“I love you guys very much”; Longtime soccer coach speaks on SWFL teens injured in New Orleans terrorist attackNew AI-driven emergency alert system launches in Florida
SOUTH FORT MYERS “I love you guys very much”; Longtime soccer coach speaks on SWFL teens injured in New Orleans terrorist attack Two graduates of The Canterbury School in South Fort Myers were struck by a truck during a terrorist attack in New Orleans.
TALLAHASSEE New AI-driven emergency alert system launches in Florida The Florida Division of Emergency Management partnered with the University of Florida to launch a program that uses artificial intelligence to send real-time messaging before, during and after a disaster like a hurricane.
NAPLES Intercept Task Force fights online sextortion involving children Online predators are finding ways to lure children into sharing nude images.
Man arrested in Collier for allegedly impersonating CIA officer The Florida Highway Patrol has arrested a man for impersonating a federal officer after conducting a traffic stop in Collier County on a suspicious vehicle.
Local law enforcement’s plan for protection in large crowds The scene of chaos and confusion in New Orleans has filled many with worry and fear of being out in large crowds in busy areas.
PUNTA GORDA The importance of ShorePoint Health in Punta Gorda WINK News is hearing from people who say that the community is losing something it cannot live without.
Improving your sleep as the new year starts Ever felt like a zombie after a bad night’s sleep? You’re not alone. Poor sleep can mess with your health in surprising ways, like causing weight gain and memory problems.
Collier deputy hurt after crash at Santa Barbara Blvd. and Golden Gate Pkwy., intersection closed A Collier County deputy has been transported to the hospital after he was involved in a crash with another vehicle.
NAPLES Investigators move plane that crashed at Naples Airport to Jacksonville Investigators are working to move a plane that crashed at the Naples Airport on New Year’s Day.
(CBS News) Tesla Cybertruck explosion outside Trump Hotel in Las Vegas investigated as possible act of terrorism The Tesla Cybertruck that exploded outside the Trump Towers is being investigated as a possible act of terrorism, says to law enforcement.
FORT MYERS Firefighters extinguish box truck fire in front of Fort Myers Wawa The Fort Myers Fire Department responded to a box truck fire, where the vehicle was engulfed in flames in front of a Wawa convenience store.
Southwest Florida International Airport RSW anticipates high travel activity through the weekend Thursday morning, millions of Americans are making their way back home after celebrating the holidays with loved ones.
The Forum shopping center properties in Fort Myers sell for $41.37M The transaction did not include the Home Depot or Super Target spaces.
MARCO ISLAND Caxambas Park set to reopen in early 2025 Caxambas Park in Marco Island will soon be open for the public to enjoy once again after several storms damaged the park in 2024.
Final day for private hurricane debris removal in Charlotte County The final day for private hurricane debris removal in Charlotte County has arrived as government contractors make their last run-through for the season.
SOUTH FORT MYERS “I love you guys very much”; Longtime soccer coach speaks on SWFL teens injured in New Orleans terrorist attack Two graduates of The Canterbury School in South Fort Myers were struck by a truck during a terrorist attack in New Orleans.
TALLAHASSEE New AI-driven emergency alert system launches in Florida The Florida Division of Emergency Management partnered with the University of Florida to launch a program that uses artificial intelligence to send real-time messaging before, during and after a disaster like a hurricane.
NAPLES Intercept Task Force fights online sextortion involving children Online predators are finding ways to lure children into sharing nude images.
Man arrested in Collier for allegedly impersonating CIA officer The Florida Highway Patrol has arrested a man for impersonating a federal officer after conducting a traffic stop in Collier County on a suspicious vehicle.
Local law enforcement’s plan for protection in large crowds The scene of chaos and confusion in New Orleans has filled many with worry and fear of being out in large crowds in busy areas.
PUNTA GORDA The importance of ShorePoint Health in Punta Gorda WINK News is hearing from people who say that the community is losing something it cannot live without.
Improving your sleep as the new year starts Ever felt like a zombie after a bad night’s sleep? You’re not alone. Poor sleep can mess with your health in surprising ways, like causing weight gain and memory problems.
Collier deputy hurt after crash at Santa Barbara Blvd. and Golden Gate Pkwy., intersection closed A Collier County deputy has been transported to the hospital after he was involved in a crash with another vehicle.
NAPLES Investigators move plane that crashed at Naples Airport to Jacksonville Investigators are working to move a plane that crashed at the Naples Airport on New Year’s Day.
(CBS News) Tesla Cybertruck explosion outside Trump Hotel in Las Vegas investigated as possible act of terrorism The Tesla Cybertruck that exploded outside the Trump Towers is being investigated as a possible act of terrorism, says to law enforcement.
FORT MYERS Firefighters extinguish box truck fire in front of Fort Myers Wawa The Fort Myers Fire Department responded to a box truck fire, where the vehicle was engulfed in flames in front of a Wawa convenience store.
Southwest Florida International Airport RSW anticipates high travel activity through the weekend Thursday morning, millions of Americans are making their way back home after celebrating the holidays with loved ones.
The Forum shopping center properties in Fort Myers sell for $41.37M The transaction did not include the Home Depot or Super Target spaces.
MARCO ISLAND Caxambas Park set to reopen in early 2025 Caxambas Park in Marco Island will soon be open for the public to enjoy once again after several storms damaged the park in 2024.
Final day for private hurricane debris removal in Charlotte County The final day for private hurricane debris removal in Charlotte County has arrived as government contractors make their last run-through for the season.
Credit: WINK News Though Hurricane Helene has passed Southwest Florida, the Category 4 storm has brought heavy rainfall to the area, causing significant flooding. Streets were underwater, and residents were urged to stay indoors as water levels rose. WINK News is continuing to monitor road closures as city officials announce them. Lee County All directions of Cleveland Avenue on US 41 closed are currently blocked due to a downed powerline. At 7:30 a.m. on Friday, Cleveland Ave at Hill Ave reopened. McGregor Boulevard is closed between Port Comfort Road and the Sanibel Toll Plaza. At 7:15 a.m., on Friday, Cape Coral Parkway between the Cape Coral Bridge and Palm Tree Boulevard reopened. Drivers are advised to stay in the middle lane. At 6:45 a.m. on Friday, the Calooshatchee Bridge reopened. The Edison Bridge has reopened in both directions as of 3 p.m. The Matlacha Bridge has reopened; however, Lee County deputies will remain on the scene as motorists pass through. Roadway crews are also assessing the area. Fort Myers Poinsettia Avenue and First Street Westbound Palm Beach Boulevard at Seaboard Street Park Ave and Second Street All residential side streets of First Street Evans Ave and Providence Street West First Street from Monroe Street to Carson Street Heitman Street from Main St to West First Street Southbound ramp from Caloosahatchee Bridge onto West First Street Bay/Hendry Bay/Heitman W First/Wilna W First/Beau Rivage Hendry/Edwards Bay/Dean W First/Clifford Cypress Lane and East Riverside Drive First Street/Fowler Gasparilla Road toward Boca Grande were flooded Thursday night with water from high surf in the Gulf. Edison Bridge has reopened in both directions. Fort Myers Beach Roadway impassible on San Carlos Blvd toward Fort Myers Beach. Deputies are present at San Carlos Blvd and Pine Ridge Road. Roadway assessments are forthcoming. The roadway is not deemed safe. An update will be provided during daylight. Sanibel According to the Sanibel Fire and Rescue District, water came over the wall at Blind Pass. The roadway is debris-filled but still passable. Other areas on the island with noticeable flooding were Lighthouse Beach Park, Bailey Road, the intersection of Dixie Beach Road and Poinciana and Bowman’s Beach Road. The Sanibel Causeway reopened both inland and outland sides at noon on Friday. On-island travel is only allowed for emergency access only. The Sanibel Fire and Rescue District has two high-water vehicles on the island to help respond to emergency calls. Lehigh Acres 5300 block of 2nd St W between Marvin Ave and Norman Ave closed due to a powerline fire. Charlotte County The Interstate 75 northbound road exit ramp to Harbor View is closed due to flooding. Charlotte County urges residents to stay off all roads due to flooding and widespread storm surge. North Port The City of North Port Public Works team is working to respond to reports of downed trees and broken street lights. Punta Gorda All roads in downtown Punta Gorda are closed. The northbound and southbound U.S. 41 bridge over the Peace River reopened. The storm drains in Chasteen Street are overflowing, and the water is reaching the grass, sidewalks, and driveways of homes. There are signs on Chasteen Street that say “road closed” because the area is known to flood. Police are also out to ensure no one is out on the streets. Beach Road in Englewood is closed from State Road 776 to the Charlotte-Sarasota county line due to flooding from Hurricane Helene. The following roadways are currently impassable. ALL roads on the east side of Olympia Ave. Henry St. between Shreve St. and 41 To get to Olympia Avenue, motorists can instead take Virginia Ave. to Cooper St., turn onto Lavilla Rd., and turn left onto Elliot St. or Tabor Street. The following roads are still flooded. Berry St. between W. Retta Esplanade and W. Marion Ave. Brown St. between E. Marion Ave. and E. Olympia Ave. Chasteen St. between W. Olympia and W. Retta Esplanade Chasteen St., Berry St., Dolly St., Gill St., Sullivan St. (between W. Retta Esplanade and W. Marion Ave.) Dolly St. between W. Marion Ave. and W. Retta Esplanade Dupont St. and E. Marion Ave. E. Marion Ave. and Cooper St. Gill St. between W. Retta Esplanade and W. Marion Ave. McGregor St. and W. Olympia Ave. MLK between E. Marion and E. Olympia Nesbit St. (between E. Olympia and E. Marion, and E. Marion Ave. and Tamiami Trail) Nesbit St. between E. Marion Ave. and Tamiami Trail Nesbit St. between E. Olympia and E. Marion Rio Villa Dr. at Almar Dr Rio Villa Dr. at Vasco St Sullivan St. between W. Retta Esplanade and W. Marion Ave. Taylor St. between W. Retta Esplanade and W. Marion Ave. W. Marion Ave. between Dolly St. and Maud St. W. Marion Ave. between Tamiami Trail and Shreve St. Wood St. between E. Marion Ave. and E. Olympia Ave. Friday Update: The roadways remain closed, and motorists are advised to avoid the area. Collier County All roads west and south of US 41 are mostly impassable at this time. Naples Authorities are urging drivers to stay off the roads for their safety. The following roads are closed due to flooding: San Marco Rd is closed from US 41 to ½ mile past Goodland Dr Danford at Hamilton Ave Palm Street at Jefferson Ave Fredrick Street at US-41 Gordon Drive, Gulf Shore Blvd South, the local roadways around Tin City and the City Dock all have water over the roads. The Naples Pier experienced heavy rains, strong wind gusts, and lightning, and 13th Avenue and surrounding streets were experiencing ankle-deep pooling. Several areas of Collier County had roadway or higher flooding from storm surge related to Hurricane Helene.