Latest news with #WINKNews
Yahoo
16 hours ago
- Yahoo
Fort Myers man accused of homicide also fired into several occupied apartments, police say
Authorities have released new details about a Fort Myers homicide, revealing that the suspected killer fired into several occupied apartments June 8. Yanko Romero, 41, of Fort Myers, faces charges of shooting into a building; aggravated assault; second-degree murder; and tampering with evidence. Shortly before 8:50 a.m. June 8, Fort Myers Police officers responded to reports of gunfire at 3000 Oasis Grand Blvd. — the address of the Oasis waterfront high-rise condo tower off Palm Beach Boulevard, east of downtown Fort Myers. The site is along the Caloosahatchee River. Guilty verdict: Lehigh Acres man convicted of fatal drug sale; co-defendant awaits trial When officers arrived at a nearby parking lot, they found a 25-year-old man, who suffered from multiple gunshot wounds. Despite first responders' efforts, the victim died on scene. The victim's identity remained unreleased by publication. Authorities said Romero and the victim did not know each other. Police said additional officers responded near the WINK News building after they received information that witnesses saw Romero nearby. Authorities said that prior to his arrest, Romero was observed discarding a firearm into pond. Officers, during a search of a bag in his possession, found a loaded ammunition magazine and a box containing more rounds. Police determined Romero fired multiple rounds into several occupied apartments. The Lee County Sheriff's Office's Underwater Operations Unit assisted police in their investigation. Assistant State Attorney Sara Miller on June 9 filed a motion for pretrial detention, but a hearing date and time was not set by publication. Megan Fuentes, spokesperson for Fort Myers Police, said they have had four homicides so far this year, two of which they have ruled self-defense. Police ask that anyone who witnessed or heard the shooting call the police department at 239-321-7700. Tomas Rodriguez is a Breaking/Live News Reporter for the Naples Daily News and The News-Press. You can reach Tomas at TRodriguez@ or 772-333-5501. Connect with him on Threads @tomasfrobeltran, Instagram @tomasfrobeltran, Facebook @tomasrodrigueznews and Bluesky @tomasfrodriguez. This article originally appeared on Fort Myers News-Press: Fort Myers murder suspect shot into nearby apartments: Police
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Science
- Yahoo
Apex predator may be mating on remote island for first time in at least 30 years: 'It's the most incredible creature you ever saw'
Residents of Sanibel Island, Florida, were in for a surprise after discovering a possible crocodile nest on the island — the first reported in at least 30 years. Until recently, conservationists believed only female crocodiles inhabited the island. But the Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation found two crocodiles exhibiting "typical courting behavior," fueling speculation that Sanibel may finally have a viable nest belonging to crocodile mates. According to WINK News, Sanibel has historically not had warm enough temperatures for long enough to be hospitable for crocodile eggs, but increasing average temperatures observed in the area and worldwide have led to slight changes in animal nesting preferences geographically. "We appear to be a little bit too far north for that, but just in the last few years, they successfully nested at Rookery Bay, which is further north than we've ever had that happen," SCCF Wildlife and Habitat Management Director Chris Lechowicz told WINK. One island resident had a 10-foot crocodile spending a lot of time in her backyard for over a month — at first believed to be a female but now thought to possibly be a male if the courting indicates males finding homes nearby. "It's the most incredible creature you ever saw," said the resident, Carolyn David, in an interview with WINK News. "This is their territory. It's not ours." The first Sanibel crocodile documented came in 1979, and the island was actually designated as a crocodile refuge in 1998. Unfortunately, no successful nest has been documented there — perhaps until now. "The three significant storm surge events that occurred over the last two and a half years have transformed most waterbodies on Sanibel to a more crocodile-friendly habitat consisting of brackish water," Lechowicz said in a blog post. "As a result, they move more freely around the island and use other water bodies." It's too soon to tell if the crocodile in David's yard or any others have actually mated, but the presence is a good sign — for conservation purposes, at least, as David said she was initially "freaked out" to find the croc so close to home. The SCCF reported that the Florida population of crocodiles was listed as endangered, with only a few hundred left, in the 1970s. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service upgraded the classification to threatened, as the population has grown to roughly 2,000. A similar instance happened on a small island in Oceania when a bird once thought to be extinct reappeared. England also saw the reemergence of a rare mammal species. The successful conservation of the American crocodile and the potential new Sanibel nest are testaments to what happens when communities come together to help preserve wildlife and the environment. If you're looking to make an impact in your community, see how you can take local action here. Do you think we still have a lot to learn from ancient cultures? Definitely Only on certain topics I'm not sure No — not really Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
Yahoo
18-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Hundreds of homes up for sale as residents flee coastal town: 'All the destruction'
Residents of one Gulf Coast town are packing up for good while others see opportunity amid a plethora of problems. In Sanibel, Florida, things are getting back to the way they were three years ago. Hurricane Ian in 2022 wiped out a causeway that provided the only access to the island. Homes, businesses, and more were destroyed. Residents, used to living with the threat of hurricanes and weathering tropical storms, were unprepared for the devastating surge of seawater that came with this one. The prospect of rebuilding after the flooding, as well as paying higher insurance rates and property taxes, was too much for some. Over 300 homes are for sale, as WINK News reported, though there are buyers. Brent Castillo is one recent homebuyer. "Despite all the destruction that's happened, what didn't get destroyed is the beach and the water, and that's why we come here," he said. "Our families love it. … We know that this community is going to rebuild, and that's why we want to buy here." It's a risky proposition, to be sure, but improved infrastructure and a reinforced causeway could make for a safer and more resilient community. Hurricanes, however, are intensifying as global and sea surface temperatures continue to rise. This means greater potential for injuries and deaths, property and business damages, and higher insurance and tax rates. Sanibel Public Information Officer Eric Jackson told WINK News that the city has instituted over 40 ordinance changes "to help expedite the recovery process." On May 1, beaches will open with 800 free parking spaces. A pair of resorts reopened in February. And trees and other vegetation are being planted. In the long term, the solution is to swap dirty energy sources for clean ones. The former — coal, gas, and oil — produce heat-trapping pollution when they are burned, not only warming Earth and harming human health but also exacerbating the effects of natural disasters. The latter promise a cooler, safer future. Do you think your house could withstand a hurricane? No way Maybe a weak one I'm not sure It definitely could Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. You can help mitigate the consequences of the changing climate by installing a heat pump, leveling up to induction cooking, and exploring critical climate issues so you can educate others on how we can work together to save the world. Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
