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.
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!”