Warmer with sun and clouds for your Friday plansFDOT to open all lanes of Caloosahatchee Bridge year ahead of construction schedule
the weather authority Warmer with sun and clouds for your Friday plans The Weather Authority is tracking a warmer day ahead, with a mixture of sun and clouds expected this Friday afternoon.
FDOT to open all lanes of Caloosahatchee Bridge year ahead of construction schedule The Florida Department of Transportation announced it will open all lanes of the Caloosahatchee Bridge a year ahead of its pedestrian sidewalk project.
NAPLES 12-year-old collecting donations for the needy during the holidays A 12-year-old Naples boy isn’t worried about what he’s getting for Christmas. Instead, he’s working on his 6th annual “Holiday Sock Drive.”
Fort Myers man facing homelessness before the holidays A 75-year-old man is on the brink of homelessness despite working over 80 hours a week.
NAPLES Adoptee uses non-profit to provide suitcases for foster children This holiday season, a Naples woman is on a mission to bring foster children something many take for granted: a suitcase filled with dignity.
MARCO ISLAND City of Marco Island discusses lead awareness during city council meeting The city of Marco Island sent out 4900 letters to residents warning them that their pipes could contain plastic or lead.
NAPLES The future of electric planes in Southwest Florida Features of living near an airport include persistent headache-inducing engine rumbles and foul-smelling jet fuel, but electric planes could play a part in the solution.
PORT CHARLOTTE Neighbors awaiting answers on Port Charlotte Beach Park repairs Neighbors said a contractor hired by the Florida Division of Emergency Management mishandled the boats at Port Charlotte Beach Park.
FGCU introduces new technology for cognitive health screenings Ten minutes. That’s all it takes for doctors to assess how well you remember, how quickly you learn things, and how your brain is working overall.
WINK Investigates: Disgraced contractor faces new lawsuits and allegations Paul Beattie, a disgraced home builder is back doing business but legal challenges continue as another one of his businesses gets sued. Former employees of Beattie speak out, only to WINK.
SWFL reacts to UNC hiring Bill Belichick Southwest Florida reacts to North Carolina hiring Bill Belichick as its new head football coach and how that could impact the decisions of local recruits.
SOUTHWEST FLORIDA Some Floridians want more alone time during the holidays The holidays are all about spending time with family and friends, but nearly half of Americans say they really want more alone time during the holiday.
LABELLE Hendry County rolls out cameras for school speed zones The Hendry County Sheriff’s Office has rolled out a new way of enforcing school zone speed limits by using cameras that will target drivers traveling over a certain speed in a school zone.
Aggressive driving concerns on the rise in Southwest Florida The arrest of a man who, the Lee County Sheriff’s Office said, killed a motorcyclist after crashing into him on purpose is raising concerns over aggressive driving in Southwest Florida.
SANIBEL Sanibel School students prepare for community Christmas performance The school that has had to claw and fight its way back more than once to reopen is getting the chance to celebrate.
the weather authority Warmer with sun and clouds for your Friday plans The Weather Authority is tracking a warmer day ahead, with a mixture of sun and clouds expected this Friday afternoon.
FDOT to open all lanes of Caloosahatchee Bridge year ahead of construction schedule The Florida Department of Transportation announced it will open all lanes of the Caloosahatchee Bridge a year ahead of its pedestrian sidewalk project.
NAPLES 12-year-old collecting donations for the needy during the holidays A 12-year-old Naples boy isn’t worried about what he’s getting for Christmas. Instead, he’s working on his 6th annual “Holiday Sock Drive.”
Fort Myers man facing homelessness before the holidays A 75-year-old man is on the brink of homelessness despite working over 80 hours a week.
NAPLES Adoptee uses non-profit to provide suitcases for foster children This holiday season, a Naples woman is on a mission to bring foster children something many take for granted: a suitcase filled with dignity.
MARCO ISLAND City of Marco Island discusses lead awareness during city council meeting The city of Marco Island sent out 4900 letters to residents warning them that their pipes could contain plastic or lead.
NAPLES The future of electric planes in Southwest Florida Features of living near an airport include persistent headache-inducing engine rumbles and foul-smelling jet fuel, but electric planes could play a part in the solution.
PORT CHARLOTTE Neighbors awaiting answers on Port Charlotte Beach Park repairs Neighbors said a contractor hired by the Florida Division of Emergency Management mishandled the boats at Port Charlotte Beach Park.
FGCU introduces new technology for cognitive health screenings Ten minutes. That’s all it takes for doctors to assess how well you remember, how quickly you learn things, and how your brain is working overall.
WINK Investigates: Disgraced contractor faces new lawsuits and allegations Paul Beattie, a disgraced home builder is back doing business but legal challenges continue as another one of his businesses gets sued. Former employees of Beattie speak out, only to WINK.
SWFL reacts to UNC hiring Bill Belichick Southwest Florida reacts to North Carolina hiring Bill Belichick as its new head football coach and how that could impact the decisions of local recruits.
SOUTHWEST FLORIDA Some Floridians want more alone time during the holidays The holidays are all about spending time with family and friends, but nearly half of Americans say they really want more alone time during the holiday.
LABELLE Hendry County rolls out cameras for school speed zones The Hendry County Sheriff’s Office has rolled out a new way of enforcing school zone speed limits by using cameras that will target drivers traveling over a certain speed in a school zone.
Aggressive driving concerns on the rise in Southwest Florida The arrest of a man who, the Lee County Sheriff’s Office said, killed a motorcyclist after crashing into him on purpose is raising concerns over aggressive driving in Southwest Florida.
SANIBEL Sanibel School students prepare for community Christmas performance The school that has had to claw and fight its way back more than once to reopen is getting the chance to celebrate.
WINK News HIGHLANDS DEPUTY DIES FROM GUNSHOT WOUND A Highlands County Sheriff’s Office deputy died Monday after he was shot in the head Sunday night in the Lake Placid area, the sheriff’s office said. Joseph Edward Ables, 69, is in custody and is being charged with attempted first-degree murder without premeditation among other charges, according to the sheriff’s office. Joseph Ables, photo courtesy of Highlands County Jail. Deputy William Gentry was responding to a call saying that Ables shot a neighbor’s cat on Baltimore Way. Contact was then made with Ables. Sources say the suspect then fired a shot, hitting the deputy in the head. Gentry was airlifted to Lee Memorial Hospital following the shooting. Neighbors in the Lake Placid area say they were horrified to learn what happened in their normally-quiet community. Russell Peitz says the home where the shooting took place was his mother-in-law’s house. “She was in tears and wanted me to come over,” he said. Her cat of 15 years—Mr. Brown—was shot right in front of her. Danielle Dolan lives a few doors down from the suspect’s home. “I don’t know what his issue was, if he had an issue with people’s pets, animals, but he’s obviously a loose cannon,” she said. Ables—already a convicted felon—is currently on probation, according to Dolan, following a separate incident involving her grandfather. “He was mad that my grandparents’ dog wasn’t on a leash, so he came out of his house and maced my grandpa,” Dolan said. Investigators say Deputy William Gentry confronted Ables at his home after the incident with the cat. Ables then allegedly fired several shots, hitting Gentry in the head. Less than 24 hours later, Gentry was pronounced dead at Lee Memorial. Deputy Gentry, via HCSO Deputy Gentry, via HCSO The Highlands County Sheriff’s Office released the following statement on Gentry’s death: “It is with great sadness that Sheriff Paul Blackman and the Highlands County Sheriff’s Office family announces that Deputy William J Gentry Jr succumbed to his injuries at 1:10 p.m. today (Monday, May 7) at Lee Memorial Hospital. Sheriff Blackman and the command staff are currently at the hospital with the family. The heartbreak of our members is devastating, but it is nothing compared to the loss his family has suffered. Please keep his father, mother and brother in your prayers, as well as all the members of the HCSO and our fellow law enforcement officers around the state. Deputy Gentry was shot shortly before 8 p.m. on Sunday, May 6, at a home in Lake Placid. He was airlifted to the hospital, but despite the best efforts of the first responders and the hospital staff, his wounds were not survivable. In the true spirit of a public servant, Deputy Gentry’s organs will be donated so that some good may come out of this unthinkable tragedy. Deputy Gentry is just the third deputy we have lost in the line of duty in the 97-year history of the Highlands County Sheriff’s Office, and the first lost as the result of a criminal act. Inspector James Rodgers and Capt. Robert Hopton Jr., whose names are memorialized on the rock in front of the Highlands County Sheriff’s Office headquarters, were lost in a plane crash on July 10, 1995. Sadly, we will now have another name to add to that monument. We will provide information about the services for Deputy Gentry as soon as we have them available.” VIOLENCE AGAINST LAW ENFORCEMENT This kind of violence against law enforcement officers is significantly up. Tactics expert David Rossi says 30 officers have been killed so far this year across the nation, including nine who were ambushed. Rossi says it’s a profession that comes with safety concerns. “We know it’s a dangerous occupation. That star, the shield, that badge that you wear on your shirt is really just a target,” he said. It’s a terrifying reality that Rossi admits could affect recruitment and response. “Expect the officers to be a little more cautious when they’re making their approach,” Rossi said. “It may require an officer not responding right away, waiting for his backup to show up and then go in.” Police Memorial Day is May 15 to honor those who have fallen. That now includes Deputy Gentry. ———– The Highlands County Sheriff’s Office went live via Facebook amid the announcement of one of Gentry’s death: The Florida Sheriff’s Association made a statement on Gentry’s death: We are devastated by the news that Deputy William Gentry has died after being shot last night while on duty serving his community. Deputy Gentry has honorably served the Highlands County Sheriff’s Office for more than 9 years, currently serving as a field training officer whose contributions will forever have an impact on the agency. We stand with Deputy Gentry, his family, his friends, and with the Highlands County Sheriff’s Office during this tragic time. We are heartbroken at this reminder that law enforcement put their lives on the line every moment they are on duty for their fellow citizens. This attack is a terrible demonstration that evil lurks, and that life is meaningless to some. The Sheriffs of Florida have offered our resources to all first responders who are diligently and respectfully working on this tragedy in Highlands county, and who are investigating and bringing justice for our deputy and his family. We thank all the counties and Sheriffs who have stepped up to help, and the community for supporting their beloved Highlands County Sheriff’s Office. For updates and for ways to help Deputy Gentry’s family, please visit the official Twitter page for Highlands County at https://twitter.com/HighCoSheriff. Gov. Rick Scott made a phone call to the Highlands County Sheriff’s Office Sunday night to discuss the incident.