16 transported after 2 airboats crash in Collier CountyNew bill filed: Auto shop and law enforcement must work together to solve hit-and-run crashes
16 transported after 2 airboats crash in Collier County According to the Collier County Sheriff’s Office, two airboats crashed south of U.S. 41 east between mile markers 74 and 75, leaving well over a dozen people injured.
SOUTHWEST FLORIDA New bill filed: Auto shop and law enforcement must work together to solve hit-and-run crashes There could be new detectives on the block, located in your nearest auto shop. A new state bill aims at trying to stop hit-and-run drivers from getting away.
CAPE CORAL New leash on life; Cape Coral shelter dog beats cancer with drug being tested for humans A drug now being studied in human trials to kill cancerous tumors, is already approved and helping animals.
CAPE CORAL City of Cape Coral planning a new interchange with I-75 The city of Cape Coral is in the early stages of planning a new interchange with I-75, an idea that has been discussed for more than a decade.
Tracking invasive species after hurricanes Hurricanes Helene and Milton didn’t just bring wind and rain, they brought new threats to southwest Florida’s ecosystem.
PUNTA GORDA Woman in Punta Gorda shooting charged with 2nd degree murder A woman in a homicide investigation on Nasturtium Drive in Punta Gorda has been charged with 2nd-degree murder.
Lee County mother continuing fight to get children a bus stop The school district already told her she lives too close to the school to qualify for a bus route but she has not given up.
NORTH NAPLES Grant Thornton Invitational returns to Tiburon Golf Club Stars on the PGA and LPGA Tours are back in Southwest Florida for the Grant Thornton Invitational at Tiburon Golf Club.
FORT MYERS Black Flag brings classic punk energy to The Ranch in Fort Myers Legendary punk band Black Flag made their mark in Southwest Florida during the Fort Myers stop of their “First Four Years” tour.
Charlotte Technical College breaks ground on aviation facility The Charlotte County School District is flying high and keeping its “Space Academy” designation with a new aviation training facility for students.
CAPE CORAL Man arrested in connection with Cape Coral home invasion The Cape Coral Police Department has announced the arrest of one of three men suspected in a home invasion that took place earlier this month.
CAPE CORAL Cape Coral residents react to $100M North Cape land deal The city of Cape Coral is seeing two projects that will change the city. One is called one of the most lucrative deals in county history.
Royal Palm Coast Realtor Association breaks ground on new Fort Myers headquarters As Royal Palm Coast Realtor Association’s president pointed out, about 1,000 people are still moving to Florida every day, and many of them are finding their way to Southwest Florida.
PUNTA GORDA Charlotte County drug trafficker sentenced to 10 years A Charlotte County man has been sentenced to 10 years in prison for drug trafficking.
lehigh acres ‘How to sign away parental rights?’; Lehigh Acres woman accused of killing her 4-month-old baby The Lee County Sheriff’s Office has arrested a woman accused of killing her 4-month-old baby.
16 transported after 2 airboats crash in Collier County According to the Collier County Sheriff’s Office, two airboats crashed south of U.S. 41 east between mile markers 74 and 75, leaving well over a dozen people injured.
SOUTHWEST FLORIDA New bill filed: Auto shop and law enforcement must work together to solve hit-and-run crashes There could be new detectives on the block, located in your nearest auto shop. A new state bill aims at trying to stop hit-and-run drivers from getting away.
CAPE CORAL New leash on life; Cape Coral shelter dog beats cancer with drug being tested for humans A drug now being studied in human trials to kill cancerous tumors, is already approved and helping animals.
CAPE CORAL City of Cape Coral planning a new interchange with I-75 The city of Cape Coral is in the early stages of planning a new interchange with I-75, an idea that has been discussed for more than a decade.
Tracking invasive species after hurricanes Hurricanes Helene and Milton didn’t just bring wind and rain, they brought new threats to southwest Florida’s ecosystem.
PUNTA GORDA Woman in Punta Gorda shooting charged with 2nd degree murder A woman in a homicide investigation on Nasturtium Drive in Punta Gorda has been charged with 2nd-degree murder.
Lee County mother continuing fight to get children a bus stop The school district already told her she lives too close to the school to qualify for a bus route but she has not given up.
NORTH NAPLES Grant Thornton Invitational returns to Tiburon Golf Club Stars on the PGA and LPGA Tours are back in Southwest Florida for the Grant Thornton Invitational at Tiburon Golf Club.
FORT MYERS Black Flag brings classic punk energy to The Ranch in Fort Myers Legendary punk band Black Flag made their mark in Southwest Florida during the Fort Myers stop of their “First Four Years” tour.
Charlotte Technical College breaks ground on aviation facility The Charlotte County School District is flying high and keeping its “Space Academy” designation with a new aviation training facility for students.
CAPE CORAL Man arrested in connection with Cape Coral home invasion The Cape Coral Police Department has announced the arrest of one of three men suspected in a home invasion that took place earlier this month.
CAPE CORAL Cape Coral residents react to $100M North Cape land deal The city of Cape Coral is seeing two projects that will change the city. One is called one of the most lucrative deals in county history.
Royal Palm Coast Realtor Association breaks ground on new Fort Myers headquarters As Royal Palm Coast Realtor Association’s president pointed out, about 1,000 people are still moving to Florida every day, and many of them are finding their way to Southwest Florida.
PUNTA GORDA Charlotte County drug trafficker sentenced to 10 years A Charlotte County man has been sentenced to 10 years in prison for drug trafficking.
lehigh acres ‘How to sign away parental rights?’; Lehigh Acres woman accused of killing her 4-month-old baby The Lee County Sheriff’s Office has arrested a woman accused of killing her 4-month-old baby.
Claude Murphy, Robert Kottick and Mark Hughes (SWFL Crime Stoppers/WINK News) This weekly WINK News segment features fugitives from justice right here in Southwest Florida. This is your chance to help out the community and give the tip that gets these people off the street. These suspects need to be found – and you can help. If you have seen them, reach out to Crime Stoppers or your local law enforcement. Call 1-800-780-TIPS (8477). Here are three suspects wanted by Southwest Florida Crime Stoppers. Mark Hughes (SWFL Crime Stoppers) Mark Hughes (DOB 3/30/67) – Wanted in Lee County on a bench warrant for failure to appear for DUI (three or more within 10 years) and carrying a concealed weapon. His current charge stems from an incident where a motorist saw him driving erratically down a major roadway in Cape Coral, while downing a bottle of alcohol. Cape cops caught up with the driver quickly and stopped him in a shopping center parking lot. They said that Hughes reeked of alcohol and was far too impaired to complete field sobriety tests. A search of his car turned up an open bottle of vodka, cocaine and a large knife tucked next to the drivers seat. Hughes was immediately arrested and charged with the DUI and spent nearly five months in the Lee County Jail. He was released under the guise that he would show back up for a subsequent court hearing, which he has since failed to do. A bench warrant was issued for his arrest on July 20th. Hughes has six previous bookings in Lee County for drug possession, concealed weapons charges, multiple counts of battery/domestic violence, as well as probation violations. He is 5’9”, 170 pounds and was last known to be living in North Fort Myers. Robert Kottick (SWFL Crime Stoppers) Robert Kottick (DOB 9/3/90) – Wanted in Lee County for violation of probation for grand theft. His initial arrest on this charge came after he was busted for breaking into a home in Lehigh Acres, and subsequently sold all the stolen items on the streets. He was ultimately sentenced to two years in state lock up, and just completed his sentence in April, at which time he was placed on probation. Last month, he violated those terms and has gone on the run. To date, he’s been booked 36 times in Lee County, with his first felony at age 12 for robbery. Since then, he’s been jailed for multiple counts of burglary, illegal weapons possession, aggravated assault, drugs, grand theft, lewd and lascivious behavior, resisting arrest and dealing in stolen property. He is 5’11”, 155 pounds and has a noted history of violence. He has several tattoos, including the words “God’s Goon” on his right wrist and 100% real on his neck. And upon his arrest, he will be held without bond. Claude Murphy (SWFL Crime Stoppers) Claude Murphy (DOB 5/3/80) – Wanted in Collier County for violation of probation for aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and the illegal possession of a weapon by a convicted felon. Detectives say Murphy threatened a family with a gun after a dispute between their young children. Murphy showed up at the victim’s apartment and put a gun to the father’s face and told him not to mess with his kids again or he would kill him. That reaction landed him in jail in Collier, and then ultimately in the Department of Corrections, for about three years. He was released in February of this year and has since violated his probation and gone on the run. In addition to his local arrest history, Murphy has also been jailed in Broward County for the sale and delivery of cocaine. In total, he’s been sent to the state DOC three times since 1998. He is 5’10”, 210 pounds and was last known to be living in the Golden Gate area of Collier. If you have a tip on the whereabouts of any of these wanted suspects contact Southwest Florida Crime Stoppers. All callers will remain anonymous and will be eligible for a cash reward of up to $3,000. Southwest Florida Crime Stoppers 1-800-780-TIPS (8477) or southwestfloridacrimestoppers.com