Neighbors concerned over new apartment complex affordability in Fort Myers

Hundreds of high-end apartments are expected to be coming to the city of Fort Myers. But is it the right location for it? Some neighbors tell us they want more affordable housing, but question whether the new development is actually affordable. The apartment complex is slated to be built at the northwest corner of Michigan […]

Mailbox, stop signs, the American flag have all been vandalized. (Credit: WINK News)

Spray paint vandalizes American flag, public property in DeSoto County

The American flag, mailbox, stop signs, have all been vandalized – spray-painted with hateful words and offensive symbols. Now, the hunt is on to apprehend those responsible. Just outside of Arcadia, neighbors around Pine Hurst Dr. came outside to find graffiti and hateful words sprayed-painted on personal and public property. “My mom said the American […]

FILE: Water being released from Lake Okeechobee into the Caloosahatchee River on October 29, 2018. (Credit: WINK News/FILE)

Corps tests new technology turning blue-green algae into fuel

A group many criticize for causing the water crisis now has an idea to help end it and use it to our benefit. Ted Dobrie has seen the water in front of his Moore Haven home on good days and the bad. “This year, it seems to be much less of an issue than it […]

senate bill 738

Florida ‘Wetland Mitigation’ law protects natural resources and promotes development

A new law will protect Florida’s natural resources while still allowing the state to prosper and welcome new residents. Gov. Ron DeSantis approved HB 521: Wetland Mitigation in June, and it took effect July 1. It directly allows local governments to allow wetland restoration on government-owned lands under certain circumstances. “The first thing they have […]

UF scientists test SWFL soil to help farmers

Scientists at the University of Florida are trying to uncover what is in the soil in Southwest Florida. WINK News Reporter Stephanie Byrne explains why they believe what’s inside the soil could pay of for farmers. WATCH the video above for her full story.

FILE: Dead fish at Englewood Beach. (Credit: WINK News/FILE)

Southwest Florida REIA luncheon focuses on ‘ecology of real estate’

When you are looking for a house, location is key. One significant factor that draws people to move to Southwest Florida is the water. That is why real estate agents are monitoring any signs of blue-green algae or red tide. Coastal living is part of the appeal of Southwest Florida. But how our water looks […]

Gulf Coast states see similarities to Southwest Florida blue-green algae

The same type of algae that plagued our waterways, causing a water crisis last year is now devastating the Mississippi Gulf Coast. Tampa Bay Area is also having problems. Mike Parsons, a professor at Florida Gulf Coast University who also serves on the Florida Blue-Green Algae Task Force, said the microcystins found in Mississippi is […]

Scientists go microscopic to find answer to prevent blue-green algae

Scientists with U.S. Geological Survey’s southeast region and Caribbean Florida Water Science Center believe they can make a positive impact on the Southwest Florida water crisis and find an answer to prevent blue-green algae from returning. Scientists will look at water in Lake Okeechobee and the Caloosahatchee River and the life cycle of the algae […]

Blue-green algae build up in a SWFL canal. Photo via WINK News.

FGCU scientists test viruses to stop blue-green algae

Hearing the word virus, many think of a cold or something that invades a computer. But that is not what came to mind for researchers at Florida Gulf Coast University. While people hope for a solution to blue-green algae, scientists at FGCU work to combat it using a virus. “As someone who studies viruses,” said […]

A look at the extremely rare ‘super’ Ghost Orchid in Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary

Many call Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary the heart and soul of Florida. It is nature’s gem in the western Everglades. The area has thousands of acres of land that’s home to nature’s wildlife and one of the treasures in the world – the extremely rare super Ghost Orchid. Reporter Stephanie Byrne takes you into the swamp […]