Community grieves as investigation continues into fatal Port Charlotte fireLocal influencer reacts to potential TikTok ban
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?
Another chance at FEMA assistance If you applied for FEMA assistance after hurricanes Helene and Milton and are not happy with the answer they gave you, they are giving you another chance.
NAPLES Naples City Council names Gary L. Young as next city manager The Naples City Council unanimously voted to appoint Deputy City Manager and CFO Gary L. Young as the new city manager.
BONITA SPRINGS Sugarshack, a haven for live music, food and community, coming to Bonita Springs Sugarshack, a haven for live music, food and community, coming soon to Downton Bonita Springs.
COLLIER COUNTY FC Naples holds first practice in club history Another first in a year of first for FC Naples as the club held its first practice in its history Wednesday morning.
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?
Another chance at FEMA assistance If you applied for FEMA assistance after hurricanes Helene and Milton and are not happy with the answer they gave you, they are giving you another chance.
NAPLES Naples City Council names Gary L. Young as next city manager The Naples City Council unanimously voted to appoint Deputy City Manager and CFO Gary L. Young as the new city manager.
BONITA SPRINGS Sugarshack, a haven for live music, food and community, coming to Bonita Springs Sugarshack, a haven for live music, food and community, coming soon to Downton Bonita Springs.
COLLIER COUNTY FC Naples holds first practice in club history Another first in a year of first for FC Naples as the club held its first practice in its history Wednesday morning.
Ross Chastain is introduced to the crowd before the NASCAR Xfinity Series auto race Friday, Sept. 18, 2020, in Bristol, Tenn. (AP Photo/Steve Helber) Alva native and Riverdale High School graduate Ross Chastain snagged one of the coveted open Cup seats on Monday in a promotion at Chip Ganassi Racing to drive the No. 42 next season. This year marks a particularly active free agency period with heavy turnover expected among a limited number of rides. The No. 42 Chevrolet at Ganassi has been filled by Matt Kenseth, who came out of retirement to drive after Kyle Larson was fired in April. Chastain, a 27-year-old Ganassi development driver, could have gotten the nod when the seat first opened. Ganassi instead went with stability from veteran Kenseth to placate sponsors left skittish after Larson was fired for using a racial slur while playing a video game. The opening was considered one of the top available seats in NASCAR’s “silly season” period. “I can’t thank Chip enough for this opportunity. The faith he and the organization showed me back in 2018 was a real turning point in my career and I am extremely happy for the chance to join the team again,” Chastain said. “Racing in the Cup Series with a serious contender has always been my goal, and I’m looking forward to joining what is a very strong team. “I know I have my work cut out for me, but I’m ready to get to work and help bring more success to the organization.” Chastain is one of many Xfinity Series drivers hoping to jump to the Cup Series. Chase Briscoe began the year chasing eight victories, the number he believes will earn him a Cup ride, and he won his seventh race last weekend. Austin Cindric, the regular-season champion, could be in play for a promotion via Team Penske. The No. 48 being vacated by seven-time champion Jimmie Johnson at Hendrick Motorsports is considered the top available ride, while rumblings persist that Denny Hamlin has put together some sort of ownership group that will field a Toyota next year. Bubba Wallace, who has parceled together millions of dollars in sponsorship since becoming vocal in social equality issues, is the top prize in the free agency because of the funding he will bring to a team. A contract offer from Ganassi was revoked by the team owner when Wallace delayed a decision. Wallace has since said he won’t return to Richard Petty Motorsports and is believed to be part of Hamlin’s efforts. With Wallace out of the picture for Ganassi, he went with the driver he’s long had in his plans. Chastain will be teammates next season with Kurt Busch, who has advanced to the second round of the Cup playoffs. Chastain has had a rocky rise through NASCAR’s national series and a deal on a full-time Xfinity Series ride that seemed too good to be true turned out to be indeed just that. Jeff Carpoff, a CEO of a small player in NASCAR sponsorship, noticed Chastain working odd jobs at the race track on weekends he was also competing. Carpoff made Chastain his project and the centerpiece of company DC Solar’s plans to expand its sponsorship program. Carpoff in November 2018 named Chastain the driver of a full Xfinity Series ride at Ganassi that would be sponsored by DC Solar. But the FBI raided the company just a month later and Carpoff was charged with conspiracy to commit wire fraud and money laundering. The sponsorship money evaporated, Ganassi shuttered the Xfinity Series team and Chastain was out of a job about six weeks before the 2019 season opener. Chastain, an eighth-generation watermelon farmer from Florida, parceled together every race he could for 2019. He ran 35 Cup races, made 19 starts in the Xfinity Series and raced for the Truck Series championship for Niece Motorsports. He won three Truck Series races and finished second in the championship standings. This year, Chastain has run a full Xfinity schedule for Kaulig Racing and is ranked eighth heading into the opening race of the playoffs Saturday. He scored his fifth runner-up finish of the season on Friday night and noted how hard he’s working to make it in NASCAR. “It’s tough fighting for everything. I want this so bad. I want to be in this sport and win races,” Chastain said after Bristol. “I know it is second and it’s great … there’s a lot of things I could do different and I just didn’t get it done.”