Michael Hudak
WINK News
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Past articles by Michael:
Fort Myers Beach gives approval to private boardwalk connecting to water
The Town of Fort Myers Beach approved a resolution to build a dune walkover structure. Here's what you need to know about it. → Read More
Fort Myers Beach artist creates artwork honoring the beach town
Iconic Fort Myers Beach landmarks and buildings were wiped away during Hurricane Ian. And now painter Chester Rodgers is using his art to remember the beloved beach the way it was before the storm and now in the aftermath. “Art is a therapy for anybody,” Rodgers said. For Rodgers, heaven is wherever his pencil and […] → Read More
Fort Myers Beach Chamber of Commerce helping businesses bounce back
For the businesses that are back, the business itself is booming on Fort Myers Beach. Dozens of people visit the beach every single day, grabbing lunch at the popular spots that have made a comeback, but balancing recovery efforts and business ventures hasn’t been easy. One woman is helping to spearhead it all. Fort Myers […] → Read More
Yucatan Beach Stand operating without power on Fort Myers Beach
Businesses on Fort Myers Beach have let creativity take control in the wake of Hurricane Ian. Some restaurants have set up food trucks, while others have brought shipping containers. And then there is the Yucatan Beach Stand, which has been operating without any power at all. “We just were, kind of, assuming it was gonna […] → Read More
FWC continues identifying boats scattered across SWFL after Ian
Hundreds of boats are scattered across Southwest Florida’s waterways 126 days after Hurricane Ian. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission is responsible for finding out who owns these boats and getting them removed. From 700 boats scattered across the area after the hurricane, down to 300. “They’re all different sizes, anywhere from 35-foot trawlers […] → Read More
Damage from Hurricane Ian leave residents from Indian Creek RV Resort with uncertain future
A community still working to stay afloat over 100 days after Hurricane Ian is still without essentials. The Indian Creek RV Resort was left in shambles, and nobody can stay there, so people are getting pushed out of their homes for months. From the outside, many of the homes at Indian Creek look livable. However, […] → Read More
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 […] → Read More
Artist restores nativity scene and makes a wish come true
A 100-year-old nativity scene was headed to the dumpster. But now, instead, it has been restored to its full glory. On top of that, artist Tonya Sauppe was able to reconnect with its previous owner and fulfill a long-held wish. “It touches me beyond words,” said Tonya Sauppe, who remade the nativity scene. “We love […] → Read More
$16M asking price for restaurant's land on Fort Myers Beach destroyed by Ian
The property where The Cottage and Shuckers once stood is going up for sale, but some who used to work at the bars are worried. Southwest Florida locals are worried that big businesses will swoop in and steal their slice of local paradise. Seaside staples like Shuckers were synonymous with Fort Myers Beach. And if […] → Read More
Hurricane Ian debris brought to Gulf Coast landfill despite being closed since 2007
A giant pile of storm debris is growing at a landfill that neighbors fought to close years ago. At least one commissioner isn’t happy his fellow commissioners voted to allow the hurricane debris to go to the Gulf Coast landfill. If you take a drive down State Road 82 and make a right past Colonial […] → Read More
WINK News ride along as Hurricane Ian debris cleanup continues in Lee County
WINK News was allowed to ride along as crews went out in Lee County to clean up the mess Hurricane Ian left behind. The site has already handled 3,000,000 cubic yards of debris. And it’s not just from Lee County, surrounding cities have contributed a fair amount to the pile. CrowderGulf project manager, Barry Lund, […] → Read More
Water pressure back on Fort Myers Beach, mayor discusses that and more
Homes on top of homes while some still don’t have water or electricity with debris scattered all around the ground. People living on Fort Myers Beach are starting to get upset with the way officials are handling the mess from Hurricane Ian. Ray Murphy, the mayor of Fort Myers Beach, spoke with WINK News on […] → Read More
Group swims to Walmart after storm surge flooded their homes
A group of people swam to a Walmart parking lot during the storm surge after their homes started to flood. Beth Ross lost everything but her life during Hurricane Ian. “We would’ve evacuated but my elderly parent lives in Bayside, a half a mile closer to the beach,” Ross said. Ross’ elderly family did not […] → Read More
Fort Myers Beach search and rescue mission has ended
The search and rescue mission is over on Fort Myers Beach. Crews found hundreds of people, and more than 500 residents were rescued, treated, or taken to the hospital. There were 540 people that stayed on the island during Ian. Fort Myers Beach Fire Chief Ron Martin said that 14 people did not survive and […] → Read More
Black Island residents frustrated after being forced to evacuate after Ian
We’re getting our first look at another area hit hard by Hurricane Ian; Black Island “We can’t get into our building. We can’t get any of our stuff,” said Bob Irzyk, who evacuated from Black Island. The people who live on Black Island feel like the communication has gone black. “We were extremely surprised. You […] → Read More
Gators to be removed from Englewood community where woman was killed
A community where a woman was killed by two alligators is now being allowed to remove the reptiles. Rose Wiegand, 80, fell into a pond near her Boca Royale home while trimming grass near the seawall and was attacked on July 15. The permit allows Boca Royale to remove 25 gators from the pond. The […] → Read More
South Fort Myers homeowners speaks after lightning strike causes fire
The life of a homeowner changed in a flash on Wednesday night after her home was struck by lightning. The lightning struck the top of the Fawn Ridge Drive home in south Fort Myers during Wednesday night storms. She said she doesn’t know where to live, but her message is to grab the people you […] → Read More
Inflation, cost of goods and services leading to more people giving up their pets
Animal shelters are bursting at the seams. There are too many animals without loving homes. More people are giving up their pets due to skyrocketing food, gas and vet bills. And animal shelters are feeling the consequences. There’s just not enough space, money or resources to take in more animals. “It’s kind of a vicious […] → Read More
Collier County wants a piece of Lee County's booming sports tourism industry
Sports tourism is knocking it out of the park in Lee County, bringing in more than $70 million last year alone. → Read More
Pitbull reunites with family after missing from Lee County home for 8 years
A family has reunited with their dog eight years after he disappeared from their backyard. Harley was found extremely malnourished over the weekend in San Carlos Park. Harley’s family moved to Missouri and never got another dog. They gave up on thinking they’d ever see Harley again. But Harley’s microchip made the reunion possible. “I […] → Read More