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.
Damage to a home from Hurricane Ian. CREDIT: WINK News When you donate money, how do you know it’s going where you intended? That’s a common question. And, after Hurricane Ian many people have opened their hearts and wallets. Sixty-six thousand people have donated to the Florida Disaster Fund. The Fund was established in 2004 and reactivated after Ian. Hurricane Ian storm surge. (Credit: WINK News) WINK News viewer Carol Kerr emailed us to ask, “Florida Disaster Fund that Casey DeSantis was overseeing – $60 million in donations; how much of that money has been given out for relief?” WINK Investigates reporter Kellie Miller went looking for that answer and learned $63,740,283 has been raised as of Tuesday, April 25, 2023. Of that, $53,354,500 has been awarded. Harry Chapin Food Bank. Where did the money go? The Volunteer Florida Foundation administers the Fund, and first lady Casey DeSantis helps oversee it. The money gets distributed to state service organizations focusing on disaster response and recovery. The group provided WINK News with this list: Save the Children The Salvation Army Team Rubicon Catholic Charities Feeding Florida Midwest FoodBank ToolBank Operation BBQ Relief United Way Collier County Florida Sheriff’s Association Police Benevolent Association Fraternal Order of Police Professional Firefighters Lee County Local Education Foundation Charlotte County Local Education Foundation Sarasota County Local Education Foundation Collier County Local Education Foundation Desoto County Local Education Foundation Hardee County school district support Southern Baptist Disaster Relief Better Together Samaritan’s Purse Lee BIA Builders Care Florida National Guard Foundation Florida Emergency Preparedness Association Collier County Community Foundation Charlotte County Community Foundation Collaboratory Housing organizations Feeding Florida Harry Chapin Food Bank Hope Hospice Safe Children Coalition Senior Connection Center Senior Friendship Centers Senior Resource Alliance Mothers Helping Mothers NU-HOPE Elder Care Services Inc. One More Child Osceola Council on Aging All Faiths Food bank of Sarasota Area Agency on Aging for Southwest Florida Bridge a Life Children’s Network of Southwest Florida Community Legal Services of Mid Florida Elder-Source – Area Agency on Aging for Northwest Florida Lee County school district support organization Collier County school district support organization Sarasota County school district support organization Hardee County school district support organization DeSoto County school district support organization 17 long-term recovery groups Adventist Community Services Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association nonprofit arm Small Business Recovery Impact program If you’d like WINK Investigates reporter Kellie Miller to get answers for you, email her at tips@winknews.com or click on the link below. How to check out a charity Before you give, contact the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services toll-free hotline at 1-800-HELP-FLA (435-7352). You can also use the state’s online Check-A-Charity tool.