A sign sits outside the studio of WGN television studio in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Scott Olson/Getty Images)
WGN TV has been around for over 75 years, so they seen a lot of changes in the broadcast industry. But one thing that remains the same is that you need to promote your station, and your talent. With promotional pictures. In the business, we call this the headshots. And they’re supposed to show the local talent in a positive, likeable, image. So, it came as a bit of a surprise when this Chicago station called out a Southwest Florida tv station on the air with a segment on their anchor headshots. More specifically, the ” miserable anchor headshots at WINK in Florida.”
I’m not familiar with the WGN segment “Larry’s World”, but it looks like it’s there to make fun of other tv stations. He opens with one station using an incorrect graphic. Then he spotlights another station that misspelled the name of the city in which they broadcast! Then he hits on Fort Myers, Florida. WINK TV is in his crosshairs for their anchor headshots. If the video doesn’t automatically jump to it, the part I’m referring to starts at 35 seconds.
After referring to their pictures as “Glamour Shots”, the WGN anchors reminded everyone that news is “serious business.” Or maybe it’s because they’re just so miserable. Then the WGN anchor proceeded to show the Fort Myers anchors how headshots should be recorded. “If you want to get from market 55 to market 3,” this is how it’s done.
I’m not going to pile on, I know some of the people at WINK.
But these pictures are not great. They actually kinda look like AI, or maybe it’s just heavy use of filters. I’m not sure. I’m leaning towards filters. They remind me of Instagram models. Ha.
7 Of The Most Romantic Restaurants In The Fort Myers Area
Valentine’s Day is just around the corner. Now is the time to secure those reserviations. To help you out, here are 7 of the most romantic restaurants in Fort Myers and the surrounding area. Going out to eat is an ages old way to begin a date night. Southwest Florida is full of amazing spots that offer great food, superb service, outstanding hospitality, and finally, the ambiance that can seal the deal. If you know what I mean.
Beautiful food can be a precursor for romance for many people. These restaurants have it.
I wrote a story about romantic dining for 10Best, USA Today’s online travel outlet, sometime ago. Several of these spots made the list then and ceontinue to stand the test of tim. Finding spots like these are fun for me, not to mention delicious to research.
Romantic restaurants Fort Myers with accomodations
First up, if you want to include an overnight in your romantic dining, consider Tarpon Lodge. It is on the end of Pine Island near Pineland Marina. It’s a bit of an adventure to get there which could add to the romance. Old Florida is alive and well at this historic inn on the water. The restaurant and the Inn are a special place. There are wooden floors that still creak when you step on them and the small bar has a fireplace. The sunsets are gorgeous too. Back to the dining, the chef does a fantastic job here.
Everyone has a different idea of romance, however, these are places that stand out in the traditional since. Here is the rest of the top 7 most romantic restaurants in Fort Myers area. UPDATED: 1/26/2024
Angelina's Ristorante
This award winning Italian restaurant is in Bonita Springs. It is a stand alone building and from the minute you walk in you feel as if you are someplace special. You’re greeted by a huge wine tower, the largest in Southwest Florida. It is surrounded by cozy, ornate booths. To the right is a smaller, red room that’s plush and quiet. The piano bar is more llively but still cozy. The music adds an extra touch. There is also a patio with bistro lights if that is your idea of romantic. It’s on U.S. 41 just south of Coconut Point Mall. 239-390-3187.
The Veranda
This is a downtown Fort Myers institution. Two historic homes have been joined together to create this vintage space. In addition, there is a courtyard with twinkling lights. The Veranda also has a cozy piano bar. In the dining room, they still make Ceasar salads table side and have dessert cart capable of flambéing sweet ingredients. Fire, hot, romance, we get it…
The Verandah is on 2nd Street accross from City Hall. 239-332-2065
Chop's City Grill
The Bonita Springs location of Chop’s (there is one in Naples too) recently underwent a million dollar renovation and it is gorgeous. The drinks are sexy and the food is fantastic. They also have a great Happy Hour at the bar. Then there is the service. It is top notch. Steak may be the specialty here but they know their way around searfood too. If the patio is open, there are twinkling bistro lights to set the mood. Chop’s is on US 41 by Coconut Point. 239-992-4677
Roadhouse Cafe
This hidden gem is more like a supper club, but without the membership. It is a longtime Fort Myers spot that is remarkably still a secret to some. There is a private room and lots intimate seating. Dimly lit, they pack in patrons who love both dinner an live music. You’ll find world class musicians here and can actually sit around the piano. Oh, and there is dancing too. It really does completes the senses. Find this spot in an obscure strip mall on San Carlos Blvd just west of Gladioulus Drive. 239-415-4375
Azure
This cozy European bistro in Fort Myers can be challenging to find but it is another gem. If feels like you have made an escape to Europe. It is a small, intimate place that gets full fast. The kitchen is open and fun to watch. Chefs crank out a variety of food and most of them are presented in their classic form. The service is impeccable. Azure is on McGregor Blvd in Fort Myers just east of Gladioulus. 239-288-4296
Il Cielo
Cielo is on Sanibel Island and was among the first to reopen after Hurriane Ian. It is island chic in every way. The dining room is spacious but still manages to have a feeling of intimacy. Perhaps it is due to the great attention to detail that the management and servers possess. A floor to ceiling, glass wine wall seperates the dining room from the bar. You’ll find live piano music here as well. Cielo is on stilts, surrounded by vegetation, on Periwinkle Road close the island entrance. 239-472-5555
Joe Winner spends his days combing through memes and off beat stories to bring you the side of Florida not always seen.
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