Cool and breezy for your Thursday afternoonStudents react to threat made at Florida Gulf Coast University
the weather authority Cool and breezy for your Thursday afternoon The Weather Authority is tracking cold morning conditions before temperatures warm up to the low 70s this Thursday.
Students react to threat made at Florida Gulf Coast University Students at Florida Gulf Coast University said they don’t know the specifics of a threat made last week, but they do know it was taken care of.
Missing and endangered boy found in Lehigh Acres Authorities have found a missing and endangered boy in Lehigh Acres. Police asked for the public’s help in locating Zachariah McKelvin.
School District denies bus service to student despite mother’s measurements When we think of the bus stop, we typically think of it as a safe place for our children, but one mother says the Lee County School District told her they live too close to the school to get a bus route.
MATLACHA 2 stranded dolphins rescued from mangroves near Matlacha Two stranded dolphins were pulled from mangroves near Matlacha.
CAPE CORAL NAACP honors Cape Coral Police Chief after acknowledging hate crime NAACP President, James Muwakkil, was so impressed with Cape Coral Police Chief Anthony Sizemore that he wanted the entire city to know.
NAPLES Jingled Elves trolley tour underway Breaking out your best dance moves and spreading Christmas cheer. These ‘jingled elves’ are breaking it down with a purpose.
BONITA SPRINGS Bonita Springs Elementary School’s demolition plans There’s a new lesson plan at Bonita Springs Elementary School: Demolition 101. The school is set to be knocked down, and there’s good reason.
MARCO ISLAND Marco Island Councilmember’s dogs allegedly attack 13-year-old girl Councilor Tamara Goehler is coming under fire after her dogs allegedly attacked a 13-year-old girl and the girl’s five-month-old puppy.
PUNTA GORDA Gilchrist Park’s future brightens as boat cleanup commences The boats blocking Gilchrist Park are ready to be moved two years after Hurricane Ian.
Lee County Department of Health issues red tide alert for Bowman’s Beach The Florida Department of Health in Lee County has issued a health alert for the presence of red tide near Bowman’s Beach.
CAPE CORAL City of Cape Coral working on project to address canal safety An older Cape Coral couple drove into a canal last year. Neighbors are now saying something needs to be done about canal safety.
NAPLES Collier County mental health center receives $4 million donation A giant donation is dedicated to providing people with better mental health care in southwest Florida.
LABELLE City of LaBelle under precautionary boil water notice A water main break has the City of Labelle under a precautionary boil water notice.
ESTERO FGCU student wins ice dancing national championship FGCU sophomore Lucas Appel wins his second US Senior Solo Dance National Championship in three years.
the weather authority Cool and breezy for your Thursday afternoon The Weather Authority is tracking cold morning conditions before temperatures warm up to the low 70s this Thursday.
Students react to threat made at Florida Gulf Coast University Students at Florida Gulf Coast University said they don’t know the specifics of a threat made last week, but they do know it was taken care of.
Missing and endangered boy found in Lehigh Acres Authorities have found a missing and endangered boy in Lehigh Acres. Police asked for the public’s help in locating Zachariah McKelvin.
School District denies bus service to student despite mother’s measurements When we think of the bus stop, we typically think of it as a safe place for our children, but one mother says the Lee County School District told her they live too close to the school to get a bus route.
MATLACHA 2 stranded dolphins rescued from mangroves near Matlacha Two stranded dolphins were pulled from mangroves near Matlacha.
CAPE CORAL NAACP honors Cape Coral Police Chief after acknowledging hate crime NAACP President, James Muwakkil, was so impressed with Cape Coral Police Chief Anthony Sizemore that he wanted the entire city to know.
NAPLES Jingled Elves trolley tour underway Breaking out your best dance moves and spreading Christmas cheer. These ‘jingled elves’ are breaking it down with a purpose.
BONITA SPRINGS Bonita Springs Elementary School’s demolition plans There’s a new lesson plan at Bonita Springs Elementary School: Demolition 101. The school is set to be knocked down, and there’s good reason.
MARCO ISLAND Marco Island Councilmember’s dogs allegedly attack 13-year-old girl Councilor Tamara Goehler is coming under fire after her dogs allegedly attacked a 13-year-old girl and the girl’s five-month-old puppy.
PUNTA GORDA Gilchrist Park’s future brightens as boat cleanup commences The boats blocking Gilchrist Park are ready to be moved two years after Hurricane Ian.
Lee County Department of Health issues red tide alert for Bowman’s Beach The Florida Department of Health in Lee County has issued a health alert for the presence of red tide near Bowman’s Beach.
CAPE CORAL City of Cape Coral working on project to address canal safety An older Cape Coral couple drove into a canal last year. Neighbors are now saying something needs to be done about canal safety.
NAPLES Collier County mental health center receives $4 million donation A giant donation is dedicated to providing people with better mental health care in southwest Florida.
LABELLE City of LaBelle under precautionary boil water notice A water main break has the City of Labelle under a precautionary boil water notice.
ESTERO FGCU student wins ice dancing national championship FGCU sophomore Lucas Appel wins his second US Senior Solo Dance National Championship in three years.
Credit: AP Photo/David Goldman, File WINK News has received dozens of questions from viewers about Lee County’s COVID-19 vaccine rollout, so we took them to the county. UPDATE: Since this story was first published, the county has announced all upcoming vaccinations will be by appointment only. Why is there not a reservation system in place and why do other counties have that figured out? Lee County’s Innovation & Technology (IT) Division is evaluating tech options. Lee County has a sizable population of 65 and older residents, which is different from a number of smaller Florida counties that have launched reservation systems. The county’s IT Division is being methodical so as to ensure that should a reservation system be launched, it would be able to handle the anticipated call load and remain robust for the duration of this event. At this time, all vaccine sites are on a first-come, first-serve basis. This is to allow as many people as possible to get the vaccine and appointments to not be filled by no-shows or people booking appointments at multiple vaccine sites. Some viewers are telling us they go to a site, see 400 people in line and then go home only later to find out that the number of vaccines at the site is more than 400. What should people be doing? The state Department of Health determines in real-time the number of vaccines that will be issued at a site. DOH uses a number system for those queued up in line. Law enforcement and other officials on-site will communicate with those in line once all the numbers representing available doses have been given out. You can tell WINK viewers to remain in line until they hear from officials. They can also monitor DOH’s Twitter or Lee County Government social media channels. What are the hours of operation for the 2-1-1 line? The line is staffed 24/7 and will remain so over the holiday. Please remind WINK viewers that there are no local DOH vaccination clinics planned again until next week, and that schedule has not yet been announced. What is the call volume like? Since the vaccination sites have opened, the United Way 211 line has received more than 3,000 calls. Of those, 1,428 were related to COVID-19. Overnight from Monday into Tuesday, the 211 call center took 40 overnight calls. This is a higher than usual number. How is the county working to reach people with limited transportation? LeeTran is leveraging its resources through its Passport program. The LeeTran Passport program is for pre-registered, ADA- and transportation-disadvantaged passengers. LeeTran is coordinating with the state Department of Health to meet this need in the coming weeks. What is the discussion for bringing the vaccine to people who live in senior communities? As vaccine supplies increase, DOH will definitely explore visiting seniors in their communities. At this time, the supply chain doesn’t permit this. What plans are in place should someone have a bad reaction to the vaccine? All DOH clinicians are equipped with anaphylaxis kits onsite to address any adverse reactions. EMTs and paramedics are also on site. DOH is also using the CDC v-safe website. What has been the discussion about drive-thru vaccinations? They are doing it in other Florida counties and it has the added benefit of allowing people to social distance. DOH has stated that logistically, drive-thru sites require double staffing, and there are additional safety concerns for residents as well as staff. At this time, DOH-Lee is considering all future options. How do those who received the first vaccine dose go about getting their second dose? The FDOH is giving each person a card that shows their vaccination date, as well as information on when to return for the second dose, typically in 28 days. (The Moderna vaccine being given to the public in Lee County requires two doses to be effective.) The county is currently working on plans as to how people will receive their second dose, but say it will likely be first-come, first-serve, as the first dose was. Health officials say that any northerners who receive their first dose in Lee County should remain in the county to receive their second dose, as there is no guarantee you can receive your second dose once you return to your home state and the second dose must be by the same manufacturer. They ask if you can’t or won’t be in Lee County 28 days after your first dose that you forego receiving your vaccine at this time. You can also download the CDC’s v-safe app, which will remind you when it’s time for your second dose. If you have questions for Lee County officials or health officials, email them to tips@winknews.com.