Convicted child predator receives 75-year prison sentence in DeSoto CountyWhite Pelican Villas taking shape at former Beachview Cottages site on Sanibel
Convicted child predator receives 75-year prison sentence in DeSoto County The DeSoto County Sheriff’s Office has announced a 75-year prison sentence for a man convicted of sexual crimes against children.
White Pelican Villas taking shape at former Beachview Cottages site on Sanibel Following Hurricane Ian, Tony Lapi faced a dilemma. He could either rebuild the resort in the same footprint as the 22 Beachview Cottages that were destroyed on Sanibel Island or move it farther back from the beach and construct something more resilient.
WINK News Photos of the Week (3/21 – 3/27) Welcome to WINK News Photos of the Week, where we highlight memorable moments from Southwest Florida throughout the week.
NORTH NAPLES Man accused of stealing over $15K worth of Pokémon cards in North Naples The Collier County Sheriff’s Office has arrested a man accused of stealing over $15,000 worth of Pokémon cards from a North Naples business.
Tim Aten Knows: Costco formally files plans for second store in Collier Less than two weeks after hundreds of residents packed a neighborhood information meeting to protest conceptual plans for a second location in Collier County, Costco Wholesale Corp. submitted formal development plans earlier this month for a new store proposed on the southeast corner of Collier Boulevard and Rattlesnake Hammock Road.
FORT MYERS Vietnam Traveling Wall comes to Southwest Florida A moving tribute to Vietnam veterans arrived in Southwest Florida.
12-year-old Lee County student arrested for making bomb threats at his school A 12-year-old student from Veterans Park Academy for the Arts was arrested on Thursday for making threats involving planting bombs around the school.
Motorcyclist critically injured following SUV crash on US-41 in Lee County The Florida Highway Patrol is investigating a crash involving a motorcycle and an SUV that critically injured one person on U.S. 41 in Lee County.
BOKEELIA Bokeelia home destroyed after early morning fire The Matlacha Pine Island Fire Control District is on the scene of a fire that broke out at a Bokeelia home.
THE WEATHER AUTHORITY Breezy with a few showers Friday afternoon and evening The Weather Authority is tracking a breezier Friday with a mix of sun and clouds, which may produce showers, impacting your evening plans.
ESTERO Estero Goodwill holds grand opening Lynn Watts, a longtime Goodwill shopper, found herself in the midst of the bustling scene.
SANIBEL Destroyed and distressed: properties on Sanibel facing code enforcement Sanibel, a city known for its resilience, is now facing challenges as some of its beloved landmarks remain in disrepair.
NAPLES Collier County first responders extinguish brush fire near golf course A brush fire in Collier County threatened the Tiburon Golf Club in Naples on Wednesday, but quick action from first responders helped prevent disaster.
Naples embraces new mobile gym for dogs A unique mobile gym for dogs is making waves in Naples, offering a convenient way for pets to exercise without leaving their homes.
EVERGLADES Florida sugar firms lose lawsuit; Everglades restoration moves forward The 11th Circuit Court of Appeals ruled in favor of the Army Corps, marking a significant victory for Everglades restoration efforts.
Convicted child predator receives 75-year prison sentence in DeSoto County The DeSoto County Sheriff’s Office has announced a 75-year prison sentence for a man convicted of sexual crimes against children.
White Pelican Villas taking shape at former Beachview Cottages site on Sanibel Following Hurricane Ian, Tony Lapi faced a dilemma. He could either rebuild the resort in the same footprint as the 22 Beachview Cottages that were destroyed on Sanibel Island or move it farther back from the beach and construct something more resilient.
WINK News Photos of the Week (3/21 – 3/27) Welcome to WINK News Photos of the Week, where we highlight memorable moments from Southwest Florida throughout the week.
NORTH NAPLES Man accused of stealing over $15K worth of Pokémon cards in North Naples The Collier County Sheriff’s Office has arrested a man accused of stealing over $15,000 worth of Pokémon cards from a North Naples business.
Tim Aten Knows: Costco formally files plans for second store in Collier Less than two weeks after hundreds of residents packed a neighborhood information meeting to protest conceptual plans for a second location in Collier County, Costco Wholesale Corp. submitted formal development plans earlier this month for a new store proposed on the southeast corner of Collier Boulevard and Rattlesnake Hammock Road.
FORT MYERS Vietnam Traveling Wall comes to Southwest Florida A moving tribute to Vietnam veterans arrived in Southwest Florida.
12-year-old Lee County student arrested for making bomb threats at his school A 12-year-old student from Veterans Park Academy for the Arts was arrested on Thursday for making threats involving planting bombs around the school.
Motorcyclist critically injured following SUV crash on US-41 in Lee County The Florida Highway Patrol is investigating a crash involving a motorcycle and an SUV that critically injured one person on U.S. 41 in Lee County.
BOKEELIA Bokeelia home destroyed after early morning fire The Matlacha Pine Island Fire Control District is on the scene of a fire that broke out at a Bokeelia home.
THE WEATHER AUTHORITY Breezy with a few showers Friday afternoon and evening The Weather Authority is tracking a breezier Friday with a mix of sun and clouds, which may produce showers, impacting your evening plans.
ESTERO Estero Goodwill holds grand opening Lynn Watts, a longtime Goodwill shopper, found herself in the midst of the bustling scene.
SANIBEL Destroyed and distressed: properties on Sanibel facing code enforcement Sanibel, a city known for its resilience, is now facing challenges as some of its beloved landmarks remain in disrepair.
NAPLES Collier County first responders extinguish brush fire near golf course A brush fire in Collier County threatened the Tiburon Golf Club in Naples on Wednesday, but quick action from first responders helped prevent disaster.
Naples embraces new mobile gym for dogs A unique mobile gym for dogs is making waves in Naples, offering a convenient way for pets to exercise without leaving their homes.
EVERGLADES Florida sugar firms lose lawsuit; Everglades restoration moves forward The 11th Circuit Court of Appeals ruled in favor of the Army Corps, marking a significant victory for Everglades restoration efforts.
The Fort Myers Beach Coast Guard team conducted a rescue mission to help three individuals off the coast of Captiva. RELATED: Boating safety protocol after boat containing 3 capsizes in the Gulf The Coast Guard spotted the distressed boaters waving for help around 3:30 a.m. on Sunday. The three boaters had been drifting helplessly for over nine hours in the Gulf, with no lights or signal and surrounded by darkness. Alejandro Shannon, a Coast Guardsman involved in the rescue, spoke about the incident. “They had capsized, which means they were in the water at one point,” Shannon said. “There was no help on the way. So it was definitely a very scary situation for them.” Shannon explained that the darkness was a significant obstacle during the search. “It was dark, so that was probably the biggest factor going against us. We were also assuming that their boat was upright, and it wasn’t,” said Shannon. The Coast Guard team including Shannon, launched its search around 3:30 a.m. and found the trio within a few hours. The boaters wore life jackets, which Shannon emphasized was crucial to survival. “These people had life jackets on when we found them,” said Shannon. “If they didn’t, the outcome might not have been the same.” Daphnell Rivero-Falcon, another Coast Guardsman, described the relief felt once the boaters were safely on board. “When we got them on board, it was like, ‘It’s all right, this is over. We can finally welcome and be back home,” said Rivero-Falcon. Shannon shared the emotional impact of the rescue. “It was a combination of relief and being scared, but also thankful,” said Shannon. “Lot of emotions, hugging and crying. Yeah, it was a lot.” He also reflected on the personal impact. “Personally, I felt it. I wouldn’t have told the guys on the boat, but yeah, I felt the emotion seeing the lady crying and just the kind of tears of joy type of thing,” said Shannon. “Being a part of that, being able to help them, that kind of hit me pretty hard.” The Coast Guard’s readiness was evident in their swift response to the emergency. “That’s our primary mission. Search and rescue. So go out there, find them and take them home,” said Rivero-Falcon. The cause of the capsizing is still under investigation, but the crew stressed the importance of safety measures. They recommend having a float plan, flares, whistles, horns, and most importantly life jackets.