Large Law enforcement presence in Charlotte CountyCharlotte County Sheriff’s Office investigating domestic shooting incident
Large Law enforcement presence in Charlotte County According to the Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office, there is a large law enforcement presence in the area of Parker Drive and Lemon Bay Road.
Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office investigating domestic shooting incident The Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a domestic shooting incident on Holtville Ave. in South Gulf Cove on Sunday evening.
LEHIGH ACRES Christ at Crossroads Church in Lehigh Acres catches fire According to Lehigh Acres Fire Control and Rescue District, a church in Lehigh Acres has caught fire on Sunday.
WINK News Photos of the Week: Jan. 19 – Jan 25. This week’s edition features photos from a commemorative march, a WINK News reporter receiving a special award and snow in Florida.
Gas line crash on U.S. 41 near Alico Road, at least 1 person dead The northbound lanes of U.S. 41 near Alico Road are currently closed due to a fatal crash involving a gas line that left one vehicle engulfed in flames.
BONITA SPRINGS Fatal crash in Bonita Springs: Motorcyclist dies on U.S. 41 According to the Florida Highway Patrol, the motorcyclist was traveling on U.S. 41 when an SUV entered the intersection, cutting in front of the motorcyclist.
the weather authority A dry, seasonal Sunday is on tap with highs in the 70s The Weather Authority says that while it’s a comfortable and cool morning across Southwest Florida, it is going to warm right on up this afternoon into the mid to upper 70s.
FORT MYERS 1 injured in Fort Myers auto shop fire According to FMPD, one person is injured after two vehicles and a dumpster caught fire in an auto shop on Saturday afternoon.
Hendry County Sheriff’s Office seeks public’s help in deer poaching investigation The Hendry County Sheriff’s Office Agriculture Unit is seeking assistance from the public in its investigation into the illegal killing of approximately nine deer.
Deputy injured, suspect killed in shooting near State Road 72 in DeSoto County A suspect wanted on a child enticement charge out of Georgia was killed in a deputy-involved shooting early Saturday morning in DeSoto County.
ENGLEWOOD 1 dead in Englewood incident; authorities investigating There is an active investigation going on at the 3200 block of Smith Street in Englewood, where one person was found dead.
NAPLES Naples Winter Wine Festival kicks off to support Collier County children The Naples Winter Wine Festival, one of the largest charity wine auctions globally, is set to begin at the Ritz-Carlton in Naples on Saturday.
ESTERO Join the March to a Million Meals to combat hunger in Southwest Florida Food insecurity remains a significant issue in Southwest Florida, with one in eight adults and one in six children experiencing hunger.
NAPLES Last chance to enjoy Naples Boat Show’s yachts and waterfront fun The Naples Boat Show wraps up on Saturday, offering one last chance for visitors to explore an impressive lineup of boats, yachts, and waterfront fun.
CAPE CORAL SunSplash Waterpark hosts hiring event in Cape Coral As chilly temperatures linger, it might be hard to think about the hot, humid days of summer, but SunSplash Family Waterpark in Cape Coral is already preparing for the season.
Large Law enforcement presence in Charlotte County According to the Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office, there is a large law enforcement presence in the area of Parker Drive and Lemon Bay Road.
Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office investigating domestic shooting incident The Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a domestic shooting incident on Holtville Ave. in South Gulf Cove on Sunday evening.
LEHIGH ACRES Christ at Crossroads Church in Lehigh Acres catches fire According to Lehigh Acres Fire Control and Rescue District, a church in Lehigh Acres has caught fire on Sunday.
WINK News Photos of the Week: Jan. 19 – Jan 25. This week’s edition features photos from a commemorative march, a WINK News reporter receiving a special award and snow in Florida.
Gas line crash on U.S. 41 near Alico Road, at least 1 person dead The northbound lanes of U.S. 41 near Alico Road are currently closed due to a fatal crash involving a gas line that left one vehicle engulfed in flames.
BONITA SPRINGS Fatal crash in Bonita Springs: Motorcyclist dies on U.S. 41 According to the Florida Highway Patrol, the motorcyclist was traveling on U.S. 41 when an SUV entered the intersection, cutting in front of the motorcyclist.
the weather authority A dry, seasonal Sunday is on tap with highs in the 70s The Weather Authority says that while it’s a comfortable and cool morning across Southwest Florida, it is going to warm right on up this afternoon into the mid to upper 70s.
FORT MYERS 1 injured in Fort Myers auto shop fire According to FMPD, one person is injured after two vehicles and a dumpster caught fire in an auto shop on Saturday afternoon.
Hendry County Sheriff’s Office seeks public’s help in deer poaching investigation The Hendry County Sheriff’s Office Agriculture Unit is seeking assistance from the public in its investigation into the illegal killing of approximately nine deer.
Deputy injured, suspect killed in shooting near State Road 72 in DeSoto County A suspect wanted on a child enticement charge out of Georgia was killed in a deputy-involved shooting early Saturday morning in DeSoto County.
ENGLEWOOD 1 dead in Englewood incident; authorities investigating There is an active investigation going on at the 3200 block of Smith Street in Englewood, where one person was found dead.
NAPLES Naples Winter Wine Festival kicks off to support Collier County children The Naples Winter Wine Festival, one of the largest charity wine auctions globally, is set to begin at the Ritz-Carlton in Naples on Saturday.
ESTERO Join the March to a Million Meals to combat hunger in Southwest Florida Food insecurity remains a significant issue in Southwest Florida, with one in eight adults and one in six children experiencing hunger.
NAPLES Last chance to enjoy Naples Boat Show’s yachts and waterfront fun The Naples Boat Show wraps up on Saturday, offering one last chance for visitors to explore an impressive lineup of boats, yachts, and waterfront fun.
CAPE CORAL SunSplash Waterpark hosts hiring event in Cape Coral As chilly temperatures linger, it might be hard to think about the hot, humid days of summer, but SunSplash Family Waterpark in Cape Coral is already preparing for the season.
Interim Fort Myers Police Chief Randall Pepitone It has been recommended that Fort Myers’ top cop be disciplined after a police chase gone wrong. Twelve separate officers were recommended for discipline as a result, including a finalist for the Fort Myers police chief job. It all started during a vehicle pursuit on Dec. 16. Fort Myers Police Department records detail the event. The chase A stolen pickup truck was spotted in the 4900 block of Mars Street, but as detectives approached, the car “quickly fled” the area, speeding down nearby Ortiz Boulevard. At that point, FMPD called for Lee County Sheriff’s Office aid, and a helicopter provided air support. As the stolen truck was tracked from the air, it traveled down Cemetery Road, where it hit an LCSO vehicle and struck an unmarked FMPD car, crashing into a ditch off Cemetery. The two suspects were arrested after a foot chase. But at what risk? FMPD paperwork shows an internal affairs complaint was filed in February. A command staff member was concerned that detectives broke several traffic laws and violated various department policies. According to the ensuing investigation, the concerned officer was right. A review of patrol car data shows detectives broke speed limits in multiple areas and drove recklessly with no sirens or lights. It also found detectives deactivated their in-car and body cameras, although the cars’ automatic cameras did capture some footage. High ranking awareness According to FMPD’s investigation, Interim Police Chief Randall Pepitone “knowingly approved the pursuit report despite being aware that the involved officers allegedly committed various traffic violations, and violated various internal policies.” It also says Pepitone “failed to confirm the accuracy and completeness of the reports.” As a result, Pepitone was recommended counseling and policy review. Captain Victor Medico was also recommended discipline for “failing to confirm the accuracy and completeness of associated documents and reports.” He was recommended counseling and policy review. A police chief candidate’s involvement Medico is currently one of four finalists for the permanent FMPD chief job. City officials have not confirmed whether this discipline will affect that process. In total, more than 40 disciplinary actions were recommended as a result of this investigation against 12 separate officers. Paperwork appears to show a difference in disciplinary tactics as well. Records show Pepitone chose to sustain just nine of the recommended actions, sometimes writing in “corrective measures take prior to the initiation of investigation.” WINK News has requested interviews with Interim Chief Pepitone and Captain Medico, but we have not heard back. We will continue to update this story as more information becomes available.