Nurses protest use of AI in the workplaceNew gym offers safe place to play for kids on the autism spectrum
PORT CHARLOTTE Nurses protest use of AI in the workplace Nurses are fighting back against artificial intelligence in their place of work. On Thursday, nurses took to the streets to protest.
NAPLES New gym offers safe place to play for kids on the autism spectrum We Rock the Spectrum welcomes kids both on and off the autism spectrum with activities that cater to all kids.
Charlotte County Vulture Infestation in Placida Neighborhood Big birds are taking over a local golf course in Charlotte County, feeding off the fish kill.
PUNTA GORDA CCSO on scene of officer-involved shooting in Punta Gorda According to the Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office, they are on the scene of an officer-involved shooting on Eager Road in Punta Gorda.
FORT MYERS Tempers flare over RSW expansion budget Tensions rose during Thursday’s meeting with the Lee County Port Authority and county commissioners over RSW’s budget.
ENGLEWOOD Promoting good mental health for veterans The tragedy of veteran suicide impacts far too many families.
72-year-old former law enforcement still displaced after Glades County tornado Devastating damage was brought to the Lakeport Community in Glades County on October 2024, after the strongest tornado to ever hit southwest Florida ripped the neighborhood to shreds.
NORTH FORT MYERS Drivers react to FDOT project on US 41 in North Fort Myers Drivers are reacting to the traffic being caused by a Florida Department of Transportation project at the intersection of U.S. 41 and Pine Island Road.
FORT MYERS Bishop Verot boys basketball coach celebrates 500 career wins Bishop Verot High School boys basketball head coach Matt Herting celebrates 500 career wins and reflects on 29 years coaching the sport.
NAPLES Shy Wolf Sanctuary to host Wolfstock Music festival Shy Wolf Sanctuary will soon host its 6th annual Wolfstock Music and Brewfest.
More women and younger adults getting cancer Mortality rates for cancer continue to decline. The American Cancer Society’s annual report says there was a 34% decrease in deaths between 1991 and 2022, but the report isn’t all good news.
FORT MYERS LCSO deputy struck by suspect vehicle at Page Field Commons A Lee County Sheriff’s Office deputy was injured after being struck by a suspect’s vehicle.
Man arrested after multi-county chase stemming from carjacking A man has been arrested after a carjacking turned into a chase that crossed county lines.
LCSO responds to calls for Carmine Marceno to resign The Lee County Sheriff’s Office has responded to the calls for Sheriff Carmine Marceno to resign on Thursday.
PORT CHARLOTTE Nurses protest use of AI in the workplace Nurses are fighting back against artificial intelligence in their place of work. On Thursday, nurses took to the streets to protest.
NAPLES New gym offers safe place to play for kids on the autism spectrum We Rock the Spectrum welcomes kids both on and off the autism spectrum with activities that cater to all kids.
Charlotte County Vulture Infestation in Placida Neighborhood Big birds are taking over a local golf course in Charlotte County, feeding off the fish kill.
PUNTA GORDA CCSO on scene of officer-involved shooting in Punta Gorda According to the Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office, they are on the scene of an officer-involved shooting on Eager Road in Punta Gorda.
FORT MYERS Tempers flare over RSW expansion budget Tensions rose during Thursday’s meeting with the Lee County Port Authority and county commissioners over RSW’s budget.
ENGLEWOOD Promoting good mental health for veterans The tragedy of veteran suicide impacts far too many families.
72-year-old former law enforcement still displaced after Glades County tornado Devastating damage was brought to the Lakeport Community in Glades County on October 2024, after the strongest tornado to ever hit southwest Florida ripped the neighborhood to shreds.
NORTH FORT MYERS Drivers react to FDOT project on US 41 in North Fort Myers Drivers are reacting to the traffic being caused by a Florida Department of Transportation project at the intersection of U.S. 41 and Pine Island Road.
FORT MYERS Bishop Verot boys basketball coach celebrates 500 career wins Bishop Verot High School boys basketball head coach Matt Herting celebrates 500 career wins and reflects on 29 years coaching the sport.
NAPLES Shy Wolf Sanctuary to host Wolfstock Music festival Shy Wolf Sanctuary will soon host its 6th annual Wolfstock Music and Brewfest.
More women and younger adults getting cancer Mortality rates for cancer continue to decline. The American Cancer Society’s annual report says there was a 34% decrease in deaths between 1991 and 2022, but the report isn’t all good news.
FORT MYERS LCSO deputy struck by suspect vehicle at Page Field Commons A Lee County Sheriff’s Office deputy was injured after being struck by a suspect’s vehicle.
Man arrested after multi-county chase stemming from carjacking A man has been arrested after a carjacking turned into a chase that crossed county lines.
LCSO responds to calls for Carmine Marceno to resign The Lee County Sheriff’s Office has responded to the calls for Sheriff Carmine Marceno to resign on Thursday.
Southwest Florida is embracing the holiday spirit with a variety of festive events this Christmas season. From the twinkling lights of Naples’ Christmas on Fifth to the boat parades lighting up the waterways in Fort Myers and Marco Island, there’s something for everyone. With concerts, holiday plays and outdoor activities, Southwest Florida promises a merry and memorable Christmas season for residents and visitors alike. Here are some of the holiday events we found: Lee County Fort Myers Another Night Before Christmas at the Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre The off-broadway doors open a half hour before showtime for seating. If you choose to have dinner, the dining is in a separate room. Tickets are $55 for show only. Hosted by Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre 1380 Colonial Blvd. Fort Myers, FL 33907 Runs until Wed. Dec. 25, 1 p.m. or 7:30 p.m. Holiday Lights at Calusa Nature Center Stop by for holiday music, hot chocolate and roast marshmallows at the fire pit. Enjoy the decorations in and around the Nature Center and walk their 1/3 of a mile, fully-decorated Pine Loop Trail. Admission is $10 for adults and $5 for children and members. Hosted by the Calusa Nature Center & Planetarium Through Dec. 29, 6 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. Fort Myers, 3450 Ortiz Ave., Fort Myers, FL 33905 Christmas Tree Festival The 7th Annual Christmas Tree Festival will showcase decorated trees and wreaths for anyone to bid on and take home. All proceeds from the auction will go back to the area non-profit. The event is free to the public or purchase the limited VIP ticket for $100. Hosted by Fort Myers Beach Woman’s Club Fri. Dec. 13, begins at 4:30 p.m. 175 Sterling Ave., Fort Myers Beach, FL 33931 Cape Coral Holiday Boat-A-Long & Christmas Movie Following the boat parade will be a free movie in the Four Freedoms Park featuring “Polar Express.” Be sure to bring your lawn chairs and blankets to enjoy the festivities. Hosted by the City of Cape Coral Sat. Dec. 21, from 4 p.m. – 9 p.m. 4818 Tarpon Ct., Cape Coral, FL Wreaths Across America Ceremony Coordinated and led by local volunteers, sponsorship groups have raised funds throughout the year to sponsor the placement of veterans’ wreaths on the headstones of fallen service members laid to rest there. Hosted by Coral Ridge Cemetery Sat. Dec. 14, placement 11 a.m., ceremony 12:00 p.m. Coral Ridge Cemetery, 1630 SW Pine Island Rd, Cape Coral Lehigh Acres Christmas Event There will be a free Christmas event for the Lehigh Acres community. Free gifts will also be available for children 12 and under. Hosted by Sophia’s Magical Sweets & More Sunday, Dec. 15, 4 p.m. – 7 p.m. 16 Lee Blvd., Lehigh Acres, FL Christmas Tree Lighting in downtown Fort Myers. CREDIT: WINK News Charlotte County Port Charlotte The Wonderland of Lights Celebrate the holidays with a magical drive through captivating tunnels of shimmering lights and larger-than-life illuminated sculptures. You can also purchase the enchanted 3D elf glasses at the gate for even more wonder. Hosted by the Charlotte County Fairgrounds It runs until Thurs. Dec. 29, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.; Fridays and Saturdays, 6 p.m. – 10 p.m. 2333 El Jobean Rd., Port Charlotte, FL 33948 3rd Annual Christmas Festival There will be crafts, Make-A-Ornament, candy canes, temporary tattoos, games, a bounce house, a free bike raffle and more. Hosted by Rollin Low Car Club Sat. Dec. 14, 12 p.m. – 3 p.m. 2000 Tamiami Trail, Port Charlotte, FL 33948 Punta Gorda Isles Christmas Boat Parade The best way to see the parade is to be in the parade. Rain or shine, there is no rain check for the event. This is a community event, and all boaters are welcome to register. Hosted by the Punta Gorda Isles Civic Association Sat. Dec. 21, begins at 6 p.m. 3842 Aves Island Court, Punta Gorda, FL 33950 Christmas tree with an ornament. CREDIT: WINK News Collier County Naples Christmas Boat Parade This year’s parade theme is “Christmas Carnival.” Winners will take best in class and best overall theme winner. Hosted by the Marine Industries Association of Collier County Saturday, Dec. 14, gates open at 5:30 p.m. 880 12th Ave. S., Naples, FL 34102 Christmas Extravaganza at Shoppes at Vanderbilt Free photos with Santa. Santa will be taking photos the whole time. This is first come, first served. Hosted by Shoppes at Vanderbilt Sat. Dec. 14, 5 p.m. – 8 p.m. 2355 Vanderbilt Beach Rd., Naples, FL 3410 Marco Island A Pioneer Christmas — Holiday Crafts Join the Pioneer Gallery for crafts and activities the week between Christmas and New Year’s. You’ll learn how the Pioneers on Marco Island created decorations and celebrated this time of year. Hosted by the Marco Island Historical Museum Tues. Dec. 31, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. 180 S Heathwood Dr, Marco Island, FL 34145 Credit: WINK News. Hendry County LaBelle Christmas Pop-Up The perfect chance to wrap up your Christmas shopping, spend some time with family and friends while supporting local small businesses all in one place. Hosted by Bare Skin Aesthetics Studio Sat, Dec. 14, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. 84 N Hall St., LaBelle, FL 33935 Resharp Christmas Event Get ready for Christmas dinner with sharp knives. Buy one sharpened knife and get the second one free. Hosted by Vision Ace Hardware Thurs. Dec. 19, 7 p.m., Dec. 22, 6 p.m. 350 W Hickpochee Ave., LaBelle, FL, 33935 Glades County Moore Haven The Nutcracker – A Family Friendly Dance Show Come one, come all to a dance performance designed to get local Hendry and Glades County families in the Christmas spirit. Hosted by Clewiston Performing Arts Center and Jackie Hesser Dec. 13 and 14, 7 p.m. 700 Terrier Pride Drive SW, Moore Haven