SpaceX launches flight test; spacecraft visible in FloridaSovereign citizen claim complicates deputy-involved Charlotte County shooting case
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.
Crews battling 12-acre brush fire in Charlotte County Crews are hard at work battling a 12-acre brush fire in Charlotte County.
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.
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.
Crews battling 12-acre brush fire in Charlotte County Crews are hard at work battling a 12-acre brush fire in Charlotte County.
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.
The Atlanta Dream has hired longtime Florida Gulf Coast University coach Karl Smesko to lead the team as he steps down as head women’s basketball coach of the Eagles. FGCU announced the news that Smesko was headed to the WNBA on Wednesday morning. Smesko built FGCU into a perennial NCAA tournament team and has the third-highest winning percentage in women’s college basketball. Smesko arrived in Fort Myers in 2002 tasked with building the FGCU women’s basketball program from the ground up. In his first year, he led fledgling Division II FGCU to a 30-1 record. Smesko stayed to oversee FGCU’s jump from the Division II ranks into a full-fledged NCAA Division I program, joining the Atlantic Sun Conference in 2007. The Eagles continued to see unmatched success, winning 84 of their first 85 conference home games. Smesko won 20 or more games each season at FGCU and also posted seven 30-win campaigns with the Eagles. Under his 23-year leadership, FGCU earned the distinction of being the winningest D-I program in the history of college basketball, with a .845 all-time winning percentage. Long-time associate head coach Chelsea Lyles has been named the second head coach in FGCU program history. A 2010 graduate of FGCU, Lyles is a former player for Smesko who has risen through the ranks on the FGCU coaching staff from student assistant to her new position as the program’s leader. “I’m grateful to be the coach of a place that I loved and respected since I was 20 years old,” said Lyles. Lyles was named the head coach on Wednesday, now that Smesko is heading to the WNBA to be the head coach of the Atlanta Dream. “Not only has he been a great mentor and boss but he’s also a great friend of mine,” said Lyles. “And so he’s somebody I’ve leaned on a lot throughout my career and so obviously I’m super proud of him. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity for him.” Lyles shares what she learned most from Smesko. “He definitely taught me the value of hard work. In order for me to be successful at this job, I’m going to have to work hard. And that’s something he’s displayed every single day,” said Lyles. FGCU athletic director Colin Hargis says Lyles was the first and only person on his list. “She’s an incredible teammate. She’s been part of an incredible program with culture. The identity and foundation they’ve built here. So when you think about ‘who do you want to lead and succeed this program?’ It’s Chelsea,” said Hargis. Lyles is set on maintaining Smesko level of success. “We’re going to have to come together make this season special. The expectations are still the same. We’re still striving for excellence and we are still have the same goals as we always have,” said Lyles. When WINK Sports spoke to Smesko on Wednesday, he said Lyles is an amazing coach and person who will do great things for the program. Lyles coaches her first game as head coach Sunday in the teams home opener against NJIT.