FGCU FGCU searching for next women’s basketball coach A national search is on for FGCU’s next head women’s basketball coach after Chelsea Lyles resigned from the position at her alma mater.
FORT MYERS March Madness spurs vasectomy surge March Madness has become more than just a basketball tournament; it’s also a popular time for men to undergo vasectomies.
2 dogs dead in structure fire on Husky Lane; 2 vehicles destroyed The South Trail Fire Department is responding to a structure fire on Husky Lane in Lee County.
FORT MYERS Fort Myers boxer wins WBC featherweight world title Former FMPD officer and Police Athletic League coach Tiara Brown beat Skye Nicolson in the WBC featherweight world championship.
cape coral New charges added in Cape Coral theft, shooting; 2 more teens arrested The Cape Coral Police Department has announced more charges against two teenagers allegedly involved in a string of thefts that led to a shooting.
Sea Love Candle Bar & Boutique opens at Coconut Point in Estero Tina Smagala had spent about three decades working in corporate human resources and communications in various industries, and she was looking to try something else for a change.
Perkins Restaurant & Bakery to close in Estero The only Perkins Restaurant & Bakery in south Lee County is closing April13, and the question now is what’s going to take its place.
Changes coming to Social Security identity verification The Social Security Administration is changing how people can verify their identity for retirement, survivors, or family benefits.
the weather authority Warm and breezy this Thursday afternoon The Weather Authority is tracking a warm and breezy Thursday with conditions that may increase the risk of brush fires this afternoon.
NAPLES NCH Naples uses actors to prepare medical staff for emergencies NCH is taking medical training to an innovative level by providing real-life simulations for doctors and nurses.
ESTERO FGCU police wrangle 6-foot gator on busy campus boardwalk A 6-foot alligator made an unexpected appearance at Florida Gulf Coast University, causing a commotion on a busy boardwalk.
FORT MYERS Fort Myers City council faces backlash over ICE partnership The Fort Myers City Council’s partnership with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has been a point of contention
NAPLES Collier County teen hospitalized after protecting friend from dating violence incident A 17-year-old hero is fighting for his life in the hospital after a violent incident in Collier County.
FORT MYERS Fort Myers fire officials urge honesty to aid investigations, ensure safety The Fort Myers Fire Department is urging the community to be open and honest during fire investigations.
WWII veteran recalls life as a woman in war While many are familiar with the stories of men who served in World War II, the women who served also played a crucial role in shaping history.
FGCU FGCU searching for next women’s basketball coach A national search is on for FGCU’s next head women’s basketball coach after Chelsea Lyles resigned from the position at her alma mater.
FORT MYERS March Madness spurs vasectomy surge March Madness has become more than just a basketball tournament; it’s also a popular time for men to undergo vasectomies.
2 dogs dead in structure fire on Husky Lane; 2 vehicles destroyed The South Trail Fire Department is responding to a structure fire on Husky Lane in Lee County.
FORT MYERS Fort Myers boxer wins WBC featherweight world title Former FMPD officer and Police Athletic League coach Tiara Brown beat Skye Nicolson in the WBC featherweight world championship.
cape coral New charges added in Cape Coral theft, shooting; 2 more teens arrested The Cape Coral Police Department has announced more charges against two teenagers allegedly involved in a string of thefts that led to a shooting.
Sea Love Candle Bar & Boutique opens at Coconut Point in Estero Tina Smagala had spent about three decades working in corporate human resources and communications in various industries, and she was looking to try something else for a change.
Perkins Restaurant & Bakery to close in Estero The only Perkins Restaurant & Bakery in south Lee County is closing April13, and the question now is what’s going to take its place.
Changes coming to Social Security identity verification The Social Security Administration is changing how people can verify their identity for retirement, survivors, or family benefits.
the weather authority Warm and breezy this Thursday afternoon The Weather Authority is tracking a warm and breezy Thursday with conditions that may increase the risk of brush fires this afternoon.
NAPLES NCH Naples uses actors to prepare medical staff for emergencies NCH is taking medical training to an innovative level by providing real-life simulations for doctors and nurses.
ESTERO FGCU police wrangle 6-foot gator on busy campus boardwalk A 6-foot alligator made an unexpected appearance at Florida Gulf Coast University, causing a commotion on a busy boardwalk.
FORT MYERS Fort Myers City council faces backlash over ICE partnership The Fort Myers City Council’s partnership with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has been a point of contention
NAPLES Collier County teen hospitalized after protecting friend from dating violence incident A 17-year-old hero is fighting for his life in the hospital after a violent incident in Collier County.
FORT MYERS Fort Myers fire officials urge honesty to aid investigations, ensure safety The Fort Myers Fire Department is urging the community to be open and honest during fire investigations.
WWII veteran recalls life as a woman in war While many are familiar with the stories of men who served in World War II, the women who served also played a crucial role in shaping history.
Credit: Johnathan Minehan Better Together held its annual “Night of a Million Dreams” gala to raise funds to keep children out of foster care and strengthen families. The event took place Thursday from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. at The Ritz-Carlton Naples, Tiburón. Inspired by the theme “Once Upon a Time.” The evening featured dinner, dueling pianos, a live auction, and stories of transformed lives. Proceeds benefited from Better Together programs to assist families in need in Southwest Florida. WINK News’ Lindsay Sablan led the event’s introduction. Chadd Hodges, Andrea Hodges, Christian Spilker and Kelli Spilker chaired the event. Tickets were priced at $500 per person and $5,000 for tables of eight. This year’s exclusive presenting title sponsor was Peter Rivera of Gaea Landscaping. He recently became a board member for both United Way and Better Together. He spoke about his experience with Better Together and the help he has contributed to them over the years. “I’ve worked with them for three to four years now and have been a sponsor for two,” Rivera said. “Every year, they continue to move that ceiling that they set for themselves and they always surpass that goal. So they’re on a mission to continually grow and help have an impact on the community.” For Rivera, Better Together has been an opportunity to become involved in his community and help people who may need assistance. Last year, Rivera and Gaea Landscaping donated $50,000 to the previous gala, and this year, they donated $25,000. “I think it’s a matter of educating people that not everybody that’s homeless is homeless because they choose to be there,” Rivera said. “But you know, I think everybody deserves an opportunity. Of course, there are laws and regulations that we have to follow. I think we can find a happy medium to continue to assist those that need that help.” He has enjoyed his experience with Better Together, helping to translate for individuals in need during Hurricane Ian. Gaea Landscaping plans to continue sponsoring BetterTogether and appreciates the efforts to help those in need. Several Sponsors donated to the cause: DeAngelis Diamond Gulfshore Life LeeCorp Homes Priority Marketing Summit Church Attendees had several options for how much to sponsor, including Enchanted Castle Sponsors for $15,000, Royal Knight Sponsors for $10,000, Timeless Tale Sponsors for $5,000, Golden Apple Sponsors for $2,500, and Fund a Dream Sponsors for $500. The event raised a total of $621,050. Megan Rose, CEO of Better Together, expressed gratitude for the community’s support. “We are so grateful for our amazing lineup of sponsors this year,” said Rose. “With the community’s support, we can change the trajectory of children’s lives and make our dream of ending foster care a reality.” Rose and her team have been working to help keep families together and provide a resource for those in need to find jobs and stay afloat. “We’ve learned that we can help families with budgeting, problem-solving, help them find a better job and get a job that helps people quickly,” Rose said. “We’ve also been helping people be able to buy a home, rent a home, and that’s what’s really important for us.” First established in 2015, Better Together has worked with several organizations to develop the best help for those in need. The nonprofit has expanded its reach to six regions in Florida, serving 48 counties. “Sometimes, in a rough situation, it can be really hard to navigate, but we partner with St. Mathews House and Salvation Army, and we’ve gotten really creative when it comes to coming up with solutions,” Rose said. Better Together plans to have more events in the future, including a nationwide day of second chances, which will allow many to access job-finding resources in the community.