Gov. DeSantis to hold news conference in OrlandoVolunteer Expo to be held Sanibel Community House; nearly 50 organizations in attendance
orlando Gov. DeSantis to hold news conference in Orlando Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis is set to hold a news conference in Orlando.
sanibel Volunteer Expo to be held Sanibel Community House; nearly 50 organizations in attendance The City of Sanibel is set to hold its Volunteer Expo, an event with nearly 50 organizations aiming to give back to the community.
Web Exclusive: Rachel Cox-Rosen’s Construction Heads-Up As construction may dampen your commute, WINK News traffic anchor Rachel Cox-Rosen knows the best way to traverse the roadways in this web-exclusive feature.
the weather authority Cooler-than-average with a few showers possible this afternoon The Weather Authority is tracking cooler-than-average temperatures with a possible afternoon shower this Thursday.
PORT CHARLOTTE Community grieves as investigation continues into fatal Port Charlotte fire The state fire marshal has yet to confirm whether 70-year-old Roseanne Cantasano was the victim of a devastating house fire on Monday night.
Local influencer reacts to potential TikTok ban TikTok is more than just a place to dance, learn something new or just scroll. For the Manella family, the app is a place where they can be themselves.
Protecting the Florida Panther from urban expansion The endangered Florida Panther is the king of the Everglades but new developments could rip apart their core territory.
Local Rabbi reacts to Israel and Hamas ceasefire agreement While the news of hostages being freed has brought relief, one local rabbi who has been speaking with WINK News since the war broke out expressed mixed feelings
Tiger dams in Collier County new defense system to stop flooding Collier County is now on board with a new defense system to stop flooding.
CAPE CORAL Plans for Cape Coral airport presented to City Council An airport in Cape Coral? The idea was presented to the city council on Wednesday as part of a broader report addressing the city’s rapid growth.
CAPE CORAL Lake Kennedy Racquetball Center gets new name and logo The Lake Kennedy Racquetball Center in Cape Coral is rebranding.
NAPLES Naples Pride Fest gets green light from City Council The Naples City Council voted to approve the permit for Naples Pride Fest at Cambier Park.
Former Lee supervisor of elections candidate calls for Sheriff Marceno to resign More fingers are pointing at Lee County Sheriff Carmine Marceno.
NORTH FORT MYERS City of Fort Myers wants progress on submerged boats at Old Bridge Marina It has become a headache for many: boats left submerged at the Old Bridge Marina, next to the Edison Bridge.
Dementia risk factors unveiled Eating healthy and staying active can help keep your brain sharp, but did you know your family’s wealth may also affect your dementia risk?
orlando Gov. DeSantis to hold news conference in Orlando Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis is set to hold a news conference in Orlando.
sanibel Volunteer Expo to be held Sanibel Community House; nearly 50 organizations in attendance The City of Sanibel is set to hold its Volunteer Expo, an event with nearly 50 organizations aiming to give back to the community.
Web Exclusive: Rachel Cox-Rosen’s Construction Heads-Up As construction may dampen your commute, WINK News traffic anchor Rachel Cox-Rosen knows the best way to traverse the roadways in this web-exclusive feature.
the weather authority Cooler-than-average with a few showers possible this afternoon The Weather Authority is tracking cooler-than-average temperatures with a possible afternoon shower this Thursday.
PORT CHARLOTTE Community grieves as investigation continues into fatal Port Charlotte fire The state fire marshal has yet to confirm whether 70-year-old Roseanne Cantasano was the victim of a devastating house fire on Monday night.
Local influencer reacts to potential TikTok ban TikTok is more than just a place to dance, learn something new or just scroll. For the Manella family, the app is a place where they can be themselves.
Protecting the Florida Panther from urban expansion The endangered Florida Panther is the king of the Everglades but new developments could rip apart their core territory.
Local Rabbi reacts to Israel and Hamas ceasefire agreement While the news of hostages being freed has brought relief, one local rabbi who has been speaking with WINK News since the war broke out expressed mixed feelings
Tiger dams in Collier County new defense system to stop flooding Collier County is now on board with a new defense system to stop flooding.
CAPE CORAL Plans for Cape Coral airport presented to City Council An airport in Cape Coral? The idea was presented to the city council on Wednesday as part of a broader report addressing the city’s rapid growth.
CAPE CORAL Lake Kennedy Racquetball Center gets new name and logo The Lake Kennedy Racquetball Center in Cape Coral is rebranding.
NAPLES Naples Pride Fest gets green light from City Council The Naples City Council voted to approve the permit for Naples Pride Fest at Cambier Park.
Former Lee supervisor of elections candidate calls for Sheriff Marceno to resign More fingers are pointing at Lee County Sheriff Carmine Marceno.
NORTH FORT MYERS City of Fort Myers wants progress on submerged boats at Old Bridge Marina It has become a headache for many: boats left submerged at the Old Bridge Marina, next to the Edison Bridge.
Dementia risk factors unveiled Eating healthy and staying active can help keep your brain sharp, but did you know your family’s wealth may also affect your dementia risk?
This April 15, 2020 photo provided by New York Blood Center Enterprises shows vials of blood from donors for testing at the Blood Bank of Delmarva Christiana Donor Center in suburban Newark, Del. Survivors of COVID-19 are donating their blood plasma in droves in hopes it helps other patients recover from the coronavirus. And while the jury’s still out, now scientists are testing if the donations might also prevent infection in the first place. (New York Blood Center Enterprises via AP) NCH Healthcare System is touting remarkable and positive signs with its convalescent plasma program. It says the chances are, if you donate plasma, it will go to someone in Southwest Florida. NCH started this program when it had patient number 400, and the program now has over 6,000. An NCH doctor says part of the success was getting started early, and a plasma donor we spoke to says they believe it saved her husband’s life. “It was very scary and very surprising,” Stacie Rathel said. “It was like waiting to wait what type of moments.” Rathel and her family of five all contracted COVID-19, but her husband Michael fell ill worse than any family member. We told you about his case in April. “Less than 48 hours later, they were putting him in a coma on a ventilator in the ICU,” Rathel recalled. Luckily, back in early April Rathel had heard about the convalescent plasma study. “I felt in my gut, like your ‘spidey senses’ that this was going to be key to his recovery,” Rathel said. They found a donor within hours of posting on Facebook. Although it wasn’t instant cure all, “We gave it to him and then nothing,” Rathel said. “It was the most anti-climactic thing.” But then he got better. “It took about 3.5 days, and that was our waste miracle,” Rathel said. “He woke up Easter morning.” Dr. David Linder at NCH says their program is having this type of success with others too. “The plasma does appear to be beneficial,” Linder said. “It seems right now 5,000 patients less than 1% adverse effect it’s safe.” Dr. Linder says people are saving their own neighbors here in Southwest Florida. “The most remarkable thing of the 99 people who got plasma, all but 23 were sourced locally,” Linder said. Rathel and her daughter are plasma donors too now. “These are uncertain times and if it helps people to feel empowered … they can participate in their loved ones recovery,” Rathel said. Rathel and her daughter encourage everyone to donate if you can. NCH processes plasma donations, and you can visit its website to find a location near you. Learn more about plasma and how to donate at Plasma For Lives.