Punta Gorda renowned media artist finds safe haven for workMugshot released of man accused of injuring deputy then leading multi-county chase
Punta Gorda renowned media artist finds safe haven for work Former businessman and artist David Sussman, known for his photography on canvas and coffee-table photography books, has found a safe, flood-proof homestead after he lost several homes and studios to hurricanes.
Mugshot released of man accused of injuring deputy then leading multi-county chase The Collier County Sheriff’s Office has released the mugshot of Paul Fritzson, the man accused of leading deputies on a multi-county chase stemming from a carjacking.
FORT MYERS FDOT hosts ribbon-cutting ceremony for Caloosahatchee River Bridge sidewalk project FDOT is hosting a ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the completion of the Caloosahatchee River Bridge and the New Sidewalk Project.
Fort Myers Council explores possible locations for new City Hall When the city of Fort Myers builds a new City Hall, it’s most likely to remain downtown at then current site.
Tim Aten Knows: Plans advance for second Costco store Costco Wholesale Corp. is moving ahead with plans for a second store in Collier County on the southeast corner of Rattlesnake Hammock Road and Collier Boulevard, immediately north of Physician Regional Medical Center-Collier Boulevard.
naples Naples Winter Wine Festival holds online auction for charity The Naples Winter Wine Festival is set to hold its 10th annual online auction, raising funds for the Naples Children & Education Foundation and donating all proceeds.
the weather authority Clouds and isolated rain for your Friday plans The Weather Authority is tracking isolated rain showers and increased cloud coverage that may impact your Friday afternoon plans.
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.
Charlotte County Man killed in deputy-involved shooting; Charlotte deputies say he pointed gun at them The Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a deputy-involved shooting, which killed a man they said pointed a gun at them.
PORT CHARLOTTE Charlotte County hosts first-ever Magnet Fair A first-of-its-kind chance to allow parents and students to choose the school they go to.
PORT CHARLOTTE Daughter believes mother was killed in Port Charlotte house fire A family is holding each other close as they fear for the worst. Loved ones of 70-year-old Roseanne Cantasano told wink new they believe she was killed in this house fire in Port Charlotte on Monday.
Man arrested after multi-county chase stemming from carjacking A man has been arrested after a carjacking turned into a chase that crossed county lines.
PORT CHARLOTTE Nurses protest use of AI in the workplace Nurses are fighting back against artificial intelligence in their place of work. On Thursday, nurses took to the streets to protest.
NAPLES New gym offers safe place to play for kids on the autism spectrum We Rock the Spectrum welcomes kids both on and off the autism spectrum with activities that cater to all kids.
Charlotte County Vulture Infestation in Placida Neighborhood Big birds are taking over a local golf course in Charlotte County, feeding off the fish kill.
Punta Gorda renowned media artist finds safe haven for work Former businessman and artist David Sussman, known for his photography on canvas and coffee-table photography books, has found a safe, flood-proof homestead after he lost several homes and studios to hurricanes.
Mugshot released of man accused of injuring deputy then leading multi-county chase The Collier County Sheriff’s Office has released the mugshot of Paul Fritzson, the man accused of leading deputies on a multi-county chase stemming from a carjacking.
FORT MYERS FDOT hosts ribbon-cutting ceremony for Caloosahatchee River Bridge sidewalk project FDOT is hosting a ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the completion of the Caloosahatchee River Bridge and the New Sidewalk Project.
Fort Myers Council explores possible locations for new City Hall When the city of Fort Myers builds a new City Hall, it’s most likely to remain downtown at then current site.
Tim Aten Knows: Plans advance for second Costco store Costco Wholesale Corp. is moving ahead with plans for a second store in Collier County on the southeast corner of Rattlesnake Hammock Road and Collier Boulevard, immediately north of Physician Regional Medical Center-Collier Boulevard.
naples Naples Winter Wine Festival holds online auction for charity The Naples Winter Wine Festival is set to hold its 10th annual online auction, raising funds for the Naples Children & Education Foundation and donating all proceeds.
the weather authority Clouds and isolated rain for your Friday plans The Weather Authority is tracking isolated rain showers and increased cloud coverage that may impact your Friday afternoon plans.
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.
Charlotte County Man killed in deputy-involved shooting; Charlotte deputies say he pointed gun at them The Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a deputy-involved shooting, which killed a man they said pointed a gun at them.
PORT CHARLOTTE Charlotte County hosts first-ever Magnet Fair A first-of-its-kind chance to allow parents and students to choose the school they go to.
PORT CHARLOTTE Daughter believes mother was killed in Port Charlotte house fire A family is holding each other close as they fear for the worst. Loved ones of 70-year-old Roseanne Cantasano told wink new they believe she was killed in this house fire in Port Charlotte on Monday.
Man arrested after multi-county chase stemming from carjacking A man has been arrested after a carjacking turned into a chase that crossed county lines.
PORT CHARLOTTE Nurses protest use of AI in the workplace Nurses are fighting back against artificial intelligence in their place of work. On Thursday, nurses took to the streets to protest.
NAPLES New gym offers safe place to play for kids on the autism spectrum We Rock the Spectrum welcomes kids both on and off the autism spectrum with activities that cater to all kids.
Charlotte County Vulture Infestation in Placida Neighborhood Big birds are taking over a local golf course in Charlotte County, feeding off the fish kill.
Hundreds of thousands of people drive across bridges in Southwest Florida every day but how many of those bridges meet modern safety standards? And how often is it due for repair? WINK News investigates how the state of Florida inspects each bridge for safety and reveals how Florida bridges compare to the rest of the country. David Kus has been fishing on a pier right next to the El Jobean Bridge in Charlotte County for about 20 years, which means thousands of trips across the bridge itself. “Oh wow, it’s almost a daily thing,” he said, “Probably at least five days a week.” According to state records, the bridge was constructed back in 1959, the same year Alaska was admitted as the 49th state. Making it one of the oldest bridges in the area. The state rates bridges in three categories; good, functionally obsolete, and structurally deficient. While Kus said, “it’s good looking from here!” The El Jobean Bridge is rated “functionally obsolete” since it’s not up to modern standards. This could be due to not meeting various requirements such as lanes are narrow, the shoulder is small or the vertical clearance is a bit low. But the documents don’t show the specifics. Jim Jacobsen with the Florida Department of Transportation says, “It’s still rated in good condition. It’s still doing its job,” and that those bridges are still safe to use. “All it means is, the bridge was built at a time when the current design standards were different than now. It’s still safe, it’s still useable.” Most of the bridges in Southwest Florida are rated good, like the one over the Hermosa Canal in Cape Coral, for example, which was originally built in 1972. It was widened just last year for improved safety. FDOT says 97% of Florida bridges achieve the ‘good’ rating. “The inspectors look from top to bottom, end to end,” Jacobsen explained. “If there’s any changes or deterioration, that’s documented and repairs are planned.” The lowest of the three ratings a bridge can get in Florida is “structurally deficient.” One Cape Coral bridge over the Lido Canal is just one of 11 structurally deficient bridges in Lee County, and one of 19 across all of Southwest Florida. That means it needs to be repaired or replaced in the next six years. There are four structurally deficient bridges in Collier County, two in DeSoto County and two in Hendry County. “We have a repair project planned. If it’s at the end of its service life, it may be determined it’s better to replace instead of putting more money into it,” Jacobsen added. According to federal data, Florida bridges have the 9th highest percentage of structurally deficient bridges compared to the rest of the country. FDOT says rugged weather and the number of bridges over saltwater create challenges, which can affect its lifespan. And officials want drivers to know if the bridge is open, no matter what the rating, it’s safe to drive on. “The bridge is safe,” Jacobsen reiterated. “If it ever changes where we feel the ratings are dropping, it would be closed.” Every bridge and overpass in Southwest Florida has been inspected within the last two years. If a bridge is found unsafe, it’s immediately shut down for repair.