trash

Debris not organized properly by contracted company

If you put your debris in black trash bags it won’t get picked up, that’s because FEMA won’t reimburse the county for that trash. The agency explained that the black trash bags get caught in machines. You have to put your items in three separate piles, vegetative, construction debris, and appliances. And you should not […]

Huge boat blocking the road on San Carlos Island possibly stalling Ian recovery

A mother and her two kids feared for their lives during Hurricane Ian, huddled on the second floor of their home as water climbed the staircase. In fact, the mother, Elaine Oben, called WINK News during the storm asking when the surge would recede. Elaine said there’s one big thing blocking their neighborhood from getting […]

Crews cleaning Collier County beaches hopeful to open soon

The beaches in Southwest Florida attract people from around the world and a lot of locals can’t wait to get back to the sand and surf. But, we are still a long way from getting back to that aspect of normality. Crews have been on the beaches cleaning and raking in Naples and other parts […]

Man rescues 12 others during Hurricane Ian

This week marks one month since Hurricane Ian hit Southwest Florida and the pain and destruction left behind are still clearly evident. Those who stayed during the storm have a story to tell and each one is unique and powerful. But, for Kevin Ott, it’s more than a story, he gained a new family after […]

Nationwide Pokemon card donation to SWFL kid losing his collection to Ian

A big surprise came for a family on Tuesday, after losing almost everything in Hurricane Ian. Hurricane Ian affected Mason, Andrea, Gary, and their dog Fritz a lot after it took nearly everything away from them. WINK News spoke with them recently while they were cleaning out their Siesta Isles home that Ian destroyed. 12-year-old […]

New opportunity for people who lost jobs because of Ian

When Hurricane Ian tore apart Fort Myers Beach, it not only destroyed homes and businesses, it took away jobs from almost everyone. But, someone is stepping up and giving jobs to those who rely heavily upon the income that they provide. This means these people will be able to support their families, which Hurricane Ian […]

for sale sign

Housing market in Collier County since Ian

The housing market has seen a bit of a seesaw, going back and forth with prices for some time, but has Ian had an impact? Home prices are actually going back up in Collier County post-Hurricane Ian. Before the storm, inventory was down by around 70%. Simply put, supply and demand have shifted things since […]

Possible Red Tide in Gulf of Mexico

On Sunday, about 12 to 15 miles Southwest of Sanibel, a team of researchers found reddish water. The researchers are finishing up a week-long study of water conditions after Hurricane Ian. Researchers went all around the Eastern Gulf of Mexico, starting in Tampa and working their way all the way down to Marco Island. Visually, […]

Collier County tourism rebound after Ian

Many resorts and hotels are closed and have no timeline on when they will be open again after Hurricane Ian. Employees at these hotels have been laid off leaving many places understaffed and people without jobs. But, Collier County said they still are open and have a lot to offer. The Ritz Carlton Beach Resort […]

Healing memories by restoring photographs damaged by Hurricane Ian

Hurricane Ian destroyed countless homes and the belongings inside including pictures full of memories. Many have seen pictures washed up on their lawns of people they’ve never met, but one photographer is working to restore those pictures and return them to their owners. Scattered across Krista Kowalczyk’s dining room table you’ll find different photographs, headshots, […]