85-year-old determined to rebuild south Fort Myers home damaged by Ian

After the devastation left behind by Hurricane Ian, many in Southwest Florida were faced with the difficult decision of packing up and leaving or staying behind to rebuild. It was a dramatic fork in the road from a simple this-or-that choice, no matter how old you are. When WINK News first walked into Paul Riederer […]

Lighting up Times Square showcasing Fort Myers Beach rebuilding process after Ian

Lighting up Times Square bringing the focus of the town back to the community, fun, and a uniquely special environment, which is what it’s known for best. Santa Claus is coming to the town of Fort Myers Beach which is a welcomed sight. Especially for people who love the town that was decimated by Hurricane […]

Man revisits Red Coconut RV Park, where he used to live before Ian

A change in the charm has been the theme for the last few weeks on Fort Myers Beach while learning which iconic spots are selling or rebuilding. WINK News is unsure if the Red Coconut RV Park will still be a place to live after the hurricane. Nevertheless, WINK News has learned more about what […]

Two popular Naples beaches open in time for the holidays

People are flocking to the beach attempting to have a classic Florida Christmas, and since two more beach access points reopened Friday in Collier County, it may be perfect timing. Clam Pass Park and Vanderbilt Beach both have beach access and they’re two of Naples’ most popular beaches. While visitors aren’t afraid of what could […]

Lani Kai patiently making progress to open after Ian

A better understanding of when iconic Fort Myers Beach landmarks like the Lani Kai and Diamondhead will return to operation after Hurricane Ian. The two hotels were some of the only seaside staples to survive the powerful storm. All week, WINK News has been letting Southwest Florida know which Fort Myers Beach spots are for […]

Yo! Taco, back open on Fort Myers Beach

The iconic Taco spot, Yo! Taco, which suffered immensely from Hurricane Ian, is now open on Fort Myers Beach. The food truck is stationed on Estero Boulevard, right across from the Lani Kai. WINK News stopped by for lunch on Wednesday. For the people who work and frequent the spot, this is more than just […]

Gov. DeSantis signs property insurance and disaster relief bill Friday

On Friday, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis signed a property insurance and disaster relief bill on Fort Myers Beach. By signing the bill, DeSantis is creating a $1,000,000,000 reinsurance fund while rewriting rules on things like coverage denials and attorney fees. “These recoveries from major storms are really marathons. There are things you need in those […]

Gov. DeSantis tired of waiting on FEMA

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis said he’s tired of waiting on FEMA during a Friday press conference on Fort Myers Beach. DeSantis told the director of the Florida Division of Emergency Management to move forward with placing trailers for hurricane victims. His main point was that people need a place to live, and they need it […]

Sanibel woman searches for solace amongst Hurricane Ian damage

For one woman on Sanibel, a silver lining among the devastation and chaos after Hurricane Ian gives her a bit of optimism. It’s easy to find debris, destruction, and incredible loss on Sanibel. It wouldn’t take long to find a house without a roof, or a home scraped from its foundations. But, people like Monique […]