Students react to threat made at Florida Gulf Coast UniversityMissing and endangered boy found in Lehigh Acres
Students react to threat made at Florida Gulf Coast University Students at Florida Gulf Coast University said they don’t know the specifics of a threat made last week, but they do know it was taken care of.
Missing and endangered boy found in Lehigh Acres Authorities have found a missing and endangered boy in Lehigh Acres. Police asked for the public’s help in locating Zachariah McKelvin.
School District denies bus service to student despite mother’s measurements When we think of the bus stop, we typically think of it as a safe place for our children, but one mother says the Lee County School District told her they live too close to the school to get a bus route.
MATLACHA 2 stranded dolphins rescued from mangroves near Matlacha Two stranded dolphins were pulled from mangroves near Matlacha.
CAPE CORAL NAACP honors Cape Coral Police Chief after acknowledging hate crime NAACP President, James Muwakkil, was so impressed with Cape Coral Police Chief Anthony Sizemore that he wanted the entire city to know.
NAPLES Jingled Elves trolley tour underway Breaking out your best dance moves and spreading Christmas cheer. These ‘jingled elves’ are breaking it down with a purpose.
BONITA SPRINGS Bonita Springs Elementary School’s demolition plans There’s a new lesson plan at Bonita Springs Elementary School: Demolition 101. The school is set to be knocked down, and there’s good reason.
MARCO ISLAND Marco Island Councilmember’s dogs allegedly attack 13-year-old girl Councilor Tamara Goehler is coming under fire after her dogs allegedly attacked a 13-year-old girl and the girl’s five-month-old puppy.
PUNTA GORDA Gilchrist Park’s future brightens as boat cleanup commences The boats blocking Gilchrist Park are ready to be moved two years after Hurricane Ian.
Lee County Department of Health issues red tide alert for Bowman’s Beach The Florida Department of Health in Lee County has issued a health alert for the presence of red tide near Bowman’s Beach.
CAPE CORAL City of Cape Coral working on project to address canal safety An older Cape Coral couple drove into a canal last year. Neighbors are now saying something needs to be done about canal safety.
NAPLES Collier County mental health center receives $4 million donation A giant donation is dedicated to providing people with better mental health care in southwest Florida.
LABELLE City of LaBelle under precautionary boil water notice A water main break has the City of Labelle under a precautionary boil water notice.
ESTERO FGCU student wins ice dancing national championship FGCU sophomore Lucas Appel wins his second US Senior Solo Dance National Championship in three years.
Lee County Sheriff’s Office: Parent brings weapon to Lehigh Acres school According to a Lee County Sheriff’s Office report, there is probable cause to believe a woman unintentionally brought a firearm to school.
Students react to threat made at Florida Gulf Coast University Students at Florida Gulf Coast University said they don’t know the specifics of a threat made last week, but they do know it was taken care of.
Missing and endangered boy found in Lehigh Acres Authorities have found a missing and endangered boy in Lehigh Acres. Police asked for the public’s help in locating Zachariah McKelvin.
School District denies bus service to student despite mother’s measurements When we think of the bus stop, we typically think of it as a safe place for our children, but one mother says the Lee County School District told her they live too close to the school to get a bus route.
MATLACHA 2 stranded dolphins rescued from mangroves near Matlacha Two stranded dolphins were pulled from mangroves near Matlacha.
CAPE CORAL NAACP honors Cape Coral Police Chief after acknowledging hate crime NAACP President, James Muwakkil, was so impressed with Cape Coral Police Chief Anthony Sizemore that he wanted the entire city to know.
NAPLES Jingled Elves trolley tour underway Breaking out your best dance moves and spreading Christmas cheer. These ‘jingled elves’ are breaking it down with a purpose.
BONITA SPRINGS Bonita Springs Elementary School’s demolition plans There’s a new lesson plan at Bonita Springs Elementary School: Demolition 101. The school is set to be knocked down, and there’s good reason.
MARCO ISLAND Marco Island Councilmember’s dogs allegedly attack 13-year-old girl Councilor Tamara Goehler is coming under fire after her dogs allegedly attacked a 13-year-old girl and the girl’s five-month-old puppy.
PUNTA GORDA Gilchrist Park’s future brightens as boat cleanup commences The boats blocking Gilchrist Park are ready to be moved two years after Hurricane Ian.
Lee County Department of Health issues red tide alert for Bowman’s Beach The Florida Department of Health in Lee County has issued a health alert for the presence of red tide near Bowman’s Beach.
CAPE CORAL City of Cape Coral working on project to address canal safety An older Cape Coral couple drove into a canal last year. Neighbors are now saying something needs to be done about canal safety.
NAPLES Collier County mental health center receives $4 million donation A giant donation is dedicated to providing people with better mental health care in southwest Florida.
LABELLE City of LaBelle under precautionary boil water notice A water main break has the City of Labelle under a precautionary boil water notice.
ESTERO FGCU student wins ice dancing national championship FGCU sophomore Lucas Appel wins his second US Senior Solo Dance National Championship in three years.
Lee County Sheriff’s Office: Parent brings weapon to Lehigh Acres school According to a Lee County Sheriff’s Office report, there is probable cause to believe a woman unintentionally brought a firearm to school.
Homes not built on time and homeowners finding problems floor to ceiling once they get inside: That’s what customers of one southwest Florida builder say they’re dealing with, and they want to warn others about their experience. Jenn Grube moved to the North Port area excited to build her own dream home after raising a family. The Grubes chose Zwiercan Homes, saying they loved the company’s models, and with a timeline of 12 to 18 months, they hoped for a quick and easy process. “We didn’t want the hassle of buying a used home, and somebody else’s problems,” Grube explains. “Well, we bought a lot more than that. Because nothing was right.” Grube says the problems started during the building period, with a lot that was covered in trash and a driveway that hollowed out when rain gutters weren’t properly installed. The Grubes did get into their new home in just 13 months, only to realize it wasn’t what they thought. “There were just so many errors,” Grube sighs. According to the Grubes, many of the choices they’d picked out and paid for in their house never arrived. They say, a few days before they moved in, they were told ceiling fans, light fixtures and stone and roof colors had to be replaced. And they’re still battling with an air conditioner that zaps their electric bill for almost 500 dollars a month. But when they needed Zwiercan… “Again, you can’t get a hold of anybody,” Grube says. “Nothing’s going right, things are missing.” The Grubes say eventually, Zwiercan made some fixes and reached compromises but it took 20 months after they moved in for everything to be corrected. And the air conditioning continues to be a problem. “That was really… it was really saddening to us because we invested all this money into this home,” Grube laments. “It shouldn’t be like that.” Grube started doing research online and found other Zwiercan clients around North Port on social media, connecting with others that had dealt with similar issues. They formed a Facebook group… which now includes over 30 families. Everyone seemingly had their own frustrating story and felt like Zwiercan was unbothered by their issues. “There’s absolutely no remorse. No respect. More like, oh good that problem is gone,” Grube explains. “They have wronged us in so many ways, it just hasn’t ever been apologized for.” The biggest problem for Zwiercan customers seems to come right before they get the keys to their new home. Every customer that spoke with WINK News faced massive overage costs in the days before they moved in, some as high as six figures. “He gave everybody that I know a large bill at the end of their construction,” Grube admits. Dr. Kandi Norrell and her husband are still waiting to move into their home, built by Zwiercan. The Norrells say Zwiercan tried to hit her with a 128 thousand dollar overage just a couple of weeks before move-in day. And when the Norrells asked for documents to explain the extra cost, Zwiercan couldn’t produce the paperwork. “He’s just not able to provide any of the documentation that shows us what we’re paying for,” Norrell explained. “What is that extra money for?” The Norrells are still not in their home more than two and a half years after signing a 12 to 18 month contract, and they say they’ve dealt with problems every step of the way. WINK News came came by weeks ago, when finishing touches were being supposed to be made. We discovered windows that didn’t fit and walls that were bowing in. “What are we going to end up with and when are we ever going to finish,” Norrell wondered. “It goes from joy to frustration to anger. It’s just, we’re all over the place.” We also found it hard to get answers. I reached out to Zwiercan Homes to speak with owner Jarek Zwiercan, but a company representative called me back to say he won’t comment on our story. “If nothing else, I don’t want anyone else to be taken like this. I want justice,” Norrell explains. “It takes a toll on your kids, it takes a toll on your health, on your finances,” Grube agrees. “It’s just not good.” Whether they’re waiting on a build or fixing the new house they just moved into, these families just want a place to call home.