Crime Stoppers increases cash reward for man missing since 2020Collier County creates food truck park policy
NORTH FORT MYERS Crime Stoppers increases cash reward for man missing since 2020 The Southwest Florida Crime Stoppers has announced an increased cash reward regarding a case of a missing person from North Fort Myers.
Collier County creates food truck park policy Food trucks have become increasingly popular due to their convenience, affordability and unique offerings, especially for employees seeking a quick breakfast or lunch at businesses and commercial areas.
SWFL celebrates MLK Day with community gatherings and service In Southwest Florida, Martin Luther King Jr. Day is marked with parades, rallies, and community service events that honor the civil rights leader’s legacy.
Fatal multi-vehicle crash closes all lanes on SR-82 in Lehigh Acres The Florida Highway Patrol is investigating a fatal crash involving multiple vehicles on SR-82 west of 40th Street in Lehigh Acres.
port charlotte Tribute breakfast to be held for Charlotte County Sgt. Elio Diaz A tribute breakfast is set to be held for Charlotte County Deputy Sgt. Elio Diaz, who was killed in the line of duty in December.
winter haven Gov. DeSantis calls for stricter immigration reform Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis is set to hold a news conference in Winter Haven.
FORT MYERS Shell Factory & Nature Park announces online auction liquidation of remaining inventory Fans of the now-closed Shell Factory & Nature Park will have a final chance to own a piece of nostalgia with two virtual auctions.
the weather authority More clouds than sun for your Wednesday The Weather Authority is tracking an increased cloud coverage along with cooler conditions this Wednesday afternoon.
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.
PORT CHARLOTTE ‘It’s devastating’: Neighbor reflects on fatal fire in Port Charlotte A devastating house fire Monday night in Port Charlotte has left one person dead and another hospitalized while neighbors mourn the possible loss of a beloved member of their community.
‘The sound of death;’ Neighbors concerned by amount of crashes on Joel Blvd. A woman is heartbroken from witnessing crash after crash outside her Lehigh Acres home.
Fort Myers get 15% increase on flood insurance discount WINK News is finding out what led to the city of Fort Myers going from just a 5% FEMA flood insurance discount to a 20% discount.
FORT MYERS Locals house California wildfire victims The effects of the California wildfires are being felt worldwide, and as people evacuate, some are in Southwest Florida.
LOVERS KEY Couple returns to Lovers Key condo post Ian While Hurricane Ian is long gone from Southwest Florida, many are still feeling its impacts.
EVERGLADES Biden signs Water Resources Development Act, its effect on SWFL President Biden recently signed into law the Water Resources Development Act with an aim to improve rivers and harbors across the country and provide for the conservation of water. Southwest Florida was included in that act. Putting the 240-page plan together took a lot of work, not just from state and federal lawmakers, but also […]
NORTH FORT MYERS Crime Stoppers increases cash reward for man missing since 2020 The Southwest Florida Crime Stoppers has announced an increased cash reward regarding a case of a missing person from North Fort Myers.
Collier County creates food truck park policy Food trucks have become increasingly popular due to their convenience, affordability and unique offerings, especially for employees seeking a quick breakfast or lunch at businesses and commercial areas.
SWFL celebrates MLK Day with community gatherings and service In Southwest Florida, Martin Luther King Jr. Day is marked with parades, rallies, and community service events that honor the civil rights leader’s legacy.
Fatal multi-vehicle crash closes all lanes on SR-82 in Lehigh Acres The Florida Highway Patrol is investigating a fatal crash involving multiple vehicles on SR-82 west of 40th Street in Lehigh Acres.
port charlotte Tribute breakfast to be held for Charlotte County Sgt. Elio Diaz A tribute breakfast is set to be held for Charlotte County Deputy Sgt. Elio Diaz, who was killed in the line of duty in December.
winter haven Gov. DeSantis calls for stricter immigration reform Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis is set to hold a news conference in Winter Haven.
FORT MYERS Shell Factory & Nature Park announces online auction liquidation of remaining inventory Fans of the now-closed Shell Factory & Nature Park will have a final chance to own a piece of nostalgia with two virtual auctions.
the weather authority More clouds than sun for your Wednesday The Weather Authority is tracking an increased cloud coverage along with cooler conditions this Wednesday afternoon.
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.
PORT CHARLOTTE ‘It’s devastating’: Neighbor reflects on fatal fire in Port Charlotte A devastating house fire Monday night in Port Charlotte has left one person dead and another hospitalized while neighbors mourn the possible loss of a beloved member of their community.
‘The sound of death;’ Neighbors concerned by amount of crashes on Joel Blvd. A woman is heartbroken from witnessing crash after crash outside her Lehigh Acres home.
Fort Myers get 15% increase on flood insurance discount WINK News is finding out what led to the city of Fort Myers going from just a 5% FEMA flood insurance discount to a 20% discount.
FORT MYERS Locals house California wildfire victims The effects of the California wildfires are being felt worldwide, and as people evacuate, some are in Southwest Florida.
LOVERS KEY Couple returns to Lovers Key condo post Ian While Hurricane Ian is long gone from Southwest Florida, many are still feeling its impacts.
EVERGLADES Biden signs Water Resources Development Act, its effect on SWFL President Biden recently signed into law the Water Resources Development Act with an aim to improve rivers and harbors across the country and provide for the conservation of water. Southwest Florida was included in that act. Putting the 240-page plan together took a lot of work, not just from state and federal lawmakers, but also […]
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.