SWFL 19-year-old hurt in New Orleans terrorist attack releases statementBonita Bill’s to close Jan. 5 prior to pending $5.5M sale
FORT MYERS SWFL 19-year-old hurt in New Orleans terrorist attack releases statement One of the young women from Fort Myers hurt during the New Orleans New Year’s Eve attack is breaking her silence.
Bonita Bill’s to close Jan. 5 prior to pending $5.5M sale HM Restaurant Group, owners the adjacent Doc Ford’s Rum Bar and Grille and Dixie Fish Co. restaurants, has been named as the buyer.
naples Beloved Naples Zoo giant anteater, Dee Gee, passes away The Naples Zoo is mourning the loss of a beloved male giant anteater who had given nearly 10 years of joy to visitors.
Charlotte County Property Appraiser accepting applications for partial property tax refunds The Charlotte County Property Appraiser is now accepting applications for partial 2024 property tax refunds.
FORT MYERS 2 wanted for stealing an e-bike from Fort Myers business parking lot Southwest Florida Crime Stoppers is asking for the public’s help identifying two men who stole an electric bike.
Hurricane Ian damages in Punta Gorda exceed $6M Multiple city-owned properties were either destroyed or damaged by Category 4 winds.
north fort myers Lee County man arrested for causing nearly $5K worth of property damage The Lee County Sheriff’s Office has arrested a man accused of causing nearly $5,000 worth of property damage to a home in North Fort Myers.
FORT MYERS Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center opening 2 art exhibitions during Art Walk in downtown Fort Myers The Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center announced its opening of two art exhibitions during the Art Walk in downtown Fort Myers.
Tim Aten Knows: More than 50 area restaurants coming in 2025 Get set for a scrumptious smorgasbord of restaurants preparing to open in the Naples area in 2025.
FORT MYERS Local bookstore on path to recovery following 2024 hurricane season An independent bookstore in Fort Myers has reopened in a new location following damages from hurricanes Helene and Milton.
Web Exclusive: Rachel Cox Rosen’s Construction Heads Up As construction may dampen your commute, WINK News traffic anchor Rachel Cox Rosen knows the best way to traverse the roadways in this web-exclusive feature.
the weather authority Below-normal highs with temperatures in the 70s The Weather Authority is tracking lower-than-average temperatures due to a cold front moving through Southwest Florida this weekend.
downtown fort myers Large crowds expected for Fort Myers Seafood & Music Festival Downtown Fort Myers is on higher alert as this weekend’s 4th Annual Fort Myers Seafood & Music Festival is expected to draw large crowds.
NAPLES MANOR Neighbors react to Collier County hit-and-run that injured 2 women According to the Florida Highway Patrol, two women were severely injured after a hit-and-run on Texas Avenue in Collier County.
Decision on Vandy QB leads to ex-JUCO players gaining eligibility A former FSW volleyball player is one of the ex-JUCO student athletes to get an extra season in college following Vanderbilt’s Diego Pavia’s injunction.
FORT MYERS SWFL 19-year-old hurt in New Orleans terrorist attack releases statement One of the young women from Fort Myers hurt during the New Orleans New Year’s Eve attack is breaking her silence.
Bonita Bill’s to close Jan. 5 prior to pending $5.5M sale HM Restaurant Group, owners the adjacent Doc Ford’s Rum Bar and Grille and Dixie Fish Co. restaurants, has been named as the buyer.
naples Beloved Naples Zoo giant anteater, Dee Gee, passes away The Naples Zoo is mourning the loss of a beloved male giant anteater who had given nearly 10 years of joy to visitors.
Charlotte County Property Appraiser accepting applications for partial property tax refunds The Charlotte County Property Appraiser is now accepting applications for partial 2024 property tax refunds.
FORT MYERS 2 wanted for stealing an e-bike from Fort Myers business parking lot Southwest Florida Crime Stoppers is asking for the public’s help identifying two men who stole an electric bike.
Hurricane Ian damages in Punta Gorda exceed $6M Multiple city-owned properties were either destroyed or damaged by Category 4 winds.
north fort myers Lee County man arrested for causing nearly $5K worth of property damage The Lee County Sheriff’s Office has arrested a man accused of causing nearly $5,000 worth of property damage to a home in North Fort Myers.
FORT MYERS Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center opening 2 art exhibitions during Art Walk in downtown Fort Myers The Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center announced its opening of two art exhibitions during the Art Walk in downtown Fort Myers.
Tim Aten Knows: More than 50 area restaurants coming in 2025 Get set for a scrumptious smorgasbord of restaurants preparing to open in the Naples area in 2025.
FORT MYERS Local bookstore on path to recovery following 2024 hurricane season An independent bookstore in Fort Myers has reopened in a new location following damages from hurricanes Helene and Milton.
Web Exclusive: Rachel Cox Rosen’s Construction Heads Up As construction may dampen your commute, WINK News traffic anchor Rachel Cox Rosen knows the best way to traverse the roadways in this web-exclusive feature.
the weather authority Below-normal highs with temperatures in the 70s The Weather Authority is tracking lower-than-average temperatures due to a cold front moving through Southwest Florida this weekend.
downtown fort myers Large crowds expected for Fort Myers Seafood & Music Festival Downtown Fort Myers is on higher alert as this weekend’s 4th Annual Fort Myers Seafood & Music Festival is expected to draw large crowds.
NAPLES MANOR Neighbors react to Collier County hit-and-run that injured 2 women According to the Florida Highway Patrol, two women were severely injured after a hit-and-run on Texas Avenue in Collier County.
Decision on Vandy QB leads to ex-JUCO players gaining eligibility A former FSW volleyball player is one of the ex-JUCO student athletes to get an extra season in college following Vanderbilt’s Diego Pavia’s injunction.
The fog may have rolled in, but it hasn’t stopped crowds from gathering in downtown Fort Myers for the city’s signature New Year’s Eve celebration, the Downtown Countdown, to ring in 2025. The festivities began at 6:30 p.m., and the streets have been bustling with excitement for hours. As the night progresses, the fun is only ramping up. People of all ages are enjoying the vibrant atmosphere filled with music, food, and anticipation. Tens of thousands of people are expected to join the festivities. Children like Skyler and Oklay shared their excitement for the evening’s activities. “I’m most excited because my mom said we can find something to paint, so that’s what I’m most excited to do,” Skyler said. Oklay added, “There is a lot of stuff.” The event features food trucks, sweet vendors, and a photo booth to help attendees capture their last memories of 2024. Sidney Hawkins, owner of Sugaree Photo Booth, reflected on the occasion. “Going into 2025, I hope that it’s like a lasting memory of the rest of the year,” Hawkins said. Skyler took full advantage of the photo booth, sharing her favorite poses. “I did a cheese pose and a surprise pose,” she said. WINK News reporter Jillian Haggerty herself stepped into the photo booth to capture her final moments of the year before heading over to enjoy live performances. Among the performers were DJs Emanuel and JC, who have been part of the Downtown Countdown for the past three years. “It makes me feel so awesome just because, you know, what happened with the hurricane and everything that has been going on,” JC said. “Finally, we get that one day where everybody comes together.” The duo shared a favorite memory from past New Year’s events. “I think the kid was like 6 years old, and he ended up in the middle, and they were just tossing him around,” Emanuel said. “He was dancing and just having a good old time, and watching people’s faces just having a great time, not worrying about anything. I think that’s one of the greatest feelings I have had DJing here the last three years.” The Downtown Countdown will continue until after midnight, featuring fireworks and a ball drop to officially welcome 2025. Attendees are advised to plan ahead as parking is limited, and most of downtown is closed off for the event.