Collier dog dragging his back legs suggest connection to sick panthers. (Credit: WINK News)

Collier County dogs may share devastating disorder seen with panthers

When Rick Virdinlia saw a video of panthers struggling to walk on their hind legs on WINK News, he thought it looked familiar. “It brought to our attention that our Harley, our dog, started stumbling and having trouble walking with his hindquarters,” Virdinlia said. They tried everything to mend the medical malady, including going to […]

Dunbar sludge site (WINK news drone)

Dunbar residents say damage already done despite sludge removal

The sludge is gone. Arsenic levels in the soil now measure at safe levels. But still, those living at the S St sludge site in Dunbar say the damage is done. Luetricia Becker has lived in the Dunbar neighborhood all of her life. She said the site has existed for as long as she can […]

Professional says Cape Coral seawall proposal costly for homeowners

The cost for seawall repairs near homes in Cape Coral could rise much as 200 percent, industry professional Raymond Williamson says. However, the city said prices will be much lower. “We’re anticipating between 150 to 200-percent increases in the cost of the seawalls,” said Williamson vice president of Williamson and Son Marine Construction. Williamson has […]

Lee County school district and SGFOA reach contract deal, football games to start next week

The Florida High School Athletics Association has reinstated sanctions to South Gulf Football Officials Association for all schools after an agreement was reached, according to FHSAA spokesperson Kyle Niblett and the school district. The SGFOA officials will now be allowed to officiate all high school football games in Lee County, which will start next week. The […]

Cape Coral among the safest cities to raise a child in the country

In a recent report, the FBI ranks the City of Cape Coral as one of the safest places to raise a child in the country. Carolina Souza is thinking of moving her family of four from Fort Myers to Cape Coral. With safety as her priority, Souza is happy to hear Cape Coral made the […]

Doctor advocates for SWFL blue-green algae focused CDC office

One doctor says the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention needs to open an office in Southwest Florida to address last year’s water quality crisis. Peter Formica knows what it is like to live with blue-green algae in his Cape Coral backyard. He said he wakes up each morning, with crusty eyes, sinuses problems and […]

Senior points towards the Royal Palm Towers building. (Credit: WINK News)

Low-income seniors in Fort Myers apartments must move out

Low-income seniors living in the Royal Palm Towers are getting forced to move from their waterfront homes so the building can have renovations. Some are ready to go, saying the place is run down and full of safety hazards. Others say they will not be able to afford it once they return. Robert Bennett has […]

Some financial tools to refinance a home. (Credit: MGN)

Southwest Florida homeowners capitalize on lower interest rates

Across the country, interest rates are down and homeowners are rushing to refinance their home. Bob Vaughn, a mortgage broker, has had a busy week. He has gotten many phone calls from homeowners looking to refinance after the Federal Reserve cut interest rates for the first time since the 2008 recession. “We’ve probably had more […]

Advocate speaks before the district. (Credit: WINK News)

Proposal to help Lee County homeless students

An advocate for homeless students in Lee County is now calling for a change on Thursday. For the past four years, Sheena Torres-Nunez, a homeless district liaison, has dedicated herself to being the voice for homeless students across Lee County. She provides them everything from supplies to clothing. “Being able to give families hope and […]