9th annual Eagle Radio Music Festival rocks the FGCU campusCape Coral mourns loss of dedicated police volunteer
ESTERO 9th annual Eagle Radio Music Festival rocks the FGCU campus Florida Gulf Coast University held the 9th annual Eagle Radio Music Festival, which exposed students to live local acts on its front lawn.
CAPE CORAL Cape Coral mourns loss of dedicated police volunteer Stanley Maliszewski, a dedicated volunteer for the Cape Coral Police Department for over 20 years, has passed away.
CAPE CORAL Rare right whales spotted near Cape Coral, experts urge caution Two critically endangered right whales made a rare appearance near Cape Coral, swimming into Southwest Florida waters.
FORT MYERS Storm surge VR from NOAA shows hurricane danger to teach safety NOAA has introduced a groundbreaking virtual reality simulation called “Weather the Storm,” designed to immerse people in the experience of a hurricane’s storm surge safely.
LEHIGH ACRES FWC officers arrest Lee County woman for illegal deer possession The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission has arrested a woman after she allegedly mutilated a deer and kept it as a pet.
FORT MYERS Fort Myers City Council unanimously approves ICE, FMPD partnership The Fort Myers City Council reconvened for a special meeting to vote on the Fort Myers Police Department’s partnership with Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
Port Charlotte Bowland sells, new owner plans upgrade Bowland on Harbor Boulevard in Port Charlotte has been sold to New York-based Bowl 360, which will continue to operate it as a bowling center with plans to upgrade the facility with modern, state-of-the-art technology and entertainment.
Market Trends shift to buyer’s market for Southwest Florida homes The Southwest Florida housing market has shifted, and if you’re thinking about selling, you had better hurry or put it off altogether if you bought after 2020, said Denny Grimes.
NAPLES Naples enhances Vedado Way Beach with ADA upgrades for accessibility Naples is making efforts to enhance accessibility at Vedado Way Beach by adding ADA-compliant amenities set to begin in April.
Animal safety bill passes Florida senate, on pace to governor’s desk Florida lawmakers just passed a major hurdle in the Senate as the push for Trooper’s Law to become ratified continues.
FORT MYERS Fort Myers City Council to reconsider ICE, FMPD partnership The Fort Myers City Council faces a critical decision as they are set to reconvene and vote on whether the Fort Myers Police Department should partner with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
Road closures in Collier County for Sgt. Flanagan’s funeral procession There will be a funeral procession Friday morning for Collier County Sheriff’s Office Sgt. Alan Flanagan.
Tim Aten Knows: Prime Social Reserve rooftop restaurant plans October launch in Naples Prime Social Reserve rooftop restaurant and lounge plans an October launch on Fifth Avenue South in downtown Naples.
WINK News Photos of the Week (3/14 – 3/20) Welcome to WINK News Photos of the Week, where we highlight memorable moments from Southwest Florida throughout the week.
THE WEATHER AUTHORITY Cool and sunny for your Friday plans The Weather Authority is tracking a pleasant Friday afternoon with cool and breezy conditions expected.
ESTERO 9th annual Eagle Radio Music Festival rocks the FGCU campus Florida Gulf Coast University held the 9th annual Eagle Radio Music Festival, which exposed students to live local acts on its front lawn.
CAPE CORAL Cape Coral mourns loss of dedicated police volunteer Stanley Maliszewski, a dedicated volunteer for the Cape Coral Police Department for over 20 years, has passed away.
CAPE CORAL Rare right whales spotted near Cape Coral, experts urge caution Two critically endangered right whales made a rare appearance near Cape Coral, swimming into Southwest Florida waters.
FORT MYERS Storm surge VR from NOAA shows hurricane danger to teach safety NOAA has introduced a groundbreaking virtual reality simulation called “Weather the Storm,” designed to immerse people in the experience of a hurricane’s storm surge safely.
LEHIGH ACRES FWC officers arrest Lee County woman for illegal deer possession The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission has arrested a woman after she allegedly mutilated a deer and kept it as a pet.
FORT MYERS Fort Myers City Council unanimously approves ICE, FMPD partnership The Fort Myers City Council reconvened for a special meeting to vote on the Fort Myers Police Department’s partnership with Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
Port Charlotte Bowland sells, new owner plans upgrade Bowland on Harbor Boulevard in Port Charlotte has been sold to New York-based Bowl 360, which will continue to operate it as a bowling center with plans to upgrade the facility with modern, state-of-the-art technology and entertainment.
Market Trends shift to buyer’s market for Southwest Florida homes The Southwest Florida housing market has shifted, and if you’re thinking about selling, you had better hurry or put it off altogether if you bought after 2020, said Denny Grimes.
NAPLES Naples enhances Vedado Way Beach with ADA upgrades for accessibility Naples is making efforts to enhance accessibility at Vedado Way Beach by adding ADA-compliant amenities set to begin in April.
Animal safety bill passes Florida senate, on pace to governor’s desk Florida lawmakers just passed a major hurdle in the Senate as the push for Trooper’s Law to become ratified continues.
FORT MYERS Fort Myers City Council to reconsider ICE, FMPD partnership The Fort Myers City Council faces a critical decision as they are set to reconvene and vote on whether the Fort Myers Police Department should partner with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
Road closures in Collier County for Sgt. Flanagan’s funeral procession There will be a funeral procession Friday morning for Collier County Sheriff’s Office Sgt. Alan Flanagan.
Tim Aten Knows: Prime Social Reserve rooftop restaurant plans October launch in Naples Prime Social Reserve rooftop restaurant and lounge plans an October launch on Fifth Avenue South in downtown Naples.
WINK News Photos of the Week (3/14 – 3/20) Welcome to WINK News Photos of the Week, where we highlight memorable moments from Southwest Florida throughout the week.
THE WEATHER AUTHORITY Cool and sunny for your Friday plans The Weather Authority is tracking a pleasant Friday afternoon with cool and breezy conditions expected.
Fort Myers Beach is still grappling with the aftermath of Hurricane Ian, which struck over two years ago. The island remains in need of significant repairs. A quick drive down Estero Boulevard reveals the extent of the damage. One visitor, Joe Howarth from New Jersey, said, “The initial drive in was pretty much shocked just by all the devastation that we encounter driving to the south end of the island.” Tremale Floyd from Ohio noted the lingering effects, stating, “We were on our way down here, right before you get to that bridge. It’s a boat in the trees.” Hurricane Ian made landfall on September 28, 2022, and its impact on Fort Myers Beach was significant. Now, more than two years later, the slow pace of recovery is affecting tourism in the area. Pink Shell President Bill Waichulis expressed his concerns, saying, “I was thinking three years we’d be pretty much back, but it’s going to be probably five to six years before you see the island fully, fully back.” Waichulis emphasized the importance of tourism in Lee County and the need for public facilities, adding, “These are all facilities that our guests and tourists come and utilize here on the islands, and the longer we take to get those backup, the longer people have in mind that maybe I shouldn’t come back to Fort Myers Beach.” He pointed to the pier and public bathrooms as critical areas in need of attention. Waichulis said, “It’s a detraction for our island.” Some visitors understand the challenges of reconstruction. One beachgoer, Karen Wenner from Minnesota, said, “I know how construction works, and it takes a long time to rebuild, and you guys have been hit so hard, so we’re just here to help out.” However, concerns about FEMA funding persist. “It makes me think that FEMA money is not coming soon enough,” Howarth said. The resort president also expressed skepticism about relying on FEMA to fund public facilities, suggesting that alternative funding sources might be necessary. “I have no confidence in FEMA,” Waichulis stated, citing past issues with the agency. The pier on Fort Myers Beach remains a significant topic of discussion. Despite plans to enhance it, construction has not yet started, and it is expected to continue until 2028. Waichulis says 2028 is too far away. County commissioners will address the pier timeline during their meeting on Tuesday. Waichulis mentioned that while tourism numbers are up from last year, only about 50% of hotels are operational, affecting tax revenue. He encouraged local residents to support businesses on the island, saying, “We need your business.” WINK News reached out to FEMA on the next steps for the island but has not yet gotten a response.