Police: 15-year-old injured after accidentally shot in the legFGCU softball pitcher making a name for herself
BONITA SPRINGS Police: 15-year-old injured after accidentally shot in the leg Lee County deputies say the teen was accidentally shot in the leg.
FORT MYERS FGCU softball pitcher making a name for herself One season in FGCU, freshman pitcher Allison Sparkman is already ruffling feathers in the circle.
Surrendering-pets trend at Gulf Coast Humane Society concerns An large amount of pets are being surrendered by their owners. About half of the dogs at the Gulf Coast Humane Society are surrender dogs.
Students benefitting from millions in sales tax dollars So far, the voter-approved half-cent sales tax has brought in $507 million for the Lee County School District.
PORT CHARLOTTE ‘Shady’: One woman feels misled after federal student loan consolidation It takes some people decades to pay off their student loans. One woman’s last payment was in sight until she took a gamble she said she was told to take.
FORT MYERS Homeless encampments inch closer to neighborhoods Law enforcement has swept multiple encampments, cleaning the trails of mess and muck left behind, and some of these encampments are right in our backyards.
BIG CYPRESS PRESERVE What changes if Big Cypress National Preserve becomes a Wilderness Area? America’s first nationally designated preserve is in Southwest Florida’s backyard, and it is celebrating its 50th anniversary.
Method to treat IBD being used for other health issues Trying to get treatments for the brain when fighting neurological diseases like epilepsy and ALS is a challenge.
FORT MYERS NTSB report reveals new details in helicopter crash after Hurricane Ian The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has released its final report on a helicopter crash that occurred in Iona, Florida, shortly after Hurricane Ian.
NAPLES Memorial celebrates the life of John Passidomo Hundreds of friends and family gathered for a memorial at Baker Park in Naples.
‘Latinos in Action’ empowers all students to succeed WINK News talked with teachers who are a part of the program, helping kids reach their full potential.
Immokalee ‘The eyes always draw me in’; Immokalee portrait artist turns dark times into color One of Southwest Florida best portrait artist, Martha Maria Cantu, almost gave up art. Now she’s on the forefront of the city of Immokalee, to make her community filled with color.
GOLDEN GATE Collier commissioners approve agreement for golf complex in Golden Gate Collier commissioners unanimously approved a long term lease and operating agreement to reopen the Golden Gate golf course Tuesday.
PUNTA GORDA Motorcyclists ride in SWFL to help veterans battle suicide A group of veterans from the American Legion are grabbing their helmets and boots for a motorcycle ride to bring awareness to the staggering rates of suicide among veterans.
SARASOTA Alleged sexual abuse victims of Port Charlotte priest comes forward Father Riley worked at three churches in Charlotte County and another in Naples. On Friday, new allegations emerged from a news conference in Sarasota.
BONITA SPRINGS Police: 15-year-old injured after accidentally shot in the leg Lee County deputies say the teen was accidentally shot in the leg.
FORT MYERS FGCU softball pitcher making a name for herself One season in FGCU, freshman pitcher Allison Sparkman is already ruffling feathers in the circle.
Surrendering-pets trend at Gulf Coast Humane Society concerns An large amount of pets are being surrendered by their owners. About half of the dogs at the Gulf Coast Humane Society are surrender dogs.
Students benefitting from millions in sales tax dollars So far, the voter-approved half-cent sales tax has brought in $507 million for the Lee County School District.
PORT CHARLOTTE ‘Shady’: One woman feels misled after federal student loan consolidation It takes some people decades to pay off their student loans. One woman’s last payment was in sight until she took a gamble she said she was told to take.
FORT MYERS Homeless encampments inch closer to neighborhoods Law enforcement has swept multiple encampments, cleaning the trails of mess and muck left behind, and some of these encampments are right in our backyards.
BIG CYPRESS PRESERVE What changes if Big Cypress National Preserve becomes a Wilderness Area? America’s first nationally designated preserve is in Southwest Florida’s backyard, and it is celebrating its 50th anniversary.
Method to treat IBD being used for other health issues Trying to get treatments for the brain when fighting neurological diseases like epilepsy and ALS is a challenge.
FORT MYERS NTSB report reveals new details in helicopter crash after Hurricane Ian The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has released its final report on a helicopter crash that occurred in Iona, Florida, shortly after Hurricane Ian.
NAPLES Memorial celebrates the life of John Passidomo Hundreds of friends and family gathered for a memorial at Baker Park in Naples.
‘Latinos in Action’ empowers all students to succeed WINK News talked with teachers who are a part of the program, helping kids reach their full potential.
Immokalee ‘The eyes always draw me in’; Immokalee portrait artist turns dark times into color One of Southwest Florida best portrait artist, Martha Maria Cantu, almost gave up art. Now she’s on the forefront of the city of Immokalee, to make her community filled with color.
GOLDEN GATE Collier commissioners approve agreement for golf complex in Golden Gate Collier commissioners unanimously approved a long term lease and operating agreement to reopen the Golden Gate golf course Tuesday.
PUNTA GORDA Motorcyclists ride in SWFL to help veterans battle suicide A group of veterans from the American Legion are grabbing their helmets and boots for a motorcycle ride to bring awareness to the staggering rates of suicide among veterans.
SARASOTA Alleged sexual abuse victims of Port Charlotte priest comes forward Father Riley worked at three churches in Charlotte County and another in Naples. On Friday, new allegations emerged from a news conference in Sarasota.
Riptide Brewery teamed up with the Naples Zoo over the weekend for their annual Brew for the Zoo event, raising money and awareness for the endangered species. For centuries, Florida Panthers like Athena roamed the south without fear like kinds of the countryside, but a lot is different now. “They used to range all the way up into the Carolinas and all the way to Texas, but right now we’re covering around a population of a little over 200,” Chris Johnson, the general manager of Riptide Brewery, said. Panther Crossing sign reminding drivers to drive 45 mph in designated zones. CREDIT: WINK News According to Riptide Brewery, with fewer than 300 panthers left in the Southwest Florida wilderness, Riptide Brewery hosts Brew for the Zoo to help out the state animal of Florida. At Riptide Brewery, $2 from each pint of Athena or Uno Ale sold goes directly toward conservation. And you make a $5 donation by buying limited edition four packs. Johnson believes the success of Brew for the Zoo is based on how passionate the customers are about panther conservation. “Because of their interest in this event, we’re able to do more to help our panthers in the wild and just bring awareness to wildlife in general. And how important protected areas of Southwest Florida are,” Johnson said. Athena Ale four-pack. CREDIT: WINK News Kaia Bravo has a passion for wildlife, conservation, and the Florida Panther. I talked to her at the bar about the event and why she wants to protect the panther. “Wildlife and habitat conservation is a cause I believe in, and I try to be present at community events in support. It was lovely to see how many people attended. Knowing that others also want to see protection efforts for Florida Panthers makes me feel like there’s hope,” Bravo said. Pictures of Athena and Uno Ale. CREDIT: WINK News The money goes to a number of projects, but primarily to raise awareness among motorists to slow down in designated Panther Crossing areas, and judging from the turnout at Saturday’s event, many people in Southwest Florida support that. “I think protecting panthers is important because they play a role in the ecosystem, and when their population is threatened, it affects the whole system,” Bravo said. Little stuffed animal of Uno, a Florida Panther that lived at Naples Zoo. CREDIT: WINK News Since the event began in July 2016, it raised thousands of dollars to protect Florida Panthers. Riptide’s best year was when they raised nearly $14,000. “Human expansion/development is a huge factor in habitat decline and risk to animals,” Bravo said. “I think we have an obligation to be mindful of our impact and to act responsibly.” The outdoor area in front of the bar. CREDIT: WINK News When I asked Johnson how he sees the event growing in the future, he explained what his goal is. “Honestly, I’d just like for more people to be aware of panthers in general,” Johnson said. When I asked him if he’d like more people to attend the event, he couldn’t help but chuckle. “I don’t think anymore can fit,” Johnson said while laughing. Click here to learn more about the Brew for the Zoo event and how you can help Florida Panthers.