Trump’s executive order on straws stirs debate in Fort Myers BeachCharlotte County official’s usage of racial slur prompts calls for resignation
FORT MYERS BEACH Trump’s executive order on straws stirs debate in Fort Myers Beach President Donald Trump recently signed an executive order to bring back plastic straws, reversing a previous plan to reduce plastic reliance in the federal government.
Charlotte County official’s usage of racial slur prompts calls for resignation Charlotte County Commissioner Stephen Deutsch is under scrutiny after a complaint surfaced last week alleging he used the N-word during a work meeting.
CAPE CORAL Cape Coral woman finds hope with new ALS drug A breakthrough discovery of a drug offers new hope for patients with a genetic form of the disease.
Elevate Florida program to help homeowners strengthen properties against storms The Florida Dept. of Emergency Management announced the launch of its new “Elevate Florida” residential mitigation program.
Planning and Zoning Board approves proposed West County area development Homebuilder Maronda Homes received approval Feb. 10 from the Charlotte County Planning and Zoning Board to amend a previously approved development on 1,174 acres in the area of South Gulf Cove.
LEHIGH ACRES 3 charged for major theft organization targeting luxury vehicles Three men, one from Lehigh Acres, has been charged for their role in a major theft organization targeting luxury vehicles.
port charlotte Man arrested for DUI after slamming into Port Charlotte home’s garage The North Port Police Department has arrested a man accused of DUI and crashing into a Port Charlotte home’s garage.
CAPE CORAL New information on nurse accused of starving premature baby New information has been released about what happened behind closed doors when a nurse allegedly starved a premature baby.
BONITA SPRINGS World’s largest bounce castle to spring into Bonita Springs The Big Bounce America, the world’s largest inflatable bounce castle is set to appear in Bonita Springs.
palmdale Gatorama owner bitten during alligator feeding show Gatorama owner Allen Register was sent to hospital after being bitten by an alligator during a feeding show.
CAPE CORAL Man accused of Cape Coral DUI accident with serious injuries A man has been arrested after allegedly causing an accident with injuries while driving under the influence in Cape Coral.
wink news 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.
the weather authority Another warm afternoon for your Tuesday plans The Weather Authority is tracking a warm Tuesday afternoon with stray rain showers expected in our inland communities.
NORTH FORT MYERS Cape Coral man faces 16 charges after fleeing multiple traffic stops Marcus Selby, 24, is facing multiple charges after a dramatic series of events involving Cape Coral police and Florida Highway Patrol troopers.
SANIBEL Sanibel residents brace for traffic surge with new advisory and app aid Sanibel residents are bracing for increased traffic as the city issued a “heavy traffic advisory” for the entire week.
FORT MYERS BEACH Trump’s executive order on straws stirs debate in Fort Myers Beach President Donald Trump recently signed an executive order to bring back plastic straws, reversing a previous plan to reduce plastic reliance in the federal government.
Charlotte County official’s usage of racial slur prompts calls for resignation Charlotte County Commissioner Stephen Deutsch is under scrutiny after a complaint surfaced last week alleging he used the N-word during a work meeting.
CAPE CORAL Cape Coral woman finds hope with new ALS drug A breakthrough discovery of a drug offers new hope for patients with a genetic form of the disease.
Elevate Florida program to help homeowners strengthen properties against storms The Florida Dept. of Emergency Management announced the launch of its new “Elevate Florida” residential mitigation program.
Planning and Zoning Board approves proposed West County area development Homebuilder Maronda Homes received approval Feb. 10 from the Charlotte County Planning and Zoning Board to amend a previously approved development on 1,174 acres in the area of South Gulf Cove.
LEHIGH ACRES 3 charged for major theft organization targeting luxury vehicles Three men, one from Lehigh Acres, has been charged for their role in a major theft organization targeting luxury vehicles.
port charlotte Man arrested for DUI after slamming into Port Charlotte home’s garage The North Port Police Department has arrested a man accused of DUI and crashing into a Port Charlotte home’s garage.
CAPE CORAL New information on nurse accused of starving premature baby New information has been released about what happened behind closed doors when a nurse allegedly starved a premature baby.
BONITA SPRINGS World’s largest bounce castle to spring into Bonita Springs The Big Bounce America, the world’s largest inflatable bounce castle is set to appear in Bonita Springs.
palmdale Gatorama owner bitten during alligator feeding show Gatorama owner Allen Register was sent to hospital after being bitten by an alligator during a feeding show.
CAPE CORAL Man accused of Cape Coral DUI accident with serious injuries A man has been arrested after allegedly causing an accident with injuries while driving under the influence in Cape Coral.
wink news 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.
the weather authority Another warm afternoon for your Tuesday plans The Weather Authority is tracking a warm Tuesday afternoon with stray rain showers expected in our inland communities.
NORTH FORT MYERS Cape Coral man faces 16 charges after fleeing multiple traffic stops Marcus Selby, 24, is facing multiple charges after a dramatic series of events involving Cape Coral police and Florida Highway Patrol troopers.
SANIBEL Sanibel residents brace for traffic surge with new advisory and app aid Sanibel residents are bracing for increased traffic as the city issued a “heavy traffic advisory” for the entire week.
Destiny Padilla (Credit: Mullin’s Memorial) Family members of a girl who accidentally shot herself in the face with a ghost gun are telling their story. Destiny Padilla’s mother and grandmother are heartbroken but also angry after the accident. Destiny’s family says she was playing with the gun in a home that wasn’t supposed to have firearms. Andrew Byrd admitted to building the gun. Andrew Byrd, 18. (Credit: Lee County Sheriff’s Office) No guns were supposed to be in the home that Andrew Byrd lived in because his mom is a convicted felon and his younger brother is the subject of an active risk protection order. Byrd’s younger brother, 14-year-old Phillip Byrd, is facing charges of plotting a Columbine-like school shooting at Harns Marsh Middle School. Worst of all, the 17-year-old girl didn’t die at a stranger’s house. Andrew Byrd is her cousin. “She was so proud of that robot she built,” said Ashley Pironti, Destiny Padilla’s mother. Pironti can’t look at pictures of her daughter without tears filling her eyes. “I just felt like it wasn’t her time to go.” Destiny was only 17 years old when deputies say she accidentally shot herself in the face with a ghost gun that was made by her second cousin Andrew Byrd. “When she was going to Pathways, he was in there,” said Destiny’s grandmother Margaret Osen. Pathways is a program for kids on probation. That is how Destiny and Andrew started hanging out. “They weren’t even supposed to be hanging together. They were both on probation,” said Pironti. Destiny’s family saw her turn a corner in this program. They said she was happy and she was a light in her friend’s life. “She always had a smile on her face. Always giggling, always dancing,” said Pironti. That doesn’t make the family’s loss any easier. “Very hurt, hurt or heartbroken. I cry every morning. I cry throughout the day, and I cry myself to sleep,” Pironti said. Ashley believes her pain and her loss could have been prevented if the probation officer checked up on her more. “She said her PO officer allowed her to be over there, which her PO officer was here July 19 or July 20. Telling her that she didn’t get a phone call from Destiny. She didn’t talk to Destiny. Well, how are you not doing your job?” said Pironti. The only thing that can ease this mother’s pain is remembering the person her daughter was. “Just know Destiny it was a loving, caring, very lovable, wore her heart on her sleeve,” said Pironti. Destiny’s family is hosting a celebration of life this Sunday at Veteran’s Parks from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. The only charge Andrew Byrd is facing is a violation of his probation. Despite the fact that he wasn’t allowed to be around guns and definitely wasn’t allowed to build them.