Firefighters work to contain Myakka State Forest fireSpaceX launches flight test; spacecraft visible in Florida
Firefighters work to contain Myakka State Forest fire A brush fire near Myakka State Forest in Charlotte County left residents in fear as it threatened homes and property.
SOUTHWEST FLORIDA SpaceX launches flight test; spacecraft visible in Florida A mysterious sight in the sky had WINK News viewers buzzing, but there’s no need to worry. It’s not a UFO.
Sovereign citizen claim complicates deputy-involved Charlotte County shooting case A tense incident unfolded on Sandy Pine Drive in Charlotte County last October when deputies shot and killed a man in his driveway.
SANIBEL Sanibel’s water system faces climate challenges Sanibel Island is facing challenges as it balances its natural beauty with the demands of stormwater management.
FORT MYERS Travel tips ahead of spring break Spring break 2025 has arrived, and tourists are flocking to Southwest Florida.
FORT MYERS Pilot project tackles affordable housing gaps in Fort Myers Affordable housing is a pressing issue in Southwest Florida, driven by a growing population. The Florida Housing Coalition is working to ensure residents can afford a place to live.
ALVA Alva locals voice concerns over Lee County’s housing expansion plan Residents of Alva are grappling with changes as Lee County commissioners approved a significant development project that will transform their rural community.
Collier County man caught in $150K bank fraud at Fifth Third Bank Collier County deputies arrested a man accused of impersonating another individual and making fraudulent bank transactions exceeding $150,000.
SANIBEL Discover rare shells at Sanibel Shell Show The nation’s oldest and most esteemed shell show is currently taking place on Sanibel.
Lee County Fighting the bite: Soaring high to battle mosquitoes WINK News anchor Liz Biro had the chance to fly with the Lee County Mosquito Control District to see how they work to battle mosquitoes.
PUNTA GORDA Charlotte wrestling ready for state tournament under strong leadership Fresh off of a regional title and a state runner-up finish in the dual team wrestling tournament, the Tarpons are fired up.
CAPE CORAL Managing allergies during peak season Springtime in Southwest Florida brings not only flowers and sunshine but also a wave of sneezes and sniffles.
COLLIER COUNTY One-on-one with FC Naples head coach Matt Poland WINK Sports Reporter Zach Oliveri sat down with FC Naples head coach Matt Poland to talk about the inaugural season.
Economist Jeremy Siegel favors Trump tax cuts, not tariffs During President Donald Trump’s first administration, longtime economic professor Jeremy Siegel received a request to join it as an economic adviser.
miami beach Gov. DeSantis announces safety efforts ahead of spring break Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis has announced safety efforts in Florida ahead of spring break.
Firefighters work to contain Myakka State Forest fire A brush fire near Myakka State Forest in Charlotte County left residents in fear as it threatened homes and property.
SOUTHWEST FLORIDA SpaceX launches flight test; spacecraft visible in Florida A mysterious sight in the sky had WINK News viewers buzzing, but there’s no need to worry. It’s not a UFO.
Sovereign citizen claim complicates deputy-involved Charlotte County shooting case A tense incident unfolded on Sandy Pine Drive in Charlotte County last October when deputies shot and killed a man in his driveway.
SANIBEL Sanibel’s water system faces climate challenges Sanibel Island is facing challenges as it balances its natural beauty with the demands of stormwater management.
FORT MYERS Travel tips ahead of spring break Spring break 2025 has arrived, and tourists are flocking to Southwest Florida.
FORT MYERS Pilot project tackles affordable housing gaps in Fort Myers Affordable housing is a pressing issue in Southwest Florida, driven by a growing population. The Florida Housing Coalition is working to ensure residents can afford a place to live.
ALVA Alva locals voice concerns over Lee County’s housing expansion plan Residents of Alva are grappling with changes as Lee County commissioners approved a significant development project that will transform their rural community.
Collier County man caught in $150K bank fraud at Fifth Third Bank Collier County deputies arrested a man accused of impersonating another individual and making fraudulent bank transactions exceeding $150,000.
SANIBEL Discover rare shells at Sanibel Shell Show The nation’s oldest and most esteemed shell show is currently taking place on Sanibel.
Lee County Fighting the bite: Soaring high to battle mosquitoes WINK News anchor Liz Biro had the chance to fly with the Lee County Mosquito Control District to see how they work to battle mosquitoes.
PUNTA GORDA Charlotte wrestling ready for state tournament under strong leadership Fresh off of a regional title and a state runner-up finish in the dual team wrestling tournament, the Tarpons are fired up.
CAPE CORAL Managing allergies during peak season Springtime in Southwest Florida brings not only flowers and sunshine but also a wave of sneezes and sniffles.
COLLIER COUNTY One-on-one with FC Naples head coach Matt Poland WINK Sports Reporter Zach Oliveri sat down with FC Naples head coach Matt Poland to talk about the inaugural season.
Economist Jeremy Siegel favors Trump tax cuts, not tariffs During President Donald Trump’s first administration, longtime economic professor Jeremy Siegel received a request to join it as an economic adviser.
miami beach Gov. DeSantis announces safety efforts ahead of spring break Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis has announced safety efforts in Florida ahead of spring break.
It may not feel like fall outside here in southwest Florida, but according to the calendar, it is. Saturday marks the start of the 10th Annual Fall Festival at Farmer Mike’s in Fort Myers and Bonita Springs. There’s plenty of fun to be had for the community as we recover from Hurricane Helene. WINK News reporter Zoe Warner went to the event, located on Gladiolus Drive in Lee County, to see if Farmer Mike is ready for a busy weekend. Grandparents Carney and John Fererror are looking forward to doing as much as they can with their grandkids, while they can. “We’re hoping to get it in before it rains again,” Carney said. While Farmer Mike’s is celebrating their 10th Annual Fall Festival, prepping for the upcoming rainy weather is still a priority. Michael Clevenger Jr., otherwise known as Farmer Mike, told WINK News, “The first thing we do is we come in, we take all the tents down, pull all the pumpkins and the displays, put them in a safe area, and then just give the staff the day off, right? Keep everybody nice and safe. And then afterward, come back out, put everything back up and be ready to go for this weekend.” Families can come out and enjoy the corn mazes, hay rides, pumpkin patches and of course bouncy houses. Miles Rubinski’s daughter Amelia came well prepared for any type of weather the weekend may bring. “Amelia, she chose the rain boots this morning. We were like, okay, fine, we’ll do it. And then it worked out perfectly. So rain boots are recommended for sure,” said Rubinski. “I guess we’re just kind of resigned to the fact that we’re gonna get our feet a little bit wet and we’re just gonna have to dry them off later…” While the family-owned farm is ready to weather any storm, Farmer Mike said there are a few things visitors can do to still enjoy the fall festivities. “We are on a farm. So those old shoes that you haven’t worn in a while…throw those on the kids…kids are going to have a blast. The more rainwater there is out here, the more they love it, right? Parents, maybe not so much. If you’re in a good mindset and ready to have fun, you’re going to love it,” he said. The festival is ongoing throughout October, every Friday through Sunday. For tickets or more information, go to their website here.