Beloved Naples Zoo giant anteater, Dee Gee, passes awayCharlotte County Property Appraiser accepting applications for partial property tax refunds
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.
Little Gasparilla Island looking to rebuild after active hurricane season The 2024 hurricane season did damage to Little Gasparilla Island in Charlotte County. Residents hope the new year will bring revitalization.
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.
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.
Little Gasparilla Island looking to rebuild after active hurricane season The 2024 hurricane season did damage to Little Gasparilla Island in Charlotte County. Residents hope the new year will bring revitalization.
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.
Photo by Anna-Louise on Pexels.com The countdown is on for 2025 as people around the globe prepare to give 2024 its final send-off this New Year’s Eve. In Southwest Florida, several events are set to be held as locals usher in the new year. Festivities in downtown Fort Myers will begin at 6 p.m. on Tuesday and run until 12:30 a.m. on Wednesday. The iconic New Year’s ball drop will occur near the Luminary Hotel, with live music, fireworks, and plenty of food and drinks available to keep the party rolling. WINK News spoke with Trisha Davis, owner of Scoops on First, about what business owners can expect as New Year’s marks the official start of tourist season in Southwest Florida.  “It’s been a tough off-season this year between hurricanes, the bridge and the election. It’s just been a bad off-season, so anytime there’s any event, especially a long event that’s about six hours long,” said Davis. “It’s very good for all of our businesses, and I believe we will be very happy to have it after a very rough off-season.” The Cape Coral Parks and Recreation Department will host its New Year’s Eve Celebration in Downtown Cape Coral at Southeast 47th Terrace from 6 p.m. to midnight. The family-friendly free celebration will have its trademark two ball drops, one at 8 p.m. and one at midnight. There will also be live music, food vendors, fireworks and more. In Fort Myers Beach, merriment will be plenty as party-goers congregate at Bayside Park for live music, drinking and eating. After the ball drops at midnight, the fireworks will begin offshore of the Times Square area. Note: The Matanzas Pass Bridge will be closed to oncoming traffic from 11 p.m. – 1:30 a.m. Big Carlos Pass Bridge on the south end of the Island will be open. LeeTran will offer extended transportation services in Downtown Fort Myers and on Fort Myers Beach for New Year’s Eve festivities. RELATED: LeeTran to provide extended service for New Year’s Eve festivities In Collier County, the Ritz-Carlton, Naples, will host its New Year’s Eve Black-Tie Gala. The event will include a five-course champagne dinner and dancing, with live music performed by international jazz musician Stella Cole. Elegant, formal attire is suggested for an evening of celebration, including dinner and dancing. For more information and to purchase your ticket, click here. In Punta Gorda, Fisherman’s Village will hold its bombastic New Year’s Eve Celebration and Fireworks Display. According to PureFlorida.com, “This family-friendly event runs from 6 p.m. to midnight on Dec. 31 and will keep you entertained throughout the night. Hundreds join the celebration and keep the dance floor at Center Court groovin’ until the clock strikes midnight!”