TALLAHASSEE (CBS) Governor DeSantis signs AI and vape bills Gov. Ron DeSantis on Friday signed 28 bills, including a measure requiring disclaimers on certain political ads created using artificial intelligence and a bill about regulation of vape products.
ESTERO Gold Star Golf Tournament honors fallen veteran Behind each putt and swing of a golf club at the Gold Star Golf Tournament is someone who knew John Wirka Junior.
NEW YORK (AP) How TikTok grew from a fun app for teens into a potential national security threat If it feels like TikTok has been around forever, that’s probably because it has, at least if you’re measuring via internet time. What’s now in question is whether it will be around much longer and, if so, in what form?
FORT MYERS Man wanted for armed robbery at Fort Myers convenience store Crime Stoppers is asking the public for help identifying an armed robber who held up a convenience store Saturday morning.
SOUTHWEST FLORIDA WINK Neighborhood Watch: Rifles, inappropriate texts and Donut shop debacle This week’s segment of WINK Neighborhood Watch features a scary mall trip, an inappropriate coach, and a Dunkin Donuts assault.
The Weather Authority: Sunny Saturday with a nice breeze; fire danger increases Warm temperatures for your Saturday with a nice breeze into the afternoon.
NORTH NAPLES Senior Airman surprises cousin on Aubrey Rogers softball senior night Aubrey Rogers senior pitcher and infielder McKenzie Vargas was surprised by her Air Force cousin for Senior Night.
BONITA SPRINGS Police: 15-year-old injured after accidentally shot in the leg Lee County deputies say the teen was accidentally shot in the leg.
PUNTA GORDA Exclusive: Brother and best friend of accused pedophile priest speak out Riley’s brother reached out to WINK on Friday, saying people aren’t getting the full story.
IMMOKALEE Caught on video: Huge gator crosses Immokalee neighborhood Fridays in Florida are for gators
FORT MYERS FGCU softball pitcher making a name for herself One season in FGCU, freshman pitcher Allison Sparkman is already ruffling feathers in the circle.
Surrendering-pets trend at Gulf Coast Humane Society raises concerns An large amount of pets are being surrendered by their owners. About half of the dogs at the Gulf Coast Humane Society are surrender dogs.
Students benefitting from millions in sales tax dollars So far, the voter-approved half-cent sales tax has brought in $507 million for the Lee County School District.
PORT CHARLOTTE ‘Shady’: One woman feels misled after federal student loan consolidation It takes some people decades to pay off their student loans. One woman’s last payment was in sight until she took a gamble she said she was told to take.
FORT MYERS Homeless encampments inch closer to neighborhoods Law enforcement has swept multiple encampments, cleaning the trails of mess and muck left behind, and some of these encampments are right in our backyards.
TALLAHASSEE (CBS) Governor DeSantis signs AI and vape bills Gov. Ron DeSantis on Friday signed 28 bills, including a measure requiring disclaimers on certain political ads created using artificial intelligence and a bill about regulation of vape products.
ESTERO Gold Star Golf Tournament honors fallen veteran Behind each putt and swing of a golf club at the Gold Star Golf Tournament is someone who knew John Wirka Junior.
NEW YORK (AP) How TikTok grew from a fun app for teens into a potential national security threat If it feels like TikTok has been around forever, that’s probably because it has, at least if you’re measuring via internet time. What’s now in question is whether it will be around much longer and, if so, in what form?
FORT MYERS Man wanted for armed robbery at Fort Myers convenience store Crime Stoppers is asking the public for help identifying an armed robber who held up a convenience store Saturday morning.
SOUTHWEST FLORIDA WINK Neighborhood Watch: Rifles, inappropriate texts and Donut shop debacle This week’s segment of WINK Neighborhood Watch features a scary mall trip, an inappropriate coach, and a Dunkin Donuts assault.
The Weather Authority: Sunny Saturday with a nice breeze; fire danger increases Warm temperatures for your Saturday with a nice breeze into the afternoon.
NORTH NAPLES Senior Airman surprises cousin on Aubrey Rogers softball senior night Aubrey Rogers senior pitcher and infielder McKenzie Vargas was surprised by her Air Force cousin for Senior Night.
BONITA SPRINGS Police: 15-year-old injured after accidentally shot in the leg Lee County deputies say the teen was accidentally shot in the leg.
PUNTA GORDA Exclusive: Brother and best friend of accused pedophile priest speak out Riley’s brother reached out to WINK on Friday, saying people aren’t getting the full story.
IMMOKALEE Caught on video: Huge gator crosses Immokalee neighborhood Fridays in Florida are for gators
FORT MYERS FGCU softball pitcher making a name for herself One season in FGCU, freshman pitcher Allison Sparkman is already ruffling feathers in the circle.
Surrendering-pets trend at Gulf Coast Humane Society raises concerns An large amount of pets are being surrendered by their owners. About half of the dogs at the Gulf Coast Humane Society are surrender dogs.
Students benefitting from millions in sales tax dollars So far, the voter-approved half-cent sales tax has brought in $507 million for the Lee County School District.
PORT CHARLOTTE ‘Shady’: One woman feels misled after federal student loan consolidation It takes some people decades to pay off their student loans. One woman’s last payment was in sight until she took a gamble she said she was told to take.
FORT MYERS Homeless encampments inch closer to neighborhoods Law enforcement has swept multiple encampments, cleaning the trails of mess and muck left behind, and some of these encampments are right in our backyards.
Photo of Lauren with her family. (Credit: WINK News) It is a rare, deadly genetic disease that could take your life. But an Englewood teacher said after WINK News aired her story in May, she discovered she was not fighting it alone. In the classroom, she is known as Mrs. Hanrahan. But outside of the classroom, Lauren has a different mission, which is raising money and awareness for her rare genetic disease: Neurofibromatosis type 2. The genetic disease is also known as NF2. It can cause tumors mainly through the central nervous system. Lauren has tumors along her spine and her ears. It causes her to be deaf in the left ear. There is no cure, little research and time is critical. “When I was first diagnosed, obviously my world was upside down,” Lauren said. “I was devastated. I was lost.” But she is not alone. Her colleague, Stephanie Ham, posted a video of when she heard about the diagnosis a few months ago. She was hoping to get the attention of Ellen DeGeneres. Stephanie was under no impression that anyone would watch the video. “Now, what a difference it’s made,” she said. “Not only have so many people seen this video, they know what NF2 is.” My Random Act of Kindness depends on you, Ellen!!! 💗💕@TheEllenShow pic.twitter.com/tvB5yLLkFG — Stephanie Ham (@MamaHam5) April 10, 2019 The pair have since become ambassadors for NF2 Biosolutions, which is a non-profit researching a cure. The video has led to several businesses in their small Englewood community to host fundraisers. In total, they have helped raised more than $10,000. Brad Pike, an Englewood business owner, said Lauren had inspired his company to help make more memories. “It is the most overwhelming amazing feeling,” said Lauren as she cries. “To have so much love and support from my friends, my coworkers, my family, businesses just in our local town that want to ensure that my future is going to be a good one.” That support is what kept Lauren so hopeful for her future. She is determined not to let the genetic disease define who she is as a person. “I’m going to be on the front lines for it now,” she said, “fighting for that cure.” To Lauren, the most powerful motive to finding a cure is the possibility that her two kids could carry the same gene. The possibility of the gene being recessive is the hardest part of the whole ordeal. “I want to be able to be that incredible mother and be there for my children and be able to hear them and be a part of their life,” Lauren said. “I don’t want them to have to suffer and go through what I have to go through.” Ways for you to help Donate to NF2 BioSolutions, which is the non-profit research group they’re fundraising for. The Fashion, Food and Fun Event hosted by Off The Wave is this Saturday at Elks in Englewood. Starts at 4, tickets are $25 for teachers, $35 for everyone else. Access the Facebook event with more information. Sign up for the Run Disney event on Jan. 8-12.