FORT MYERS Family of murdered Fort Myers man seeking answers A family is seeking answers after a Fort Myers man was found shot multiple times outside his apartment on Oct. 6. The shooting occurred at the Sunterra Apartments along Evans Ave.
MANASOTA KEY Milton’s impact on Manasota Key’s future Hurricane Milton slammed Charlotte County, much like Hurricane Ian did with Fort Myers Beach.
School District of Lee County announces Milton make-up days The School District of Lee County has announced their make-up dates due to days missed from Hurricane Milton.
PUNTA GORDA Sunken boats and the smell of fuel fill Laishley Park Marina after Milton The refreshing smell of the sea at Laishley Park Marina has been replaced by the thick stench of fuel.
BONITA SPRINGS Local band Roxx Revolt says farewell to SWFL After six years of rocking Southwest Florida, local band Roxx Revolt is setting its’ sights on the nation’s musical mecca: Nashville, Tenn.
Matlacha Milton’s impact on businesses in Matlacha Before Hurricane Milton even made landfall, a violent tornado ripped through the community of Matlacha.
NEAR CLEWISTON Gang violence concerns in Hendry County after fatal shooting of 16-year-old A 16-year-old girl is dead, the apparent victim of alleged gang activity in Hendry County she was not involved in.
PORT CHARLOTTE Charlotte County Sheriff to hold annual Halloween event in wake of Milton The Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office is continuing with its annual “Cops & Goblins” Halloween event in the aftermath of hurricanes Helene and Milton.
IMMOKALEE Collier County woman arrested for shooting another woman in the face A woman has been arrested in Collier County after shooting another woman in the face, killing her.
FGCU women’s golf team eyes three straight tournament titles The Florida Gulf Coast University women’s golf program is having its best season so far.
IMMOKALEE WINK News Players of the Week: Immokalee QB Chris Germinal and WR Gilbert Charles After teaming up for 3 TDs in the win over Lely, Immokalee QB Chris Germinal and WR Gilbert Charles are the WINK News Players of the Week.
Red Tide concerns in Southwest Florida All eyes are on an area in the gulf for a suspected red tide bloom.
PUNTA GORDA Punta Gorda resident attempting to salvage boat after Milton A Punta Gorda homeowner said he saw damage from Hurricane Milton to his home and his boat.
Spike in cases of vibrio, a flesh-eating bacteria, after hurricanes We’re tracking a spike of cases in vibrio, a flesh-eating bacteria, after hurricanes Helene and Milton.
The Beach Bar breaks ground on Fort Myers Beach The Beach Bar, destroyed Sept. 28, 2022, by Hurricane Ian, broke ground Oct. 17 off I Street on Fort Myers Beach, just south of Lani Kai Island Resort.
FORT MYERS Family of murdered Fort Myers man seeking answers A family is seeking answers after a Fort Myers man was found shot multiple times outside his apartment on Oct. 6. The shooting occurred at the Sunterra Apartments along Evans Ave.
MANASOTA KEY Milton’s impact on Manasota Key’s future Hurricane Milton slammed Charlotte County, much like Hurricane Ian did with Fort Myers Beach.
School District of Lee County announces Milton make-up days The School District of Lee County has announced their make-up dates due to days missed from Hurricane Milton.
PUNTA GORDA Sunken boats and the smell of fuel fill Laishley Park Marina after Milton The refreshing smell of the sea at Laishley Park Marina has been replaced by the thick stench of fuel.
BONITA SPRINGS Local band Roxx Revolt says farewell to SWFL After six years of rocking Southwest Florida, local band Roxx Revolt is setting its’ sights on the nation’s musical mecca: Nashville, Tenn.
Matlacha Milton’s impact on businesses in Matlacha Before Hurricane Milton even made landfall, a violent tornado ripped through the community of Matlacha.
NEAR CLEWISTON Gang violence concerns in Hendry County after fatal shooting of 16-year-old A 16-year-old girl is dead, the apparent victim of alleged gang activity in Hendry County she was not involved in.
PORT CHARLOTTE Charlotte County Sheriff to hold annual Halloween event in wake of Milton The Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office is continuing with its annual “Cops & Goblins” Halloween event in the aftermath of hurricanes Helene and Milton.
IMMOKALEE Collier County woman arrested for shooting another woman in the face A woman has been arrested in Collier County after shooting another woman in the face, killing her.
FGCU women’s golf team eyes three straight tournament titles The Florida Gulf Coast University women’s golf program is having its best season so far.
IMMOKALEE WINK News Players of the Week: Immokalee QB Chris Germinal and WR Gilbert Charles After teaming up for 3 TDs in the win over Lely, Immokalee QB Chris Germinal and WR Gilbert Charles are the WINK News Players of the Week.
Red Tide concerns in Southwest Florida All eyes are on an area in the gulf for a suspected red tide bloom.
PUNTA GORDA Punta Gorda resident attempting to salvage boat after Milton A Punta Gorda homeowner said he saw damage from Hurricane Milton to his home and his boat.
Spike in cases of vibrio, a flesh-eating bacteria, after hurricanes We’re tracking a spike of cases in vibrio, a flesh-eating bacteria, after hurricanes Helene and Milton.
The Beach Bar breaks ground on Fort Myers Beach The Beach Bar, destroyed Sept. 28, 2022, by Hurricane Ian, broke ground Oct. 17 off I Street on Fort Myers Beach, just south of Lani Kai Island Resort.
FORT MYERS Family of murdered Fort Myers man seeking answers A family is seeking answers after a Fort Myers man was found shot multiple times outside his apartment on Oct. 6. The shooting occurred at the Sunterra Apartments along Evans Ave. MANASOTA KEY Milton’s impact on Manasota Key’s future Hurricane Milton slammed Charlotte County, much like Hurricane Ian did with Fort Myers Beach. School District of Lee County announces Milton make-up days The School District of Lee County has announced their make-up dates due to days missed from Hurricane Milton. PUNTA GORDA Sunken boats and the smell of fuel fill Laishley Park Marina after Milton The refreshing smell of the sea at Laishley Park Marina has been replaced by the thick stench of fuel. Matlacha Milton’s impact on businesses in Matlacha Before Hurricane Milton even made landfall, a violent tornado ripped through the community of Matlacha. NEAR CLEWISTON Gang violence concerns in Hendry County after fatal shooting of 16-year-old A 16-year-old girl is dead, the apparent victim of alleged gang activity in Hendry County she was not involved in. Links Mentioned on WINK BONITA SPRINGS Local band Roxx Revolt says farewell to SWFL After six years of rocking Southwest Florida, local band Roxx Revolt is setting its’ sights on the nation’s musical mecca: Nashville, Tenn. PORT CHARLOTTE Charlotte County Sheriff to hold annual Halloween event in wake of Milton The Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office is continuing with its annual “Cops & Goblins” Halloween event in the aftermath of hurricanes Helene and Milton. IMMOKALEE Collier County woman arrested for shooting another woman in the face A woman has been arrested in Collier County after shooting another woman in the face, killing her. IMMOKALEE WINK News Players of the Week: Immokalee QB Chris Germinal and WR Gilbert Charles After teaming up for 3 TDs in the win over Lely, Immokalee QB Chris Germinal and WR Gilbert Charles are the WINK News Players of the Week. Gulfshore Business View all The Beach Bar breaks ground on Fort Myers Beach The Beach Bar, destroyed Sept. 28, 2022, by Hurricane Ian, broke ground Oct. 17 off I Street on Fort Myers Beach, just south of Lani Kai Island Resort. Punta Gorda Elks Lodge reduced to rubble after hurricanes Hurricanes Helene and Milton caused $750,000 worth of damage to the second largest Elks Lodge in the U.S. Charlotte County businesses grapple with hurricane damages Throughout Charlotte County, officials are tallying the number of businesses affected by hurricanes Helene and Milton that made landfall less than two weeks apart. City of Punta Gorda is conducting its own assessment of its business community. Gale’s Gifts year-round Christmas store gears up for season Gale Griswold hoped she was onto something, opening a year-round Christmas specialty store. A year later, her instincts are paying off. Charlotte County tourism expected to take hit from Helene, Milton Charlotte County is expected to miss out on more than $10 million in tourism dollars following the cancellation of two popular events due to hurricanes Helene and Milton. Meanwhile, another major attraction in Punta Gorda is closed to the public. County vote on Lee Health conversion delayed by Hurricane Milton The final vote by the Lee County Board of County Commissioners on Lee Health’s conversion from a public nonprofit to a private nonprofit was scheduled during an Oct. 8 special meeting, but Hurricane Milton’s approach of Florida’s Gulf Coast led to its cancellation. Muck fills many Matlacha businesses after Hurricane Milton Twice in a span of less than two weeks, storm surge overflowed mud and muck from the bottom of Matlacha Pass Aquatic Preserve onto Matlacha island, which is less than a quarter of a square mile and connects Pine Island to the mainland via Pine Island Road. Latest local news delivered to your inbox daily. Investigations WINK Investigates: For the first time, Beattie Development owner Paul Beattie speaks out during liquidation after allegations On Tuesday for the first time, Paul Beattie, owner of Beattie Development, who a lot of people say owe them a lot of money, is speaking out. New details emerge confirming state investigation into Heritage Insurance WINK News is breaking new details on a criminal investigation into an insurance company where customers claim they were left with wrecked homes after Ian and no money to rebuild. 18-year-old killed after robbery gone wrong in Punta Gorda An 18-year-old is dead following an attempted armed robbery when his 17-year-old target shot back in Punta Gorda. Tice investigation turns into a homicide investigation There has been an update on the investigation at Montgomery Avenue in Tice which had two women transported to a local hospital with critical injuries. Pedestrian killed in hit-and-run crash on U.S. 27 in Glades County A fatal hit-and-run occurred early Saturday on U.S. 27, just north of Boar Hammock Ranch Road in Glades County, resulting in the death of a pedestrian. State News View all Gov. DeSantis grants funding to school systems affected by Hurricane Milton Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis provided an update regarding recovery efforts following Hurricane Milton in Sarasota. Experts warn of potential red tide heading toward Southwest Florida A potential red tide bloom exploded in size and intensity off Florida’s coast, from Clearwater to Venice, and it could impact Southwest Florida. Two arrested in Clewiston teen’s murder Two people are in jail Tuesday night for the murder of 16-year-old Ja’yhanna Johnson. Twin Palm’s tornado was the strongest tornado ever recorded in southwest Florida A tornado from Hurricane Milton left a Glades County community in pieces. WINK News has confirmed that the tornado that hit the Twin Lakes Resort was the strongest tornado ever recorded in southwest Florida, according to the National Weather Service. Gov. DeSantis provides update regarding Hurricane Milton recovery Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis provided an update regarding Hurricane Milton recovery efforts while in Zephyrhills. Health & Medical View all Spike in cases of vibrio, a flesh-eating bacteria, after hurricanes We’re tracking a spike of cases in vibrio, a flesh-eating bacteria, after hurricanes Helene and Milton. Mobile medical clinics available in Charlotte County If you need necessities after the recent impact of hurricanes Helene and Milton, Mobile Medical Clinics in Charlotte County can help. Advanced breast cancer screening at NCH Breast Cancer Awareness Month was launched in 1985. The American Cancer Society designated October as a month to highlight screening with the hope of finding the disease at the earliest stage possible. Acting now helps avoid storm PTSD Even with storms Helene and Milton behind us, stress levels remain high. It’s leaving many people to manage post-hurricane anxiety. Miracle Moment: Basketball player bouncing back A basketball player, Karsten Schafer, is preparing to get off the bench and back in the game after doctors told him he might never play again. Managing your anxiety during Milton; expert weighs in We are anxious about Hurricane Milton. It’s perfectly normal, even expected, but there are things you can do to help ground yourself and lower the stress to a manageable level. The Environment View all Red Tide concerns in Southwest Florida All eyes are on an area in the gulf for a suspected red tide bloom. SWFL students return to class following Hurricane Milton After a week-long break due to the impacts of Hurricane Milton, most children in Southwest Florida are heading back to school. Peace River Wildlife Center closes indefinitely after back-to-back hurricanes Forces from major Hurricane Milton overwhelmed the Peace River Wildlife Center, leaving the organization uncertain if they will return to Ponce Park. WINK Sports View all FGCU women’s golf team eyes three straight tournament titles The Florida Gulf Coast University women’s golf program is having its best season so far. Florida Everblades ready for another title defense The Florida Everblades made history last season with their third-straight Kelly Cup title. Now, the Everblades are pushing for four in a row. WINK News Game of the Week: Dunbar at Port Charlotte The Tigers and the Pirates return to the high school football gridiron after a multi-week hiatus because of Hurricane Milton. FGCU athletic director speaks exclusively on House v. NCAA settlement FGCU athletic director Colin Hargis spoke exclusively with WINK News about how the House v. NCAA settlement impacts the athletic department. Florida high school football, volleyball schedule changes after Milton There will be no high school football Monday night, part of a change in schedule in the wake of two hurricanes hitting the Florida west coast. SWFL Scoreboard: High School Football Week 7 Week seven was action packed for high school football teams all over southwest Florida. WINK News has the highlights and scores. SWFL represented on college football rosters College football is officially back! That means we get to see players from SWFL showcase their skills in some of of the premier conferences. Kelsey Plum wins gold medal with Team USA women’s basketball Kelsey Plum is back home after winning her second Olympic gold medal with Team USA women’s basketball. Lehigh’s Jeremiah Davis jumping to Paris for Olympics Lehigh Senior High grad and current Florida State long jumper Jeremiah Davis earns Olympic bid. Two championships in a month for Jake and Paul Maurice The father and son duo of Paul and Jake Maurice are each celebrating championships with their respective teams, the Florida Panthers and Florida Everblades. Campaign Central View all Harris and Trump offer new details about policies and strategy in dueling interviews As the presidential race moves into its final weeks, Democrat Kamala Harris and Republican Donald Trump embarked on an interview blitz that offered new details about their policy priorities and their political strategies. This could have been a year of a federal court reckoning for Trump. Judges had other ideas The indictment charging Donald Trump with hoarding classified documents leveled one jaw-dropping allegation after another, including that he showed off a secret Pentagon attack plan to guests at his golf club and suggested his lawyer mislead the FBI about the presence of the White House records. Walz to unveil Harris’ plan for rural voters as campaign looks to cut into Trump’s edge Democratic vice presidential nominee Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz on Tuesday will unveil his ticket’s plans to improve the lives of rural voters, as Vice President Kamala Harris looks to cut into former President Donald Trump’s support.
FORT MYERS Family of murdered Fort Myers man seeking answers A family is seeking answers after a Fort Myers man was found shot multiple times outside his apartment on Oct. 6. The shooting occurred at the Sunterra Apartments along Evans Ave.
MANASOTA KEY Milton’s impact on Manasota Key’s future Hurricane Milton slammed Charlotte County, much like Hurricane Ian did with Fort Myers Beach.
School District of Lee County announces Milton make-up days The School District of Lee County has announced their make-up dates due to days missed from Hurricane Milton.
PUNTA GORDA Sunken boats and the smell of fuel fill Laishley Park Marina after Milton The refreshing smell of the sea at Laishley Park Marina has been replaced by the thick stench of fuel.
Matlacha Milton’s impact on businesses in Matlacha Before Hurricane Milton even made landfall, a violent tornado ripped through the community of Matlacha.
NEAR CLEWISTON Gang violence concerns in Hendry County after fatal shooting of 16-year-old A 16-year-old girl is dead, the apparent victim of alleged gang activity in Hendry County she was not involved in.
BONITA SPRINGS Local band Roxx Revolt says farewell to SWFL After six years of rocking Southwest Florida, local band Roxx Revolt is setting its’ sights on the nation’s musical mecca: Nashville, Tenn.
PORT CHARLOTTE Charlotte County Sheriff to hold annual Halloween event in wake of Milton The Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office is continuing with its annual “Cops & Goblins” Halloween event in the aftermath of hurricanes Helene and Milton.
IMMOKALEE Collier County woman arrested for shooting another woman in the face A woman has been arrested in Collier County after shooting another woman in the face, killing her.
IMMOKALEE WINK News Players of the Week: Immokalee QB Chris Germinal and WR Gilbert Charles After teaming up for 3 TDs in the win over Lely, Immokalee QB Chris Germinal and WR Gilbert Charles are the WINK News Players of the Week.
The Beach Bar breaks ground on Fort Myers Beach The Beach Bar, destroyed Sept. 28, 2022, by Hurricane Ian, broke ground Oct. 17 off I Street on Fort Myers Beach, just south of Lani Kai Island Resort.
Punta Gorda Elks Lodge reduced to rubble after hurricanes Hurricanes Helene and Milton caused $750,000 worth of damage to the second largest Elks Lodge in the U.S.
Charlotte County businesses grapple with hurricane damages Throughout Charlotte County, officials are tallying the number of businesses affected by hurricanes Helene and Milton that made landfall less than two weeks apart. City of Punta Gorda is conducting its own assessment of its business community.
Gale’s Gifts year-round Christmas store gears up for season Gale Griswold hoped she was onto something, opening a year-round Christmas specialty store. A year later, her instincts are paying off.
Charlotte County tourism expected to take hit from Helene, Milton Charlotte County is expected to miss out on more than $10 million in tourism dollars following the cancellation of two popular events due to hurricanes Helene and Milton. Meanwhile, another major attraction in Punta Gorda is closed to the public.
County vote on Lee Health conversion delayed by Hurricane Milton The final vote by the Lee County Board of County Commissioners on Lee Health’s conversion from a public nonprofit to a private nonprofit was scheduled during an Oct. 8 special meeting, but Hurricane Milton’s approach of Florida’s Gulf Coast led to its cancellation.
Muck fills many Matlacha businesses after Hurricane Milton Twice in a span of less than two weeks, storm surge overflowed mud and muck from the bottom of Matlacha Pass Aquatic Preserve onto Matlacha island, which is less than a quarter of a square mile and connects Pine Island to the mainland via Pine Island Road.
WINK Investigates: For the first time, Beattie Development owner Paul Beattie speaks out during liquidation after allegations On Tuesday for the first time, Paul Beattie, owner of Beattie Development, who a lot of people say owe them a lot of money, is speaking out.
New details emerge confirming state investigation into Heritage Insurance WINK News is breaking new details on a criminal investigation into an insurance company where customers claim they were left with wrecked homes after Ian and no money to rebuild.
18-year-old killed after robbery gone wrong in Punta Gorda An 18-year-old is dead following an attempted armed robbery when his 17-year-old target shot back in Punta Gorda.
Tice investigation turns into a homicide investigation There has been an update on the investigation at Montgomery Avenue in Tice which had two women transported to a local hospital with critical injuries.
Pedestrian killed in hit-and-run crash on U.S. 27 in Glades County A fatal hit-and-run occurred early Saturday on U.S. 27, just north of Boar Hammock Ranch Road in Glades County, resulting in the death of a pedestrian.
Gov. DeSantis grants funding to school systems affected by Hurricane Milton Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis provided an update regarding recovery efforts following Hurricane Milton in Sarasota.
Experts warn of potential red tide heading toward Southwest Florida A potential red tide bloom exploded in size and intensity off Florida’s coast, from Clearwater to Venice, and it could impact Southwest Florida.
Two arrested in Clewiston teen’s murder Two people are in jail Tuesday night for the murder of 16-year-old Ja’yhanna Johnson.
Twin Palm’s tornado was the strongest tornado ever recorded in southwest Florida A tornado from Hurricane Milton left a Glades County community in pieces. WINK News has confirmed that the tornado that hit the Twin Lakes Resort was the strongest tornado ever recorded in southwest Florida, according to the National Weather Service.
Gov. DeSantis provides update regarding Hurricane Milton recovery Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis provided an update regarding Hurricane Milton recovery efforts while in Zephyrhills.
Spike in cases of vibrio, a flesh-eating bacteria, after hurricanes We’re tracking a spike of cases in vibrio, a flesh-eating bacteria, after hurricanes Helene and Milton.
Mobile medical clinics available in Charlotte County If you need necessities after the recent impact of hurricanes Helene and Milton, Mobile Medical Clinics in Charlotte County can help.
Advanced breast cancer screening at NCH Breast Cancer Awareness Month was launched in 1985. The American Cancer Society designated October as a month to highlight screening with the hope of finding the disease at the earliest stage possible.
Acting now helps avoid storm PTSD Even with storms Helene and Milton behind us, stress levels remain high. It’s leaving many people to manage post-hurricane anxiety.
Miracle Moment: Basketball player bouncing back A basketball player, Karsten Schafer, is preparing to get off the bench and back in the game after doctors told him he might never play again.
Managing your anxiety during Milton; expert weighs in We are anxious about Hurricane Milton. It’s perfectly normal, even expected, but there are things you can do to help ground yourself and lower the stress to a manageable level.
Red Tide concerns in Southwest Florida All eyes are on an area in the gulf for a suspected red tide bloom.
SWFL students return to class following Hurricane Milton After a week-long break due to the impacts of Hurricane Milton, most children in Southwest Florida are heading back to school.
Peace River Wildlife Center closes indefinitely after back-to-back hurricanes Forces from major Hurricane Milton overwhelmed the Peace River Wildlife Center, leaving the organization uncertain if they will return to Ponce Park.
FGCU women’s golf team eyes three straight tournament titles The Florida Gulf Coast University women’s golf program is having its best season so far.
Florida Everblades ready for another title defense The Florida Everblades made history last season with their third-straight Kelly Cup title. Now, the Everblades are pushing for four in a row.
WINK News Game of the Week: Dunbar at Port Charlotte The Tigers and the Pirates return to the high school football gridiron after a multi-week hiatus because of Hurricane Milton.
FGCU athletic director speaks exclusively on House v. NCAA settlement FGCU athletic director Colin Hargis spoke exclusively with WINK News about how the House v. NCAA settlement impacts the athletic department.
Florida high school football, volleyball schedule changes after Milton There will be no high school football Monday night, part of a change in schedule in the wake of two hurricanes hitting the Florida west coast.
SWFL Scoreboard: High School Football Week 7 Week seven was action packed for high school football teams all over southwest Florida. WINK News has the highlights and scores.
SWFL represented on college football rosters College football is officially back! That means we get to see players from SWFL showcase their skills in some of of the premier conferences.
Kelsey Plum wins gold medal with Team USA women’s basketball Kelsey Plum is back home after winning her second Olympic gold medal with Team USA women’s basketball.
Lehigh’s Jeremiah Davis jumping to Paris for Olympics Lehigh Senior High grad and current Florida State long jumper Jeremiah Davis earns Olympic bid.
Two championships in a month for Jake and Paul Maurice The father and son duo of Paul and Jake Maurice are each celebrating championships with their respective teams, the Florida Panthers and Florida Everblades.
Harris and Trump offer new details about policies and strategy in dueling interviews As the presidential race moves into its final weeks, Democrat Kamala Harris and Republican Donald Trump embarked on an interview blitz that offered new details about their policy priorities and their political strategies.
This could have been a year of a federal court reckoning for Trump. Judges had other ideas The indictment charging Donald Trump with hoarding classified documents leveled one jaw-dropping allegation after another, including that he showed off a secret Pentagon attack plan to guests at his golf club and suggested his lawyer mislead the FBI about the presence of the White House records.
Walz to unveil Harris’ plan for rural voters as campaign looks to cut into Trump’s edge Democratic vice presidential nominee Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz on Tuesday will unveil his ticket’s plans to improve the lives of rural voters, as Vice President Kamala Harris looks to cut into former President Donald Trump’s support.