Barry Schmalbach’s sister speaks out for the first timeFlorida Attorney General’s Office sent nearly $71,000 to a suspected imposter
CAPE CORAL Barry Schmalbach’s sister speaks out for the first time For the first time, Barry Schmalbach’s sister, Sherry has spoken with only WINK News about her brother’s mysterious disappearance and the emotional toll it has taken on his loved ones. Sherry shared memories of Barry’s life and described him as determined, charming and loving. “I love you so much. I’m so heartbroken that this happened to you. I’m so sorry. And I miss you. I would just hug him so hard,” said Sherry.
Florida Attorney General’s Office sent nearly $71,000 to a suspected imposter Anyone can fall victim to cyber attacks, including the government. The Florida Attorney General’s Office paid nearly $71,000 to someone pretending to be from a law firm they worked with. Now the Office is trying to get its money back.
Former battalion chief files lawsuit after losing job over failed drug test A former Collier County EMS employee allegedly maliciously discriminated against when he was terminated.
GLADES COUNTY Man sentenced to 54 years in prison for killing 4 people in Glades County DUI crash A Fort Lauderdale man has been sentenced to 54 years in prison for a DUI crash that killed four people in 2023 in Glades County.
NAPLES Firefighters train at old structure on Isles of Capri Firefighters ran into a smoke-filled building as part of their training this week. One technique they used is called seek and find.
WINK NEWS New hope for most common neurological disorder among children More than three million people are living with epilepsy in the U.S. It’s one of the most common neurological disorders among children.
PUNTA GORDA Unmarked Collier County Sheriff’s Office vehicle involved in deadly crash on Oil Well Rd. Two vehicles crashed, including a Collier County Sheriff’s Office vehicle, and one driver died after a crash on Oil Well Road Thursday afternoon.
Today is the deadline for bids on Naples Pier Project Today is the day the bid closes for the Naples pier project, and vendors submitting a bid were at city hall so their packets could be reviewed.
ESTERO Dollar bill predicting Everblades 3-Peat hidden in Hertz Arena ice A dollar bill with the words “3-Peat” was hidden in the ice at Hertz Arena ahead of Florida Everblades’ historic season.
ENGLEWOOD Man accused of owning illegal gambling businesses in Englewood A man has been arrested after allegedly running two illegal gambling businesses in Englewood.
Punta Gorda Waterfront Hotel demolition set for July 8 After numerous delays, the demolition of Punta Gorda Waterfront Hotel will begin next month. Interior demolition will start July 8, attorney Derek Rooney, who represents property owner Amer Asmar, told the Punta Gorda Code Enforcement Board on June 26.
NAPLES 4 suspected Ulta Beauty thieves arrested after fleeing from Collier deputies Four Tampa residents have been arrested after allegedly stealing from a Naples Ulta Beauty store and then leading deputies on a chase.
WINK NEWS Genetic testing can offer major insight into your health background Genetic testing helps researchers determine whether you have a genetic condition and can help figure out the chances of developing or passing on deadly diseases.
FORT MYERS 3 injured at DS&S Construction in Fort Myers The Fort Myers Police Department is responding to a scene at the DS&S Construction, where three people have reportedly been injured.
WINK NEWS Sheriff: deputies investigating a homicide in Three Oaks Park, shooter at large Deputies are searching for a shooter who killed a man in the Three Oaks Parks community.
CAPE CORAL Barry Schmalbach’s sister speaks out for the first time For the first time, Barry Schmalbach’s sister, Sherry has spoken with only WINK News about her brother’s mysterious disappearance and the emotional toll it has taken on his loved ones. Sherry shared memories of Barry’s life and described him as determined, charming and loving. “I love you so much. I’m so heartbroken that this happened to you. I’m so sorry. And I miss you. I would just hug him so hard,” said Sherry.
Florida Attorney General’s Office sent nearly $71,000 to a suspected imposter Anyone can fall victim to cyber attacks, including the government. The Florida Attorney General’s Office paid nearly $71,000 to someone pretending to be from a law firm they worked with. Now the Office is trying to get its money back.
Former battalion chief files lawsuit after losing job over failed drug test A former Collier County EMS employee allegedly maliciously discriminated against when he was terminated.
GLADES COUNTY Man sentenced to 54 years in prison for killing 4 people in Glades County DUI crash A Fort Lauderdale man has been sentenced to 54 years in prison for a DUI crash that killed four people in 2023 in Glades County.
NAPLES Firefighters train at old structure on Isles of Capri Firefighters ran into a smoke-filled building as part of their training this week. One technique they used is called seek and find.
WINK NEWS New hope for most common neurological disorder among children More than three million people are living with epilepsy in the U.S. It’s one of the most common neurological disorders among children.
PUNTA GORDA Unmarked Collier County Sheriff’s Office vehicle involved in deadly crash on Oil Well Rd. Two vehicles crashed, including a Collier County Sheriff’s Office vehicle, and one driver died after a crash on Oil Well Road Thursday afternoon.
Today is the deadline for bids on Naples Pier Project Today is the day the bid closes for the Naples pier project, and vendors submitting a bid were at city hall so their packets could be reviewed.
ESTERO Dollar bill predicting Everblades 3-Peat hidden in Hertz Arena ice A dollar bill with the words “3-Peat” was hidden in the ice at Hertz Arena ahead of Florida Everblades’ historic season.
ENGLEWOOD Man accused of owning illegal gambling businesses in Englewood A man has been arrested after allegedly running two illegal gambling businesses in Englewood.
Punta Gorda Waterfront Hotel demolition set for July 8 After numerous delays, the demolition of Punta Gorda Waterfront Hotel will begin next month. Interior demolition will start July 8, attorney Derek Rooney, who represents property owner Amer Asmar, told the Punta Gorda Code Enforcement Board on June 26.
NAPLES 4 suspected Ulta Beauty thieves arrested after fleeing from Collier deputies Four Tampa residents have been arrested after allegedly stealing from a Naples Ulta Beauty store and then leading deputies on a chase.
WINK NEWS Genetic testing can offer major insight into your health background Genetic testing helps researchers determine whether you have a genetic condition and can help figure out the chances of developing or passing on deadly diseases.
FORT MYERS 3 injured at DS&S Construction in Fort Myers The Fort Myers Police Department is responding to a scene at the DS&S Construction, where three people have reportedly been injured.
WINK NEWS Sheriff: deputies investigating a homicide in Three Oaks Park, shooter at large Deputies are searching for a shooter who killed a man in the Three Oaks Parks community.
MGN Some disasters strike without any warning, and family members may not all be in the same place. How will you get in touch with each other? Where will you meet? What if your neighborhood is being evacuated? It’s important to make a plan now so that you will know what to do, how to find each other, and how to communicate in an emergency. Pick the same person for each family member to call or email. It might be easier to reach someone who’s out of town. Text, don’t talk, unless it’s an emergency. It may be easier to send a text. You don’t want to tie up phone lines for emergency workers. Keep your family’s contact info and meeting spot location in your backpack, wallet, or taped inside your school notebook. Put it in your cell phone if you have one. Family Communication Tips Identify a contact such as a friend or relative who lives out-of-state for household members to notify they are safe. It may be easier to make a long-distance phone call than to call across town, so an out-of-town contact may be in a better position to communicate among separated family members. Be sure every member of your family knows the phone number and has a cell phone or a prepaid phone card to call the emergency contact. If you have a cell phone, program that person(s) as “ICE” (In Case of Emergency) in your phone. If you are in an accident, emergency personnel will often check your ICE listings in order to get hold of someone you know. Make sure to tell your family and friends that you’ve listed them as emergency contacts. Teach family members how to use text messaging. Text messages can often get around network disruptions when a phone call might not be able to get through. Remember, the first and most important thing to do when facing hazardous weather conditions is to use common sense. Please get together with your family today so that you can prepare a plan for disaster. Here’s how to prepare: Discuss the type of hazards that could affect your family. Know your home’s vulnerability to storm dangers. Decide your evacuation route and destination. Plan to go to family or friends who live in safer areas. Use county evacuation shelters only as a last resort. Outline an alternate plan in case your friends are out of town, your evacuation route is flooded or other unforeseen circumstances arise. Select an out-of-state relative as a family contact, so all your family members have a single point of contact. Plan what you will do with your pets if you need to evacuate. Review your homeowners and flood insurance policies and keep them with you in a secure, waterproof place. Register individuals with special needs with your county’s Emergency Management Office. Make a list of prescription medicines that you will need to refill and take with you. Stock non-perishable emergency supplies and food. Also prepare a disaster supply kit. Take all necessary precautions to protect your vehicles, boats and windows.