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.
Authorities have arrested five individuals and are searching for a sixth suspect in connection with a major car theft ring in Florida. The Florida Attorney General revealed that the group allegedly stole up to 80 cars, most of which were rentals, and sold them for cash. The investigation began in June 2022 when law enforcement in the Fort Myers area noticed many rental cars being stolen from airports. The Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE), along with other agencies, conducted the investigation over more than two years, uncovering 12 stolen vehicles across several counties, including Collier, Lee and Charlotte. “All six of these individuals are non-U.S. citizens,” said an official. “Five of them have already been arrested, and one of them is at large.” The rental cars were taken from Southwest Florida International Airport, specifically targeting Avis and Budget. Investigators revealed the thieves employed various tactics, such as using heavy-duty blankets to cover spikes at rental lots and duplicating car keys. They also reportedly hid AirTags in the cars before returning them, allowing them to track and steal the vehicles later. “Imagine, you’re coming in, you rent a vehicle. You’re taking your family to Disney World or somewhere fun for spring break, and you get out and your car is gone,” said one individual. The stolen vehicles, often high-end SUVs like Escalades and Yukon Suburbans, were then given clean titles and sold for cash. “I would never buy a car in all cash. That sounds like you’re asking for trouble,” said one person. FDLE agents estimate the group made upwards of $1 million from the car sales. The suspects are also accused of similar crimes in other states, including Texas and Georgia.