Firefighters work to contain Myakka State Forest fireSpaceX launches flight test; spacecraft visible in Florida
Firefighters work to contain Myakka State Forest fire A brush fire near Myakka State Forest in Charlotte County left residents in fear as it threatened homes and property.
SOUTHWEST FLORIDA SpaceX launches flight test; spacecraft visible in Florida A mysterious sight in the sky had WINK News viewers buzzing, but there’s no need to worry. It’s not a UFO.
Sovereign citizen claim complicates deputy-involved Charlotte County shooting case A tense incident unfolded on Sandy Pine Drive in Charlotte County last October when deputies shot and killed a man in his driveway.
SANIBEL Sanibel’s water system faces climate challenges Sanibel Island is facing challenges as it balances its natural beauty with the demands of stormwater management.
FORT MYERS Travel tips ahead of spring break Spring break 2025 has arrived, and tourists are flocking to Southwest Florida.
FORT MYERS Pilot project tackles affordable housing gaps in Fort Myers Affordable housing is a pressing issue in Southwest Florida, driven by a growing population. The Florida Housing Coalition is working to ensure residents can afford a place to live.
ALVA Alva locals voice concerns over Lee County’s housing expansion plan Residents of Alva are grappling with changes as Lee County commissioners approved a significant development project that will transform their rural community.
Collier County man caught in $150K bank fraud at Fifth Third Bank Collier County deputies arrested a man accused of impersonating another individual and making fraudulent bank transactions exceeding $150,000.
SANIBEL Discover rare shells at Sanibel Shell Show The nation’s oldest and most esteemed shell show is currently taking place on Sanibel.
Lee County Fighting the bite: Soaring high to battle mosquitoes WINK News anchor Liz Biro had the chance to fly with the Lee County Mosquito Control District to see how they work to battle mosquitoes.
PUNTA GORDA Charlotte wrestling ready for state tournament under strong leadership Fresh off of a regional title and a state runner-up finish in the dual team wrestling tournament, the Tarpons are fired up.
CAPE CORAL Managing allergies during peak season Springtime in Southwest Florida brings not only flowers and sunshine but also a wave of sneezes and sniffles.
COLLIER COUNTY One-on-one with FC Naples head coach Matt Poland WINK Sports Reporter Zach Oliveri sat down with FC Naples head coach Matt Poland to talk about the inaugural season.
Economist Jeremy Siegel favors Trump tax cuts, not tariffs During President Donald Trump’s first administration, longtime economic professor Jeremy Siegel received a request to join it as an economic adviser.
miami beach Gov. DeSantis announces safety efforts ahead of spring break Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis has announced safety efforts in Florida ahead of spring break.
Firefighters work to contain Myakka State Forest fire A brush fire near Myakka State Forest in Charlotte County left residents in fear as it threatened homes and property.
SOUTHWEST FLORIDA SpaceX launches flight test; spacecraft visible in Florida A mysterious sight in the sky had WINK News viewers buzzing, but there’s no need to worry. It’s not a UFO.
Sovereign citizen claim complicates deputy-involved Charlotte County shooting case A tense incident unfolded on Sandy Pine Drive in Charlotte County last October when deputies shot and killed a man in his driveway.
SANIBEL Sanibel’s water system faces climate challenges Sanibel Island is facing challenges as it balances its natural beauty with the demands of stormwater management.
FORT MYERS Travel tips ahead of spring break Spring break 2025 has arrived, and tourists are flocking to Southwest Florida.
FORT MYERS Pilot project tackles affordable housing gaps in Fort Myers Affordable housing is a pressing issue in Southwest Florida, driven by a growing population. The Florida Housing Coalition is working to ensure residents can afford a place to live.
ALVA Alva locals voice concerns over Lee County’s housing expansion plan Residents of Alva are grappling with changes as Lee County commissioners approved a significant development project that will transform their rural community.
Collier County man caught in $150K bank fraud at Fifth Third Bank Collier County deputies arrested a man accused of impersonating another individual and making fraudulent bank transactions exceeding $150,000.
SANIBEL Discover rare shells at Sanibel Shell Show The nation’s oldest and most esteemed shell show is currently taking place on Sanibel.
Lee County Fighting the bite: Soaring high to battle mosquitoes WINK News anchor Liz Biro had the chance to fly with the Lee County Mosquito Control District to see how they work to battle mosquitoes.
PUNTA GORDA Charlotte wrestling ready for state tournament under strong leadership Fresh off of a regional title and a state runner-up finish in the dual team wrestling tournament, the Tarpons are fired up.
CAPE CORAL Managing allergies during peak season Springtime in Southwest Florida brings not only flowers and sunshine but also a wave of sneezes and sniffles.
COLLIER COUNTY One-on-one with FC Naples head coach Matt Poland WINK Sports Reporter Zach Oliveri sat down with FC Naples head coach Matt Poland to talk about the inaugural season.
Economist Jeremy Siegel favors Trump tax cuts, not tariffs During President Donald Trump’s first administration, longtime economic professor Jeremy Siegel received a request to join it as an economic adviser.
miami beach Gov. DeSantis announces safety efforts ahead of spring break Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis has announced safety efforts in Florida ahead of spring break.
L.A. Ainger Middle School (CREDIT: WINK News) A student airlifted from school still cannot speak, and the sheriff’s office updated WINK News on his recovery after being picked up and slammed head-first into the ground by another student. Students at LA Ainger Middle in Rotonda West are traumatized by what they saw unfold in the cafeteria. WINK News has learned that the student underwent surgery and is able to open his eyes and move his arms. The Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office said doctors are hopeful his condition will improve, but he has a long and hard road to recovery ahead of him. Students said the victim had just moved to their school. “He’s a brand-new kid in school. So, he didn’t know him that well. But he said he was a very, very funny kid. And he didn’t know English very well,” said Brandy Philman, a parent to an eighth-grade student. But he does know what happened at their school shouldn’t happen to anyone. “When my son got home, he told me the story of what happened because he was actually in the lunch room and saw it. And it’s very upsetting,” said Philman. The classmate was airlifted from LA Ainger Middle School Thursday after what deputies said was an unprovoked incident that left the victim with traumatic injuries. “He’s just like, something really, really, really bad happened at school today, Mom,” said Philman. The Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office said the student suspect has a ‘disciplinary history.’ “My understanding is the student who was involved in this attack, has had previous incidents at this school. And also my understanding is there’s a video of those incidents,” said Greg Henderson, a parent to a seventh-grade student. Some parents like Michael Jelley said it was hard dropping his child off for school. “I stayed a little longer to make sure she just walked in a little hesitant, but I mean, it’s not likely that something like that is gonna happen two days in a row, but it makes you a little more cautious,” said Jelley, a parent to a sixth-grade student. But parents are agreeing that what happened at the school should not. “It’s not tolerable. You shouldn’t put your hands on another student,” said Jelley. “I didn’t even know these kids and as a parent, you just, if that was my kid, how would I feel? I feel so bad for them. I just hope he’s okay.” The school had mental health crisis teams on campus Friday. The student who was arrested Thursday faces charges of aggravated battery.