RSW ranked 4th worst airport for holiday travelCritically injured man airlifted following crash on Palm Beach Blvd.
RSW ranked 4th worst airport for holiday travel As Thanksgiving approaches, a new study by Locals Insider ranked Southwest Florida International Airport as the fourth-worst airport for delays and cancellations during the holiday season.
Critically injured man airlifted following crash on Palm Beach Blvd. The Florida Highway Patrol is investigating a two-vehicle crash on Palm Beach Boulevard, which led to a Med-Flight being called.
D-SNAP available to those affected by hurricanes in Charlotte and Sarasota counties The Department of Children and Families has launched its Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program in Charlotte and Sarasota counties.
naples Rehabilitated manatee to be released into Port of the Islands Marina in Naples The Manatee Sightseeing and Wildlife Adventures is set to release a rehabilitated manatee back into the waters at the Port of the Island’s Marina.
the weather authority Wednesday morning showers slowly move out through the day The Weather Authority is tracking rain and showers expected throughout the day before an approaching cold front drops temperatures.
CAPE CORAL New Cape Coral City Council members to be sworn in The City of Cape Coral is experiencing a change in leadership, as five new council members are set to be sworn in.
lehigh acres FHP investigating fatal hit-and-run involving motorcyclist The Florida Highway Patrol is investigating a hit-and-run that left a motorcyclist dead in Lee County.
FEMA agrees to outside investigation into avoiding homes with Trump signs FEMA’s administrator has agreed to an outside investigation to find out why her employee gave orders to deny trump supporters aid after Hurricane Milton.
Denise Carlin sworn in as Lee County Schools superintendent It’s a big night for families with kids attending Lee County Schools! Dr. Denise Carlin was just sworn in as superintendent.
PORT CHARLOTTE 8 illegal immigrants arrested in Charlotte County Eight people have been arrested in Port Charlotte for being in the country illegally.
SANIBEL Memorial statue unveiled for exotic birds at Jerry’s Foods on Sanibel Island For over 40 years, Dick Muench displayed many of his exotic birds from Central and South America at Jerry’s Foods on Sanibel.
FORT MYERS Fort Myers veteran worried about FEMA code compliance letter One marine veteran is worried sick over having to raise his home.
Residents oppose U-Haul storage unit development in Collier County A lush line of trees in Collier County may turn into storage units, and neighbors are unhappy.
LEHIGH ACRES Parents want changes made to Lee County Schools JROTC The Lee County School District is making changes after 25 students were treated by emergency services for heat exhaustion at a local high school on Friday.
FORT MYERS BEACH La Ola speaks out a day after FEMA deadline A day after the FEMA deadline for temporary structures on Fort Myers Beach to be removed, the scenery remains largely unchanged.
RSW ranked 4th worst airport for holiday travel As Thanksgiving approaches, a new study by Locals Insider ranked Southwest Florida International Airport as the fourth-worst airport for delays and cancellations during the holiday season.
Critically injured man airlifted following crash on Palm Beach Blvd. The Florida Highway Patrol is investigating a two-vehicle crash on Palm Beach Boulevard, which led to a Med-Flight being called.
D-SNAP available to those affected by hurricanes in Charlotte and Sarasota counties The Department of Children and Families has launched its Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program in Charlotte and Sarasota counties.
naples Rehabilitated manatee to be released into Port of the Islands Marina in Naples The Manatee Sightseeing and Wildlife Adventures is set to release a rehabilitated manatee back into the waters at the Port of the Island’s Marina.
the weather authority Wednesday morning showers slowly move out through the day The Weather Authority is tracking rain and showers expected throughout the day before an approaching cold front drops temperatures.
CAPE CORAL New Cape Coral City Council members to be sworn in The City of Cape Coral is experiencing a change in leadership, as five new council members are set to be sworn in.
lehigh acres FHP investigating fatal hit-and-run involving motorcyclist The Florida Highway Patrol is investigating a hit-and-run that left a motorcyclist dead in Lee County.
FEMA agrees to outside investigation into avoiding homes with Trump signs FEMA’s administrator has agreed to an outside investigation to find out why her employee gave orders to deny trump supporters aid after Hurricane Milton.
Denise Carlin sworn in as Lee County Schools superintendent It’s a big night for families with kids attending Lee County Schools! Dr. Denise Carlin was just sworn in as superintendent.
PORT CHARLOTTE 8 illegal immigrants arrested in Charlotte County Eight people have been arrested in Port Charlotte for being in the country illegally.
SANIBEL Memorial statue unveiled for exotic birds at Jerry’s Foods on Sanibel Island For over 40 years, Dick Muench displayed many of his exotic birds from Central and South America at Jerry’s Foods on Sanibel.
FORT MYERS Fort Myers veteran worried about FEMA code compliance letter One marine veteran is worried sick over having to raise his home.
Residents oppose U-Haul storage unit development in Collier County A lush line of trees in Collier County may turn into storage units, and neighbors are unhappy.
LEHIGH ACRES Parents want changes made to Lee County Schools JROTC The Lee County School District is making changes after 25 students were treated by emergency services for heat exhaustion at a local high school on Friday.
FORT MYERS BEACH La Ola speaks out a day after FEMA deadline A day after the FEMA deadline for temporary structures on Fort Myers Beach to be removed, the scenery remains largely unchanged.
It’s been a tough year for the restaurant industry as a whole. Salty Papa’s Shrimp House in Fort Myers is no exception. But the owner found it in her heart to give to those who are even worse off than she is. Co-owner Vallee Arnett is preparing to feed her neighbors. They’re making turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, and there’s even candy. “Just kinda whipped it together,” Arnett said. Salty Papa’s is on McGregor Boulevard in Fort Myers, where Arnett said, after seeing long food distribution lines day after day, she knew she had to do something. “Seeing all that brought me to tears. It really made me stop and think. I have food, I have a big-screen TV, I have a roof, I have a job,” Arnett said. “So many millions are way worse than us. It affected me on a visceral level. I couldn’t not do something.” She admits that she struggled during the pandemic, too. But she got a helping hand, so she felt it was only right to pay it forward. “If it wasn’t for quick gathering of capital and a little help from PPE, I don’t know if we would be here, but I really did everything I could to survive,” Arnett said. While her staff continued to prepare those delicious meals for the community, Arnett thought back to her darkest days during the pandemic. She said there were definitely “a couple tear-filled weeks.” If you’re wondering who’s invited to the Salty Papa’s Christmas Eve lunch, it’s anyone who needs a nice warm meal. “No questions asked. It doesn’t matter your circumstance. We aren’t prequalified. We don’t care. Not our business. If you could use a meal, just come down and get one,” Arnett said. Arnett simply asked that you come, eat and make some friends because she hopes, that will make someone’s Christmas just a little bit brighter. Lunch will be served at Salty Papas on Christmas Eve from noon to 4 p.m. Thursday in Fort Myers.
AARP says death rates from COVID-19 doubled in Florida over the Thanksgiving holiday. The spread of the virus in our nursing homes is also higher than the national average. So, AARP wants lawmakers to do something to protect those in nursing homes. AARP is saying that coronavirus has exposed that our way of caring for vulnerable seniors needs to change in Florida. Dave Bruns is a spokesperson for AARP. “Eldercare facilities are petri dishes for contagion,” Bruns said. Bruns argues that having two people to a room and a large common area where everyone eats is not exactly a recipe for a healthy lifestyle, especially for seniors. 40% of COVID-19 deaths in Florida began as infections in nursing homes or long term care facilities. But only 2% of Florida’s population lives in such facilities. “Taxpayers are already shelling out 79% of the value of nursing care, are we getting our money’s worth? Is the legislature and the state and federal regulators cracking down on this industry so we get the high-quality care that we’re paying for? Doesn’t look like it,” said Bruns. The AARP wants lawmakers to push for more affordable in-home care and smaller, more home-like nursing facilities. Kevin Ahmadi runs Gulf Coast Village in Cape Coral and The Preserve in Fort Myers “Let’s hypothetically say that they do find the money,” Ahmadi said. “Do they have the staff? Do they have the personnel to actually care for those individuals?” AARP argues that the state does indeed have the money to pay the staff. Lawmakers just need the will. “It requires a different approach,” said Bruns. “But 8,000 dead? We need to change something.” WINK News contacted every lawmaker who represents Southwest Florida to get their remarks on AARP’s plan. State Representative Mike Giallombardo responded and said he can see both sides and is up for any plan that makes sense.
Naples Police Department arrested a man for exposing himself to a jogger recently. They credit traffic technology for helping investigators to find and arrest him. We learned Wednesday about how traffic cameras help police perform their duties. When you start your car and drive down the streets in Naples, eyes are watching. Traffic cameras and license plate readers are helping police catch bad guys. “Detectives were able to utilize those … put together a case,” said Bryan McGinn with NPD. “If we didn’t have those, I don’t know if we would have been able to solve it.” With the growing use of body cameras, dash cams and traffic cameras, video storage can be expensive. Florida Department of Transportation cameras only live stream. While Naples has around 50 traffic cams throughout the city, Marco Island doesn’t have one. “In Florida, there’s a statewide policy where you cannot retain data for more than 30 days,” said Charlie Degliomini, the executive vice president of Rekor Systems. “Typically, if the data is captured, and it’s being used in an active investigation it can stay.” Rekor Systems provides a real-time roadway intelligence in the state. Degliomini says more police departments are using cloud storage to cut costs. “We’re able to identify not only the license plate but the make, model and color, where it’s going,” Degliomini said. License plate readers are going to Marco Island soon. The city’s police department has plans to install the technology in just a couple months. Police continue to utilize license plate reading technology to solve all sorts of crimes. “It could also be looking for the uninsured vehicle, people with expired tags,” Degliomini said.
An elite athlete in Florida was diagnosed with a rare heart disease after collapsing during a UF basketball game. Keyontae Johnson, 21, contracted the coronavirus in August and then passed all physical tests to play college ball. When Johnson collapsed on the court, the sports world held its breath. The Gainesville Sun reported doctors diagnosed Johnson with myocarditis. We spoke to doctors about whether Johnson’s condition is something those who lead active lifestyles should be concerned about. “The heart itself becomes inflamed,” said Robert Hawkes, the director of the FGCU physician assistant program. “It’s harder to work, and sometimes it becomes so infected and inflamed it doesn’t pump well, and sometimes people can pass out, and certainly they don’t function as well.” Hawkes told us this condition is not new. But concerns for COVID-19 led to the Big Ten conference’s decision to delay its football season. Johnson’s collapse restarted the conversation. “If it has something to do with COVID, I would say every coach in the country would like to know,” John Calipari said. So would every athlete from the pros to the colleges to the weekend warriors. Johnson passed a complete cardiac evaluation after recovering from COVID-19. The American College of Cardiology urges doctors to perform similar heart screenings on anyone who recovered from the virus and wants to exercise. Johnson is home from the hospital but probably won’t play basketball again this season. “I want to thank you for all the prayers you gave to me,” Johnson said. “Go Gators.” Warning signs of myocarditis Shortness of breath Chest pain Irregular heartbeat Fatigue or dizziness Body aches Joint pain Swelling in extremities The symptoms mentioned might not be experienced all at once, and it’s possible to feel these symptoms and not have myocarditis. Anyone with concerns should contact a doctor.
Kenny Dean is a nurse a the Lee County VA Clinic in Cape Coral. He was among the first staff members to receive the COVID-19 vaccine on Wednesday. The clinic recently received a batch of Moderna vaccines. “I am right as rain,” said Dean, who is also a veteran. “I don’t feel any side effects at all. I didn’t feel anything when receiving the injections so all in all it really wasn’t any different than receiving your flu shot.” Staffers there have been waiting for the vaccine. “John and I were kind a like kids on Christmas morning waiting for it to come,” said Bay Pines VA Hospital Assistant Director Joseph Scotchlas, referring to Dr. John Leonard, a pharmacy supervisor with the Lee County VA Clinic. The Bay Pines VA Healthcare System oversees the Lee County VA Clinic. “It’s exciting,” Leonard said. “I think that there’s a bit of electricity in the air and a positive attitude that we’re excited for the days to come.” The VA Clinic said veterans who live in long-term care facilities will receive the vaccine next. (Kenny Dean, RN Lee County VA 5:45) “This virus has caused thousands of thousands of lost lives,” said Dean. “Whatever we can do as individuals to help stop this, you know, I think it’s incumbent on each of us to do our part.”
Staff at Atrium at Liberty Park assisted living facility are used to being on the receiving end of giving campaigns. But this year, they decided to turn the tables by donating one important item to their residents and the homeless population. Today feels like Christmas morning at Atrium. Vicki Einhorn is the sales director at Atrium at Liberty Park. “I want everybody to have something new on their bed Christmas morning,” said Einhorn. She says people donate to Atrium all throughout the year and give all kinds of different items. This year, just in time for Christmas, they’re getting Bombas socks. Vicki may have had something to do with this particular donation. “I sent them an email and I told him my story and I said ‘I really would love to see people get something new to open up, the homeless, people up in the hospital and the skilled and those currently in my wishes’ and they sent us, the Atrium 750 pairs of socks to distribute wherever we would like,” Einhorn said. Bombas is a one for one company, meaning they make a point of donating a pair of socks for every pair they sell. They say the reason they do this is because the most requested clothing item in homeless shelters is socks. So, with bags full of gifts and treats, they got all masked up and delivered what they’re calling “socks of love.” “It made me feel really good because I know we’re giving back because not everybody, especially in these times, you know, they’ve been furloughed, laid off, they don’t have any money, no extras… What a pair of fresh socks on your feet?” Einhorn said.
The pandemic has changed so many things in our lives, including the ways we worship. But churches in Southwest Florida are doing all they can to make sure that Christmas service is still available but as safe as possible. This Christmas, Grace Church in Cape Coral wants you to know that the moments of peace you experience at church can also be achieved at home. Jorge Acevedo is the lead pastor at Grace Church. “I asked people to register for each of the services and we quickly filled up.” Those who can’t attend the celebration in person are welcome to join online. Acevedo says they also allow for “walk-ins.” “We even register what we call walk-ins. We know some people will walk in, we know some people won’t show up,” he said. Many pastors are asking that you don’t come to service on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day if you are feeling sick. And if you do come in person, make sure to wear a mask. Rickey Anderson Sr. is the pastor at Followers of Christ Fellowship Ministries. “My aim is to make sure, that as a pastor, I don’t want to put them in harm’s way.” Since most churches sanitize between services and they also ask that you don’t linger around. Anderson’s messages are on Zoom and that’s where he wants his congregation to connect afterward. “Even though we’re not in church, some of the seniors, you look at the way they dress, their hair and everything, they’re dressed up just like they’re going to church,” Anderson said. First United Methodist Church in Charlotte County is holding its services outdoors, which will include a live nativity scene and petting zoo. Jordan Flick is the director of the kid’s ministry at First United Methodist Church. “I think kids are also very much craving connection and love being outside and all that, so I am excited to see Christmas through the kids’ eyes,” said Flick. Most churches have some sort of social distancing measures in place to make sure people don’t pack the pews. Go to your church’s website beforehand to see if they have specific rules about Christmas Eve or Christmas Day service procedures.
Is your kid the lucky one who got the new PlayStation 5 for the holidays? A problem manifesting after you successfully get your hands on one is when the empty console box hits the curb, and everyone knows it’s in your house, including the bad guys. Cape Coral Police Department is partnering with Waste Pro to keep community members safe. When you look down the street on Christmas morning, you know who got the new TV and computer and other new top-of-the-line electronics. The crooks know it too, and that makes picking out potential houses to rob easier for them. Master Sgt. Patrick O’Grady, a CCPD public information officer, says that’s a problem. “A lot of people, after Christmas is over, you’ve got all the packages; you’ve got all the boxes,” O’Grady said. “When you put it down to the roadway, you are advertising to the criminal what you recently got.” CCPD has teamed up with Waste Pro to offer a creative solution. “We’ve teamed up with the Cape Coral Police Department and Waste Pro to have specific bins set up for the city residents, so they can drop their boxes there instead of putting them down by the curb,” O’Grady said. You can take the boxes to 1020 Cultural Park Boulevard across the street from Cape Coral City Hall and dispose of them safely. Now, thieves won’t know which house has the loot, unless they hear the kids screaming with joy. Plus, it could help the environment. “It’s great for the environment because you are going to be recycling it instead of just throwing it out and taking up room in the landfill,” O’Grady said. If you can’t make it to the drop-off spot, at least turn your boxes inside out, so anyone checking won’t be able to easily see what Santa brought you. The drop-off site opens in Cape Coral Thursday and will be available through Dec. 28. MORE: CCPD — Public Affairs Office CCPD – Crime Prevention Recycling Program
While many of us wait to reunite with family members once the pandemic eases up, five family members are excited to meet for the very first time. The five found out they were related thanks to the personal genomics and biotechnology company 23andMe. It was far from the perfect family picture, but one Zoom call was more than 50 years in the making. The five siblings, which include a man from Boynton Beach, all used the 23andMe DNA kits. In August, each got an email saying they have new, possible genetic matches in their family tree. After some investigating, the five, who live in five different states – including Florida, Texas, Pennsylvania, Colorado, and New York – discovered they all have the same biological father. Their father and two of the three siblings’ mothers have since died. After hours of conversations with each other, it left everyone with countless questions. But they all do share one big thing: the love of animals. The five say they can’t wait until the pandemic is over so they can meet in person. For now, they are settling for two-hour Zoom calls, daily text messages, and sending each other cookies and gifts in the mail.
President Donald Trump has vetoed the annual defense policy bill, following through on threats to veto a measure that has broad bipartisan support in Congress and potentially setting up the first override vote of his presidency. The bill affirms 3% pay raises for U.S. troops and authorizes more than $740 billion in military programs and construction. This is a breaking story and will be updated.