Taylor Wirtz, WINK News

Taylor Wirtz

WINK News

Fort Myers, FL, United States

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Recent:
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Past:
  • WINK News

Past articles by Taylor:

3 months after Ian, Vanderbilt Beach continues to rebuild

Much of Vanderbilt Beach was swallowed in Hurricane Ian’s storm surge. Wednesday, three months after Ian roared ashore, there is progress. One neighborhood has gone from destruction to construction. “We’re looking forward, you know, to getting it rebuilt,” said Maha Ghazzi, of Vanderbilt Beach. “We’re seeing improvement daily, with the cleanup efforts and some of […] → Read More

Clewiston prepares as Nicole heads toward Lake Okeechobee

A major part of the flooding Nicole could bring is along Lake Okeechobee, which would mean trouble for small towns like Clewiston. While a flood would be catastrophic, people living in the area say they are not worried by Nicole. They don’t see the storm as dangerous as Hurricane Wilma. Some residents just see Nicole […] → Read More

LCEC preparing for Nicole

Southwest Florida locals are getting better equipped this time around in case the power goes out. LCEC said they are prepared for whatever Nicole brings, saying if the power does go out, restoration time won’t be as long. Hurricane Ian left thousands without power, and for some, it lasted weeks. And with Nicole headed toward […] → Read More

Lee County School Board makes minor revision to Parents' Bill of Rights

The Lee County School Board approved changes to the Parent’s Bill of Rights during their Tuesday meeting. The changes were approving a small revision regarding the services provided to a child a by a school. Considering all the opinions thrown at the Parents’ Bill of Rights, the discussion during the meeting was very tame. And […] → Read More

Lighting hits home in south Fort Myers

A fire was seen at a home struck by lightning in south Fort Myers late Monday afternoon. According to Iona McGregor Fire... → Read More

Judge recommends penalty for Hendry County school principal who paddled student

A school principal in Hendry County is facing a suspension a year after a video surfaced of her paddling a student. → Read More

Remains identified in serial killer cold case dating back 40 years

A family finally has some closure after remains found in a backyard in 1981 have been positively identified. The remains were identified as Theresa Caroline Fillingim, who is part of a 40-year-old cold case. Fillingim was originally reported missing to the Tampa Police Department by her sister, Margaret Johns, who currently lives in Cape Coral. […] → Read More

SWFL drivers could face a fine for playing loud music

Drivers in Southwest Florida will soon be fined for playing music too loud in the car beginning on July 1. → Read More

Apartment development construction in downtown Fort Myers causes concerns on historical ground

Critics say the construction site could be disturbing human remains and historical artifacts. → Read More

SWFL reacts to Supreme Court overturning Roe v Wade

South Fort Myers protesters speak out from both sides about the SCOTUS decision. → Read More

Daughter donates kidney to father, ultimate father's day gift

A daughter donates her kidney to her father who was unable to be put on the donor list due to his age in Naples. → Read More

Calusa Waterkeeper, Pointe Ybel Brewing Company team up to make new beer to benefit environment

When most people pour themselves a cold one they're not usually thinking about helping the environment, but now Pointe Ybel Brewing Company → Read More

Job fair attracts few as employers struggle to hire in Fort Myers

Just a handful of people showed up to a job fair on Tuesday where employers were hoping to hire 200 workers. Employers are rolling out the red carpet to get people to show up, but it doesn’t always work. Employers call hiring these days “a nightmare.” “It’s frustrating,” said Doug Alexander, a sales manager at […] → Read More

Woman urgently needs place to live after unit deemed unsafe from mold and mildew

One Fort Myers woman has until noon on Tuesday to find a place to live. She says the unit is unfit for living because mold and mildew are growing all over. But, her landlord says the tenant is the one causing this because of her living habits. Her landlord also says he doesn’t have another […] → Read More

Despite Cape Coral's growth, food insecurity is still prevalent

Hunger does not know zip codes, city, or county boundaries. It can be anywhere, even in the least likely place. Cape Coral is booming. New neighborhoods are going up by the day, and so are housing prices, but in the city that is thriving, many people are not. Marcia Greene with the We Care Food […] → Read More

Baseball memorabilia now on display in Naples

A never-before-seen collection is now on display in Southwest Florida and it honors baseball greats. Jay Baker’s wife, Patty, told him decades ago that he worked too much and needed to get a hobby. So, this diehard Yankees fan started collecting memorabilia. And, 26 years later, it’s become more than just a little hobby. “I […] → Read More

Staffing shortages hit businesses hard on Matlacha

Small businesses are being forced to either change their operations or close altogether. Two popular restaurants have already closed, and another is ending its takeout ordering process due to COVID-19. The Blue Dog bar and grill is more than just a tourist hot spot on Matlacha. The locals love it too. So, seeing folded chairs, […] → Read More

Doctors weigh in on what employees should do if they test positive for COVID

Not every workplace offers its employees “sick days.” And as omicron spreads, this may present an issue for workers who may be developing COVID-19 symptoms. Plus, with testing lines so long and appointments hard to come by, it provides a dilemma for employees. Should they show up sick or take time off or work from […] → Read More

Leaders in Fort Myers push for more security after string of smash-and-grab robberies

Within the last month, WINK News has told you about several smash-and-grab robberies in Southwest Florida. Now, Fort Myers city leaders want to get ahead of crime and protect you and your property. The tragedy of 9-year-old Brooklyn Grace Spears touched the hearts of many, including Fort Myers City Councilman Liston Bochette. Spears was hit […] → Read More

Deadly fire destroys house in Cape Coral

A deadly fire destroyed the home of an elderly veteran in Cape Coral early Tuesday morning. The fire marshal is investigating how the fire started. Crews went to Southeast 3rd Street, near Cape Coral Hospital, to find the fire had spread through the roof and had partially collapsed it. There was fear it would spread […] → Read More