Immokalee Rd. We’re told the woman was driving with two kids in the car when a semi ran a red light and hit her Thursday morning.
FORT MYERS BEACH Mobi-Mats deployed on Fort Myers Beach A walkway to paradise! Brand new and blue, the Mobi-Mat is making things easier for Fort Myers Beachgoers.
NAPLES Women of Steel business conference inspiring and empowering women Focused, hardworking, empowered. These women have made a name for themselves as Women of Steel.
NAPLES Beloved Collier County bus driver retires after 20 years After 20 years of getting kids to school safely, a beloved Collier County bus driver is retiring.
Wade Wilson has new death row mugshot Convicted double-killer Wade Wilson has a new death row mugshot.
SOUTHWEST FLORIDA Sizzle Dining is back in SWFL It’s Sizzle Season! Local restaurants are ready to welcome new faces by offering exclusive menu deals to attract new customers.
PORT CHARLOTTE Player of the Week: Logan Flaherty Port Charlotte’s QB found the endzone twice himself and had two passing touchdowns in the Pirate’s week two victory over North Fort Myers.
CAPE CORAL Cape Coral police investigating scooter crash Authorities are investigating a crash in Cape Coral that injured a scooter rider.
FORT MYERS BEACH Fort Myers Beach artist’s paint supplies dumped in canal Rogers is a local artist who has painted iconic Fort Myers Beach landmarks like the pier. Sadly, his supplies were taken away, and now he needs your help finding them.
Scattered storms ahead for your Saturday plans The Weather Authority is tracking weekend temperatures in the low to mid-90s this weekend with a chance for scattered storms this afternoon.
ESTERO Home Base Golf Tournament helps SWFL Veterans On Saturday, Copper Leaf Golf Club is hosting Home Base Florida, a national non-profit dedicated to veterans.
WINK NEWS SWFL Scoreboard: High School Football Week 3 Thunderstorms tried to put a stop to week three of high school football on Friday Night, but gridiron action prevailed.
Man accused of plotting murder-for-hire denied bond A man suspected of being involved with a murder-for-hire plot will stay behind bars. Ryan Toranzo had his renewed motion to set bond denied today in Collier County Court.
LABELLE Two dead after crash on State Road 80 According to the Florida Highway Patrol, there was a crash on State Road 80 that has left at least one person dead Friday evening.
DeSoto County looks to recruit more teachers While it can sometimes be easy to fill a classroom with students, it is not so easy for teachers. Schools across the nation and locally in Southwest Florida are still dealing with the challenges of teacher shortages. With class back in session, so is teacher recruiting for DeSoto County schools. The assistant superintendent, Jake Reynolds, […]
IMMOKALEE ROAD Push for change after deadly crash on Immokalee Rd. We’re told the woman was driving with two kids in the car when a semi ran a red light and hit her Thursday morning.
FORT MYERS BEACH Mobi-Mats deployed on Fort Myers Beach A walkway to paradise! Brand new and blue, the Mobi-Mat is making things easier for Fort Myers Beachgoers.
NAPLES Women of Steel business conference inspiring and empowering women Focused, hardworking, empowered. These women have made a name for themselves as Women of Steel.
NAPLES Beloved Collier County bus driver retires after 20 years After 20 years of getting kids to school safely, a beloved Collier County bus driver is retiring.
Wade Wilson has new death row mugshot Convicted double-killer Wade Wilson has a new death row mugshot.
SOUTHWEST FLORIDA Sizzle Dining is back in SWFL It’s Sizzle Season! Local restaurants are ready to welcome new faces by offering exclusive menu deals to attract new customers.
PORT CHARLOTTE Player of the Week: Logan Flaherty Port Charlotte’s QB found the endzone twice himself and had two passing touchdowns in the Pirate’s week two victory over North Fort Myers.
CAPE CORAL Cape Coral police investigating scooter crash Authorities are investigating a crash in Cape Coral that injured a scooter rider.
FORT MYERS BEACH Fort Myers Beach artist’s paint supplies dumped in canal Rogers is a local artist who has painted iconic Fort Myers Beach landmarks like the pier. Sadly, his supplies were taken away, and now he needs your help finding them.
After hosting the largest U.S. Open pickleball championships since 2016, new owners have plans that will grow the international tournament, add new facilities and lessen the burden on county funds. “We’re excited to, first of all, to inherit something that’s been so well established,” said Mike Dee. “The founders have left a wonderful legacy for us, the pick of four new owners to work with Collier County on expanding those who participate, looking to expand those who attend the event.” Mike Dee is executive chairman for Pickleball4America, which now owns the event held at East Naples Community Park. “This year for the 2024 U.S. Open, we drew about 50,000 fans over the seven days of the event that included over 3400 athletes who participated, both amateur athletes who make up the biggest part of that number over 3000,” he said. “And the professionals who obviously compete at the highest levels. Well, we’re there for all seven days.” “Pickleball is the new rage,” said Barbara Deschenes. “Everybody wants to learn how to play. So, we have a tremendous number of beginners that come to the park and just want to learn the game. So we have players at all levels.” Deschenes plays and coaches pickleball and participates in the U.S. Open. “I think this new ownership will only bring more opportunity for a better player experience, as well as getting more community involvement. The park, there are many upgrades planned for the park. And everyone’s really looking forward to that and keeping Naples Pickleball Center on the map as the pickleball capital of the world,” she said. Future plans include building an entrance gate, doubling the number of shaded courts and adding waterproof shades. “It’s hot here in Naples. So, if this is going to be a great year-round facility, having shade structures, so the players stay comfortable,” Deschenes added. The community center could also be moved, 12 covered championship courts added, cooling misters installed and private property leased for more parking. “Last year’s economic impact for the 2023 event was over $12 million. We anticipate, given the numbers and the records that were set this year, that that number will increase,” said Dee. Other future plans include a year-round U.S. Open pickleball academy, and working with county schools and the parks & rec division to lease six courts for the academy beginning in September.