‘It’s devastating’: Neighbor reflects on fatal fire in Port Charlotte‘The sound of death’ Neighbors concerned by amount of crashes on Joel Blvd
PORT CHARLOTTE ‘It’s devastating’: Neighbor reflects on fatal fire in Port Charlotte A devastating house fire Monday night in Port Charlotte has left one person dead and another hospitalized while neighbors mourn the possible loss of a beloved member of their community.
‘The sound of death’ Neighbors concerned by amount of crashes on Joel Blvd A woman is heartbroken from witnessing crash after crash outside her Lehigh Acres home.
Fort Myers get 15% increase on flood insurance discount WINK News is finding out what led to the city of Fort Myers going from just a 5% FEMA flood insurance discount to a 20% discount.
FORT MYERS Locals house California wildfire victims The effects of the California fires are being felt worldwide as people evacuate some are in southwest Florida.
LOVERS KEY Couple returns to Lovers Key condo post Ian While Hurricane Ian is long gone from Southwest Florida, many are still feeling its impacts.
EVERGLADES Biden signs Water Resources Development Act, its effect on SWFL President Biden recently signed into law the Water Resources Development Act with an aim to improve rivers and harbors across the country and provide for the conservation of water. Southwest Florida was included in that act. Putting the 240-page plan together took a lot of work, not just from state and federal lawmakers, but also […]
Turning business travel into a vacation Would work travel seem a little easier if you could turn it into a vacation? Two professors say they have proof that would help business travel.
The future of biometrics: Safer security or new AI risks? In 2021, the Transportation Service Agency (TSA) launched its new touchless identity solution in the Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County airport.
CAPE CORAL Pelican Elementary resource officer saves infant A school resource officer at Pelican Elementary saved an infants’ life at a traffic stop in Cape Coral.
FORT MYERS Progress being made on City View Park in Dunbar More promises made by a city that has not kept its promises for the last six years have some neighbors concerned about the future of their community.
COLLIER COUNTY Seacrest hoops player hits a full court buzzer beater Seacrest Country Day School boys basketball player Hayden Fuller hits full court buzzer beater against Aubrey Rogers.
NAPLES Cutting-edge ACL surgery reducing reinjury risk by 80% Known for its game-changing orthopedic repair options, Naples-based Arthrex has done it again.
NAPLES MacStrength FL offers sport and lifestyle training for young athletes In 2025, MacStrength FL is swinging for success with their current players and for a wider reach in its community.
You can appeal FEMA’s decision on your claim – Here’s how Now a week after the deadline for FEMA hurricane assistance has closed, the federal agency says you can appeal their decision on your claim if you don’t agree.
Naples selects city CFO as next city manager, averts national search Naples Deputy City Manager and Chief Financial Officer Gary Young will become the next city manager, averting a lengthy, expensive national search for a replacement.
PORT CHARLOTTE ‘It’s devastating’: Neighbor reflects on fatal fire in Port Charlotte A devastating house fire Monday night in Port Charlotte has left one person dead and another hospitalized while neighbors mourn the possible loss of a beloved member of their community.
‘The sound of death’ Neighbors concerned by amount of crashes on Joel Blvd A woman is heartbroken from witnessing crash after crash outside her Lehigh Acres home.
Fort Myers get 15% increase on flood insurance discount WINK News is finding out what led to the city of Fort Myers going from just a 5% FEMA flood insurance discount to a 20% discount.
FORT MYERS Locals house California wildfire victims The effects of the California fires are being felt worldwide as people evacuate some are in southwest Florida.
LOVERS KEY Couple returns to Lovers Key condo post Ian While Hurricane Ian is long gone from Southwest Florida, many are still feeling its impacts.
EVERGLADES Biden signs Water Resources Development Act, its effect on SWFL President Biden recently signed into law the Water Resources Development Act with an aim to improve rivers and harbors across the country and provide for the conservation of water. Southwest Florida was included in that act. Putting the 240-page plan together took a lot of work, not just from state and federal lawmakers, but also […]
Turning business travel into a vacation Would work travel seem a little easier if you could turn it into a vacation? Two professors say they have proof that would help business travel.
The future of biometrics: Safer security or new AI risks? In 2021, the Transportation Service Agency (TSA) launched its new touchless identity solution in the Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County airport.
CAPE CORAL Pelican Elementary resource officer saves infant A school resource officer at Pelican Elementary saved an infants’ life at a traffic stop in Cape Coral.
FORT MYERS Progress being made on City View Park in Dunbar More promises made by a city that has not kept its promises for the last six years have some neighbors concerned about the future of their community.
COLLIER COUNTY Seacrest hoops player hits a full court buzzer beater Seacrest Country Day School boys basketball player Hayden Fuller hits full court buzzer beater against Aubrey Rogers.
NAPLES Cutting-edge ACL surgery reducing reinjury risk by 80% Known for its game-changing orthopedic repair options, Naples-based Arthrex has done it again.
NAPLES MacStrength FL offers sport and lifestyle training for young athletes In 2025, MacStrength FL is swinging for success with their current players and for a wider reach in its community.
You can appeal FEMA’s decision on your claim – Here’s how Now a week after the deadline for FEMA hurricane assistance has closed, the federal agency says you can appeal their decision on your claim if you don’t agree.
Naples selects city CFO as next city manager, averts national search Naples Deputy City Manager and Chief Financial Officer Gary Young will become the next city manager, averting a lengthy, expensive national search for a replacement.
Campaign Central Election Results WINK News is Campaign Central and we have your election night results. To see the local and state races important to Southwest Florida, choose below. Presidential Results Nation Wide Presidential Results Florida Wide Florida State Races SWFL County Races Top Stories View All PORT CHARLOTTE ‘It’s devastating’: Neighbor reflects on fatal fire in Port Charlotte A devastating house fire Monday night in Port Charlotte has left one person dead and another hospitalized while neighbors mourn the possible loss of a beloved member of their community. ‘The sound of death’ Neighbors concerned by amount of crashes on Joel Blvd A woman is heartbroken from witnessing crash after crash outside her Lehigh Acres home. Fort Myers get 15% increase on flood insurance discount WINK News is finding out what led to the city of Fort Myers going from just a 5% FEMA flood insurance discount to a 20% discount. FORT MYERS Locals house California wildfire victims The effects of the California fires are being felt worldwide as people evacuate some are in southwest Florida. Couple returns to Lovers Key condo post Ian While Hurricane Ian is long gone from Southwest Florida, many are still feeling its impacts. Turning business travel into a vacation Would work travel seem a little easier if you could turn it into a vacation? Two professors say they have proof that would help business travel. The future of biometrics: Safer security or new AI risks? In 2021, the Transportation Service Agency (TSA) launched its new touchless identity solution in the Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County airport. Pelican Elementary resource officer saves infant A school resource officer at Pelican Elementary saved an infants’ life at a traffic stop in Cape Coral. Links Mentioned on WINK Campaign Central View All Disaster tax relief bill passed after over 2 years After more than two years of uncertainty, victims of Hurricane Ian and other disasters are getting some financial relief. Gov. DeSantis being considered for defense secretary Will Ron DeSantis be your governor in 2025, or is he headed to Washington? Trump considers DeSantis for the Pentagon with Hegseth under pressure over allegations: AP sources Pete Hegseth, Donald Trump’s Pentagon pick, was fighting to hold on to his Cabinet nomination amid growing questions Wednesday about his personal conduct as the president-elect’s team considers alternatives, including Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis. Trump chooses loyalist Pam Bondi for attorney general pick after Matt Gaetz withdraws President-elect Donald Trump said Thursday he will nominate former Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi to lead the Justice Department, turning to a longtime ally after his first choice, Matt Gaetz, withdrew his name from consideration amid scrutiny over sex trafficking allegations. 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. Orientation for new Cape Coral City Council members Five fresh new faces are on the Cape Coral City Council. Trump picks Sen. Marco Rubio as his Secretary of State President-elect Donald Trump named Sen. Marco Rubio of Florida as his nominee for secretary of state on Wednesday. FEMA faces scrutiny after message sent to skip homes with Trump signs FEMA is facing accusations of bias as a message sent by an employee emerged telling them to skip Trump supporter homes following a hurricane. Amendments 2 and 5 passed. What’s the impact? Of the six state amendments on this year’s ballot in Florida, only two made it out alive. Amendments two and five crossed the required 60% threshold. Fort Myers Ward 4 candidate will not receive vote recount In the race for Fort Myers city council, Cindy Banyai lost the Ward 4 race to incumbent Liston Bochette. Ron DeSantis: An unexpected winner in Florida’s 2024 elections There were a lot of winners on election night, but the biggest winner was a man who wasn’t even on the ballot: Ron Desantis. Donald Trump wins election in historic comeback after 2020 loss, indictments and bruising campaign Donald J. Trump’s projected victory over Kamala Harris in the 2024 presidential election marks a historic and improbable comeback for the former president What Republicans learned from the Harris and Trump campaigns President Donald Trump has won the election and will be the 47th president of the United States. Now he is doing what he does, making promises. Cape Coral residents react to new-look City Council All incumbents up for reelection lost their seats in the Cape Coral City Council on Tuesday. Amendment 3 fails; Florida marijuana legislation remains the same With Election Day in full swing, WINK News is monitoring the results of the most controversial amendments on the ballot, including Florida’s Amendment 3. Amendment 4 fails; current 6-week abortion ban remains Besides Amendment 3, another of the more controversial amendments on the ballot is Amendment 4, which would limit government interference in abortions. Republican Denise Carlin elected as Lee County Schools superintendent Republican Denise Carlin has been elected as the Lee County Superintendent of Schools, and Vanessa Chaviano won her seat in the Lee County School Board for District 7. Sheriff Carmine Marceno wins reelection It is now Election Day, and two candidates for the Lee County Sheriff are vying for the position. 3 Florida republicans win reelection in House of Representatives Three local incumbent Republicans have won re-election for the House of Representatives race. Florida’s Rick Scott reelected to US Senate Florida incumbent Rick Scott has been reelected to the U.S. Senate. Latest local news delivered to your inbox daily. Investigations Crash investigation underway in downtown Fort Myers The Lee County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a crash in downtown Fort Myers on Fowler Street. Beloved Charlotte County man killed outside home, investigation ongoing A man loved by his peers and his community was taken away from them in the middle of the night at his own home. Man arrested for breaking into home, stabbing woman in Tice The Lee County Sheriff’s Office arrested a man on Sunday for breaking into a home and stabbing a woman. Suncoast Estates fatal shooting leaves community on edge A fatal shooting took place on Saturday at the Suncoast Estates in North Fort Myers, on Heck Drive, that left one man dead and another seriously injured. 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. State News View all Gov. DeSantis holds news conference at Florida Capitol Gov. Ron DeSantis is holding a news conference at the Florida Capitol in Tallahassee. One step closer to decision on South Seas building density After hearing arguments from both sides, the judge said he stood by his earlier decision in favor of the Captiva Civic Association. Gov. DeSantis announces school choice scholarship program success Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis announced that Florida has surpassed 500,000 students participating in Florida’s school choice scholarship program. How SWFL man secured 1-on-1 interview with former President Carter How an airsick bag helped a Southwest Florida man secure a coveted one-on-one interview with the former president. Florida Supreme Court to hear convicted killer Joseph Zieler’s appeal Less than a year after he was sentenced to die for his crimes, the Florida Supreme Court will hear Joseph Zieler’s appeal. Health & Medical View all Cutting-edge ACL surgery reducing reinjury risk by 80% Known for its game-changing orthopedic repair options, Naples-based Arthrex has done it again. Miracle Moment: Children starting the year cancer free Several youngsters are celebrating starting 2025 cancer-free. Exercise: an instant health boost Did you know that just 30 minutes of exercise can start helping your body right away? Understanding iron deficiency symptoms A constant feeling of exhaustion may be from a lack of good sleep, but it could also be a sign of low iron. Navigating ER wait times this flu season As is often the case this time of year, local emergency rooms are filling up, driven in large part by the flu, COVID-19, RSV and other sicknesses that are going around. Surgeon General calls for cancer warnings on alcohol In the new year, there’s a new call to warn Americans about the negative effects of alcohol. The Environment View all FWC pushing to protect Florida’s endangered manatees Florida Fish and Wildlife is pushing to protect endangered manatees. One danger that animals face is when boats bash into them, leaving deep scars across their backs. Sawfish caught with fishing wire tied around rostrum and hooks in mouth; removed and released An endangered smalltooth sawfish was not what Mac expected to be at the end of his fishing line after fishing with buddies New Year’s Day. “Natural force” changes Captiva’s geography; findings from barrier island 5-year review Winds of change are sweeping through Southwest Florida, and in particular, Captiva, a Lee County barrier island. Strong storms could be bringing those winds on and could change Captiva’s geography. WINK Sports View all Seacrest hoops player hits a full court buzzer beater Seacrest Country Day School boys basketball player Hayden Fuller hits full court buzzer beater against Aubrey Rogers. MacStrength FL offers sport and lifestyle training for young athletes In 2025, MacStrength FL is swinging for success with their current players and for a wider reach in its community. Fort Myers cross country runner reflects on state championship Fort Myers High School senior cross country runner Masha Dorofeev reflects on her state championship win and committing to UCF. Sports trading card collecting going through “a generational reboot” The hobby of sports trading card collecting has been on the rise since 2020, especially in Southwest Florida with more card shows. SWFL Lady Hammerheads find community through rugby The southwest Florida Lady Hammerheads are the Florida Women’s Rugby Union’s newest team. SFCA’s Asa Rogosich leads the state in scoring Southwest Florida Christian Academy point guard Asa Rogosich leads the state in scoring, averaging 38.4 points per game. NCAA implements rules for checking pitchers for foreign substances The NCAA will soon send out an instructional video on in-game foreign substance checks for pitchers. Decision on Vandy QB leads to ex-JUCO players gaining eligibility A former FSW volleyball player is one of the ex-JUCO student athletes to get an extra season in college following Vanderbilt’s Diego Pavia’s injunction. FGCU Hall of Famer Chris Sale reflects on comeback season Following one of the best seasons for a pitcher this century, Atlanta Brave and FGCU Hall of Famer Chris Sale needs more room on his mantle. Grant Thornton Invitational returns to Tiburon Golf Club Stars on the PGA and LPGA Tours are back in Southwest Florida for the Grant Thornton Invitational at Tiburon Golf Club.
PORT CHARLOTTE ‘It’s devastating’: Neighbor reflects on fatal fire in Port Charlotte A devastating house fire Monday night in Port Charlotte has left one person dead and another hospitalized while neighbors mourn the possible loss of a beloved member of their community.
‘The sound of death’ Neighbors concerned by amount of crashes on Joel Blvd A woman is heartbroken from witnessing crash after crash outside her Lehigh Acres home.
Fort Myers get 15% increase on flood insurance discount WINK News is finding out what led to the city of Fort Myers going from just a 5% FEMA flood insurance discount to a 20% discount.
FORT MYERS Locals house California wildfire victims The effects of the California fires are being felt worldwide as people evacuate some are in southwest Florida.
Couple returns to Lovers Key condo post Ian While Hurricane Ian is long gone from Southwest Florida, many are still feeling its impacts.
Turning business travel into a vacation Would work travel seem a little easier if you could turn it into a vacation? Two professors say they have proof that would help business travel.
The future of biometrics: Safer security or new AI risks? In 2021, the Transportation Service Agency (TSA) launched its new touchless identity solution in the Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County airport.
Pelican Elementary resource officer saves infant A school resource officer at Pelican Elementary saved an infants’ life at a traffic stop in Cape Coral.
Disaster tax relief bill passed after over 2 years After more than two years of uncertainty, victims of Hurricane Ian and other disasters are getting some financial relief.
Gov. DeSantis being considered for defense secretary Will Ron DeSantis be your governor in 2025, or is he headed to Washington?
Trump considers DeSantis for the Pentagon with Hegseth under pressure over allegations: AP sources Pete Hegseth, Donald Trump’s Pentagon pick, was fighting to hold on to his Cabinet nomination amid growing questions Wednesday about his personal conduct as the president-elect’s team considers alternatives, including Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis.
Trump chooses loyalist Pam Bondi for attorney general pick after Matt Gaetz withdraws President-elect Donald Trump said Thursday he will nominate former Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi to lead the Justice Department, turning to a longtime ally after his first choice, Matt Gaetz, withdrew his name from consideration amid scrutiny over sex trafficking allegations.
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.
Orientation for new Cape Coral City Council members Five fresh new faces are on the Cape Coral City Council.
Trump picks Sen. Marco Rubio as his Secretary of State President-elect Donald Trump named Sen. Marco Rubio of Florida as his nominee for secretary of state on Wednesday.
FEMA faces scrutiny after message sent to skip homes with Trump signs FEMA is facing accusations of bias as a message sent by an employee emerged telling them to skip Trump supporter homes following a hurricane.
Amendments 2 and 5 passed. What’s the impact? Of the six state amendments on this year’s ballot in Florida, only two made it out alive. Amendments two and five crossed the required 60% threshold.
Fort Myers Ward 4 candidate will not receive vote recount In the race for Fort Myers city council, Cindy Banyai lost the Ward 4 race to incumbent Liston Bochette.
Ron DeSantis: An unexpected winner in Florida’s 2024 elections There were a lot of winners on election night, but the biggest winner was a man who wasn’t even on the ballot: Ron Desantis.
Donald Trump wins election in historic comeback after 2020 loss, indictments and bruising campaign Donald J. Trump’s projected victory over Kamala Harris in the 2024 presidential election marks a historic and improbable comeback for the former president
What Republicans learned from the Harris and Trump campaigns President Donald Trump has won the election and will be the 47th president of the United States. Now he is doing what he does, making promises.
Cape Coral residents react to new-look City Council All incumbents up for reelection lost their seats in the Cape Coral City Council on Tuesday.
Amendment 3 fails; Florida marijuana legislation remains the same With Election Day in full swing, WINK News is monitoring the results of the most controversial amendments on the ballot, including Florida’s Amendment 3.
Amendment 4 fails; current 6-week abortion ban remains Besides Amendment 3, another of the more controversial amendments on the ballot is Amendment 4, which would limit government interference in abortions.
Republican Denise Carlin elected as Lee County Schools superintendent Republican Denise Carlin has been elected as the Lee County Superintendent of Schools, and Vanessa Chaviano won her seat in the Lee County School Board for District 7.
Sheriff Carmine Marceno wins reelection It is now Election Day, and two candidates for the Lee County Sheriff are vying for the position.
3 Florida republicans win reelection in House of Representatives Three local incumbent Republicans have won re-election for the House of Representatives race.
Florida’s Rick Scott reelected to US Senate Florida incumbent Rick Scott has been reelected to the U.S. Senate.
Crash investigation underway in downtown Fort Myers The Lee County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a crash in downtown Fort Myers on Fowler Street.
Beloved Charlotte County man killed outside home, investigation ongoing A man loved by his peers and his community was taken away from them in the middle of the night at his own home.
Man arrested for breaking into home, stabbing woman in Tice The Lee County Sheriff’s Office arrested a man on Sunday for breaking into a home and stabbing a woman.
Suncoast Estates fatal shooting leaves community on edge A fatal shooting took place on Saturday at the Suncoast Estates in North Fort Myers, on Heck Drive, that left one man dead and another seriously injured.
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.
Gov. DeSantis holds news conference at Florida Capitol Gov. Ron DeSantis is holding a news conference at the Florida Capitol in Tallahassee.
One step closer to decision on South Seas building density After hearing arguments from both sides, the judge said he stood by his earlier decision in favor of the Captiva Civic Association.
Gov. DeSantis announces school choice scholarship program success Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis announced that Florida has surpassed 500,000 students participating in Florida’s school choice scholarship program.
How SWFL man secured 1-on-1 interview with former President Carter How an airsick bag helped a Southwest Florida man secure a coveted one-on-one interview with the former president.
Florida Supreme Court to hear convicted killer Joseph Zieler’s appeal Less than a year after he was sentenced to die for his crimes, the Florida Supreme Court will hear Joseph Zieler’s appeal.
Cutting-edge ACL surgery reducing reinjury risk by 80% Known for its game-changing orthopedic repair options, Naples-based Arthrex has done it again.
Miracle Moment: Children starting the year cancer free Several youngsters are celebrating starting 2025 cancer-free.
Exercise: an instant health boost Did you know that just 30 minutes of exercise can start helping your body right away?
Understanding iron deficiency symptoms A constant feeling of exhaustion may be from a lack of good sleep, but it could also be a sign of low iron.
Navigating ER wait times this flu season As is often the case this time of year, local emergency rooms are filling up, driven in large part by the flu, COVID-19, RSV and other sicknesses that are going around.
Surgeon General calls for cancer warnings on alcohol In the new year, there’s a new call to warn Americans about the negative effects of alcohol.
FWC pushing to protect Florida’s endangered manatees Florida Fish and Wildlife is pushing to protect endangered manatees. One danger that animals face is when boats bash into them, leaving deep scars across their backs.
Sawfish caught with fishing wire tied around rostrum and hooks in mouth; removed and released An endangered smalltooth sawfish was not what Mac expected to be at the end of his fishing line after fishing with buddies New Year’s Day.
“Natural force” changes Captiva’s geography; findings from barrier island 5-year review Winds of change are sweeping through Southwest Florida, and in particular, Captiva, a Lee County barrier island. Strong storms could be bringing those winds on and could change Captiva’s geography.
Seacrest hoops player hits a full court buzzer beater Seacrest Country Day School boys basketball player Hayden Fuller hits full court buzzer beater against Aubrey Rogers.
MacStrength FL offers sport and lifestyle training for young athletes In 2025, MacStrength FL is swinging for success with their current players and for a wider reach in its community.
Fort Myers cross country runner reflects on state championship Fort Myers High School senior cross country runner Masha Dorofeev reflects on her state championship win and committing to UCF.
Sports trading card collecting going through “a generational reboot” The hobby of sports trading card collecting has been on the rise since 2020, especially in Southwest Florida with more card shows.
SWFL Lady Hammerheads find community through rugby The southwest Florida Lady Hammerheads are the Florida Women’s Rugby Union’s newest team.
SFCA’s Asa Rogosich leads the state in scoring Southwest Florida Christian Academy point guard Asa Rogosich leads the state in scoring, averaging 38.4 points per game.
NCAA implements rules for checking pitchers for foreign substances The NCAA will soon send out an instructional video on in-game foreign substance checks for pitchers.
Decision on Vandy QB leads to ex-JUCO players gaining eligibility A former FSW volleyball player is one of the ex-JUCO student athletes to get an extra season in college following Vanderbilt’s Diego Pavia’s injunction.
FGCU Hall of Famer Chris Sale reflects on comeback season Following one of the best seasons for a pitcher this century, Atlanta Brave and FGCU Hall of Famer Chris Sale needs more room on his mantle.
Grant Thornton Invitational returns to Tiburon Golf Club Stars on the PGA and LPGA Tours are back in Southwest Florida for the Grant Thornton Invitational at Tiburon Golf Club.