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.
FORT MYERS BEACH Rick on the Roof gets the ending he fought for The man with a plan and the courage to stand up for what he believed in is finally getting the happy ending he fought for.
Most Wanted Wednesday: Southwest Florida’s most wanted suspects for January 15, 2025 Here are some of Southwest Florida’s most wanted suspects for January 15, 2025
Arthrex plans 1 million-square-foot facility at RSW’s Skyplex project Arthrex, the orthopedic surgical instruments company headquartered in North Naples, has been in negotiations to build a 1 million-square-foot facility as part of Southwest Florida International Airport’s Skyplex project.
Lujacks All-American Grill kicks off in North Naples Lujacks All-American Grill celebrated its North Naples launch Jan. 9, the same day Notre Dame won the Orange Bowl to advance the Fighting Irish to the College Football Playoff National Championship game Jan. 20 in Atlanta.
NORTH FORT MYERS Crime Stoppers increases cash reward for man missing since 2020 Southwest Florida Crime Stoppers has announced an increased cash reward regarding the 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 temporarily 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 held for Charlotte County Sgt. Elio Diaz A tribute breakfast was 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 held a news conference in Winter Haven to discuss stricter immigration laws while cracking down on illegal immigration.
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.
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.
FORT MYERS BEACH Rick on the Roof gets the ending he fought for The man with a plan and the courage to stand up for what he believed in is finally getting the happy ending he fought for.
Most Wanted Wednesday: Southwest Florida’s most wanted suspects for January 15, 2025 Here are some of Southwest Florida’s most wanted suspects for January 15, 2025
Arthrex plans 1 million-square-foot facility at RSW’s Skyplex project Arthrex, the orthopedic surgical instruments company headquartered in North Naples, has been in negotiations to build a 1 million-square-foot facility as part of Southwest Florida International Airport’s Skyplex project.
Lujacks All-American Grill kicks off in North Naples Lujacks All-American Grill celebrated its North Naples launch Jan. 9, the same day Notre Dame won the Orange Bowl to advance the Fighting Irish to the College Football Playoff National Championship game Jan. 20 in Atlanta.
NORTH FORT MYERS Crime Stoppers increases cash reward for man missing since 2020 Southwest Florida Crime Stoppers has announced an increased cash reward regarding the 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 temporarily 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 held for Charlotte County Sgt. Elio Diaz A tribute breakfast was 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 held a news conference in Winter Haven to discuss stricter immigration laws while cracking down on illegal immigration.
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.
(Credit: WINK News) There is a new push in Southwest Florida to help people put their mental health first. It is part of the David Lawrence Centers for Behavioral Health initiative called “mind your mind.” It’s no secret that mental health across the country has plummeted during the pandemic, but as we enter year three, experts say in Florida alone, demand is far beyond anything they’ve ever seen. The Director of Development for the David Lawrence Centers for Behavioral Health, Emily Budd-Schepperly, said, “These are unprecedented numbers we have continuously, over the last several years, seen an increase but never numbers at this rate. We have a 30-bed unit. On some days, we’ve seen up to 56 children and adults on that unit.” The David Lawrence Centers for Behavioral Health’s mind your mind initiative is a month-by-month approach that encourages mental wellness in the community through emails, classes, and discussions. “We recognize that in light of the pandemic, the topic of mental health is relevant to everyone. We’ve all seen significant impacts. And so this is our way of pushing out free community resources to help our community connect to services, awareness, education, and treatment,” said Budd-Schepperly. While no state is immune to the mental health crisis, the situation in Florida is especially dire. Budd-Schepperly said, “Florida is 50th out of 50 when it comes to funding per capita for mental health. And we see in our community the need for support is also relevant.” If the state won’t help, the David Lawrence Centers says it is up to us to start these conversations ourselves, whether at home, in the workplace, or anywhere else. “The mind your mind campaign is not only inviting you to prioritize your mental well being but inviting you to prioritize the well being of our community, whether that’s your family member or your neighbor, it’s a way for you to understand what warning signs or symptoms may look like, and hopefully get those who may need treatment into treatment services and programs,” said Budd-Schepperly. While there’s no quick fix, Budd-Schepperly said that stirring up these conversations is a step in the right direction because no matter how healthy your body is, you’re nothing without your mind. The mind your mind campaign will address twelve topics this year, one for each month. January is dedicated to community wellbeing and February will focus on mental health for seniors. If you’d like more information on these topics you can visit the David Lawrence Centers for Behavioral Health’s website by clicking here. Mental health resources in Southwest Florida If you are struggling or if you know a loved one who is in trouble, there is help and you are not alone. There is free and immediate support available 24/7. Below is a list of important resources: In An Emergency If you or a loved one is in immediate danger call 911. It is important to notify the operator that it is a psychiatric emergency and ask for an officer trained in crisis intervention or trained to assist people experiencing a psychiatric emergency. National Suicide Prevention Hotline 1-800-273-TALK (8255) suicidepreventionlifeline.org If you or someone you know is in crisis—whether they are considering suicide or not—please call the toll-free Lifeline at 800-273-TALK (8255) to speak with a trained crisis counselor 24/7. Crisis Text Line – Text NAMI to 741-741 Connect with a trained crisis counselor to receive free, 24/7 crisis support via text message. National Domestic Violence Hotline – Call 800-799-SAFE (7233) Trained expert advocates are available 24/7 to provide confidential support to anyone experiencing domestic violence or seeking resources and information. Help is available in Spanish and other languages. National Sexual Assault Hotline – Call 800-656-HOPE (4673) Connect with a trained staff member from a sexual assault service provider in your area that offers access to a range of free services. Crisis chat support is available at Online Hotline. Free help, 24/7. Below are mental health resources available to Southwest Floridians at the national and local level. David Lawrence Center (Collier County) (239)455-8500 davidlawrencecenter.org SalusCare (Lee County) (239)275-4242 saluscareflorida.org (NAMI) National Alliance on Mental Illness, Collier County namicollier.org (NAMI) National Alliance on Mental Illness, Lee, Charlotte, Hendry Counties namilee.org The National Alliance for Caregiving offers a free handbook Circle of Care: A Guidebook for Mental Health Caregivers Collier County Mental Health Court ca.cjis20.org/home/collier Lee County Mental Health Court ca.cjis20.org/home/lee Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance convio.net Local Support Groups: Anxiety and Depression Association of America adaa.org U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (Mental Health and Addiction Insurance Help) hhs.gov Local veterans resource: Home Base SWFL homebase.org