NAPLES Veterans hit the water in Naples Every September, a local group of captains and anglers hosts an event to take soldiers on the water. More than 130 troops and 65 captains were at the Naples Take a Soldier Fishing event.
Collier County teachers reach contract agreement Collier County teachers have come to an agreement with the school district in their contract negotiations.
NORTH PORT North Port Police searching for man who struck officer with car The North Port Police Department is on the search for a man who committed battery on an officer, among other charges.
FORT MYERS Victim of childhood sexual abuse speaks out after abuser receives 3 life sentences A survivor of childhood sexual abuse finally feels free after her abuser receives three life sentences.
No bond for Tice man accused of kidnaping and sexual assault A man accused of kidnapping and sexual assault will be held without bond.
CAPE CORAL 13th annual 239 Fest to showcase 16 local punk, ska and reggae bands The 13th edition of 239 Fest is coming next month and will feature 16 local punk, ska and reggae bands.
FORT MYERS BEACH Witnesses react to boat getting stuck under Matanzas Pass Bridge While the boat has since gotten out from underneath the bridge, it’s raised some questions about safety for onlookers.
SOUTHWEST FLORIDA Splash the otter, the unlikely hero bringing families closure Mike Hadsell has trained many animals in his lifetime, but the newest member of Peace River K9 Search and Rescue dive team, Splash the Asian small-clawed otter, is a first, even for him.
FORT MYERS Scrolling on your cell phone may be bad for your health; FGCU professor weighs in Scrolling through your phone might seem like a fun way to pass the time, but new research shows it can actually make you feel even more bored and unhappy.
WEST PALM BEACH DeSantis launches investigation into 2nd assassination attempt on Trump Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis said he will personally oversee the investigation into the second assassination attempt on former President Trump.
FHP reveals details behind crash that killed 4 young people A mangled car is all that remains from a crash that took the lives of four young people.
FORT MYERS 2 fires in 24 hours displace families in Fort Myers Two vicious fires left families’ homes and lives in ruins. Now, we are learning what help they are getting until their lives can be put back together.
Trump assassination attempt suspect removed serial number from gun Law enforcement is holding a press conference on the attempt of former President Donald Trump’s life at his West Palm Beach golf course.
FORT MYERS BEACH Matanzas Pass Bridge reopens after boat crashes into it, closing it for hours The Matanzas Pass Bridge has reopened to traffic after it was shut down for hours when a boat crashed into it.
MATLACHA Little Pine Island Bridge in Matlacha to temporarily close The Florida Department of Transportation has announced the temporary closure of the Little Pine Island Bridge.
NAPLES Veterans hit the water in Naples Every September, a local group of captains and anglers hosts an event to take soldiers on the water. More than 130 troops and 65 captains were at the Naples Take a Soldier Fishing event.
Collier County teachers reach contract agreement Collier County teachers have come to an agreement with the school district in their contract negotiations.
NORTH PORT North Port Police searching for man who struck officer with car The North Port Police Department is on the search for a man who committed battery on an officer, among other charges.
FORT MYERS Victim of childhood sexual abuse speaks out after abuser receives 3 life sentences A survivor of childhood sexual abuse finally feels free after her abuser receives three life sentences.
No bond for Tice man accused of kidnaping and sexual assault A man accused of kidnapping and sexual assault will be held without bond.
CAPE CORAL 13th annual 239 Fest to showcase 16 local punk, ska and reggae bands The 13th edition of 239 Fest is coming next month and will feature 16 local punk, ska and reggae bands.
FORT MYERS BEACH Witnesses react to boat getting stuck under Matanzas Pass Bridge While the boat has since gotten out from underneath the bridge, it’s raised some questions about safety for onlookers.
SOUTHWEST FLORIDA Splash the otter, the unlikely hero bringing families closure Mike Hadsell has trained many animals in his lifetime, but the newest member of Peace River K9 Search and Rescue dive team, Splash the Asian small-clawed otter, is a first, even for him.
FORT MYERS Scrolling on your cell phone may be bad for your health; FGCU professor weighs in Scrolling through your phone might seem like a fun way to pass the time, but new research shows it can actually make you feel even more bored and unhappy.
WEST PALM BEACH DeSantis launches investigation into 2nd assassination attempt on Trump Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis said he will personally oversee the investigation into the second assassination attempt on former President Trump.
FHP reveals details behind crash that killed 4 young people A mangled car is all that remains from a crash that took the lives of four young people.
FORT MYERS 2 fires in 24 hours displace families in Fort Myers Two vicious fires left families’ homes and lives in ruins. Now, we are learning what help they are getting until their lives can be put back together.
Trump assassination attempt suspect removed serial number from gun Law enforcement is holding a press conference on the attempt of former President Donald Trump’s life at his West Palm Beach golf course.
FORT MYERS BEACH Matanzas Pass Bridge reopens after boat crashes into it, closing it for hours The Matanzas Pass Bridge has reopened to traffic after it was shut down for hours when a boat crashed into it.
MATLACHA Little Pine Island Bridge in Matlacha to temporarily close The Florida Department of Transportation has announced the temporary closure of the Little Pine Island Bridge.
Many of us are collectors. It could be a matchbook, candles, pint glasses, or coasters. The Estero Island Historic Society hopes if you are a collector, you will share items you may have from places on Fort Myers Beach that were lost to Hurricane Ian. They are the lost icons of Fort Myers Beach, as pointed out by Ellie Bunting. “We plan on doing a hurricane history exhibit on the 28th on the anniversary of Ian, and we’re looking for mementos,” said Bunting, president of the Estero Island Historic Society. Things like a coolie cup or glass or a matchbook or anything from a place that is no more. Ellie Bunting, President Estero Island Historic Society Items like the wheel from the Reef. Bunting has lived on Fort Myers Beach most of her life and knows how resilient the Island is. “We’ve had our share of storms since 1921, actually,” she stated. “The beach seems to come back.” Also, the hurricane of 1944, Donna, Irma, and Ian. It hasn’t been a fast recovery process, as Ian’s mark remains visible when driving the streets of Fort Myers Beach. But that makes the memories all the more important and special. The Historic Society’s own building serves as a glowing example of how this town battles back. Estero Island Historic Society, Credit: WINK News Estero Island Historic Society, Credit: WINK News “This building was built in 1921. It was owned by Mr. Davison, who was one of the first surveyors on the island, and he built it as a beach house on the beachfront at the end of Mango Street,” she explained. “And in 1944, it was destroyed, or pretty much destroyed, in the hurricane. And they took the same material and rebuilt it.” Those materials were cypress trees and Dade pines. While water did get inside the cottage during Ian, it did not do the damage seen elsewhere. The water line from Hurricane Ian still visible below the exit sign at the Estero Is. Historic Society Estero Blvd & Sterling Ave., Credit: WINK News Credit: WINK News “We had seven feet of water in here, but none of it got into the walls,” said a thankful Bunting. Now, she is working to transform the walls to remember those who lost their lives to the storm and showcase what once shaped the shoreline. “I just took this picture at sunset,” said Bunting while showing a picture of what’s left of the pier. “It just seems to be a, I don’t know, it’s iconic.” If you have any items that you are willing to loan or donate to the Estero Island Historic Society, reach out to Bunting at esteroislandhistoricsociety@gmail.com. If you have a Hurricane Ian story you’d like to share with WINK News, email us at tips@winknews.com.