Arthrex plans 1 million-square-foot facility at RSW’s Skyplex projectLujacks All-American Grill kicks off in North Naples
Arthrex plans 1 million-square-foot facility at RSW’s Skyplex project Arthrex, the orthopedic surgical instruments company headquartered in North Naples, has been in negotiations to build a 1 million-square-foot facility as part of Southwest Florida International Airport’s Skyplex project.
Lujacks All-American Grill kicks off in North Naples Lujacks All-American Grill celebrated its North Naples launch Jan. 9, the same day Notre Dame won the Orange Bowl to advance the Fighting Irish to the College Football Playoff National Championship game Jan. 20 in Atlanta.
NORTH FORT MYERS Crime Stoppers increases cash reward for man missing since 2020 Southwest Florida Crime Stoppers has announced an increased cash reward regarding the case of a missing person from North Fort Myers.
Collier County creates food truck park policy Food trucks have become increasingly popular due to their convenience, affordability and unique offerings, especially for employees seeking a quick breakfast or lunch at businesses and commercial areas.
SWFL celebrates MLK Day with community gatherings and service In Southwest Florida, Martin Luther King Jr. Day is marked with parades, rallies, and community service events that honor the civil rights leader’s legacy.
Fatal multi-vehicle crash closes all lanes on SR-82 in Lehigh Acres The Florida Highway Patrol is investigating a fatal crash involving multiple vehicles on SR-82 west of 40th Street in Lehigh Acres.
port charlotte Tribute breakfast held for Charlotte County Sgt. Elio Diaz A tribute breakfast was held for Charlotte County Deputy Sgt. Elio Diaz, who was killed in the line of duty in December.
winter haven Gov. DeSantis calls for stricter immigration reform Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis held a news conference in Winter Haven to discuss stricter immigration laws while cracking down on illegal immigration.
FORT MYERS Shell Factory & Nature Park announces online auction liquidation of remaining inventory Fans of the now-closed Shell Factory & Nature Park will have a final chance to own a piece of nostalgia with two virtual auctions.
the weather authority More clouds than sun for your Wednesday The Weather Authority is tracking an increased cloud coverage along with cooler conditions this Wednesday afternoon.
Web Exclusive: Rachel Cox-Rosen’s Construction Heads-Up As construction may dampen your commute, WINK News traffic anchor Rachel Cox-Rosen knows the best way to traverse the roadways in this web-exclusive feature.
PORT CHARLOTTE ‘It’s devastating’: Neighbor reflects on fatal fire in Port Charlotte A devastating house fire Monday night in Port Charlotte has left one person dead and another hospitalized while neighbors mourn the possible loss of a beloved member of their community.
‘The sound of death;’ Neighbors concerned by amount of crashes on Joel Blvd. A woman is heartbroken from witnessing crash after crash outside her Lehigh Acres home.
Fort Myers get 15% increase on flood insurance discount WINK News is finding out what led to the city of Fort Myers going from just a 5% FEMA flood insurance discount to a 20% discount.
FORT MYERS Locals house California wildfire victims The effects of the California wildfires are being felt worldwide, and as people evacuate, some are in Southwest Florida.
Arthrex plans 1 million-square-foot facility at RSW’s Skyplex project Arthrex, the orthopedic surgical instruments company headquartered in North Naples, has been in negotiations to build a 1 million-square-foot facility as part of Southwest Florida International Airport’s Skyplex project.
Lujacks All-American Grill kicks off in North Naples Lujacks All-American Grill celebrated its North Naples launch Jan. 9, the same day Notre Dame won the Orange Bowl to advance the Fighting Irish to the College Football Playoff National Championship game Jan. 20 in Atlanta.
NORTH FORT MYERS Crime Stoppers increases cash reward for man missing since 2020 Southwest Florida Crime Stoppers has announced an increased cash reward regarding the case of a missing person from North Fort Myers.
Collier County creates food truck park policy Food trucks have become increasingly popular due to their convenience, affordability and unique offerings, especially for employees seeking a quick breakfast or lunch at businesses and commercial areas.
SWFL celebrates MLK Day with community gatherings and service In Southwest Florida, Martin Luther King Jr. Day is marked with parades, rallies, and community service events that honor the civil rights leader’s legacy.
Fatal multi-vehicle crash closes all lanes on SR-82 in Lehigh Acres The Florida Highway Patrol is investigating a fatal crash involving multiple vehicles on SR-82 west of 40th Street in Lehigh Acres.
port charlotte Tribute breakfast held for Charlotte County Sgt. Elio Diaz A tribute breakfast was held for Charlotte County Deputy Sgt. Elio Diaz, who was killed in the line of duty in December.
winter haven Gov. DeSantis calls for stricter immigration reform Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis held a news conference in Winter Haven to discuss stricter immigration laws while cracking down on illegal immigration.
FORT MYERS Shell Factory & Nature Park announces online auction liquidation of remaining inventory Fans of the now-closed Shell Factory & Nature Park will have a final chance to own a piece of nostalgia with two virtual auctions.
the weather authority More clouds than sun for your Wednesday The Weather Authority is tracking an increased cloud coverage along with cooler conditions this Wednesday afternoon.
Web Exclusive: Rachel Cox-Rosen’s Construction Heads-Up As construction may dampen your commute, WINK News traffic anchor Rachel Cox-Rosen knows the best way to traverse the roadways in this web-exclusive feature.
PORT CHARLOTTE ‘It’s devastating’: Neighbor reflects on fatal fire in Port Charlotte A devastating house fire Monday night in Port Charlotte has left one person dead and another hospitalized while neighbors mourn the possible loss of a beloved member of their community.
‘The sound of death;’ Neighbors concerned by amount of crashes on Joel Blvd. A woman is heartbroken from witnessing crash after crash outside her Lehigh Acres home.
Fort Myers get 15% increase on flood insurance discount WINK News is finding out what led to the city of Fort Myers going from just a 5% FEMA flood insurance discount to a 20% discount.
FORT MYERS Locals house California wildfire victims The effects of the California wildfires are being felt worldwide, and as people evacuate, some are in Southwest Florida.
One failed drug test led to two employees losing their jobs, including a department chief. WINK Investigations uncovered the paper trail that made a bad situation worse and cost Collier County taxpayers thousands of dollars. Records show Collier County Battalion Chief John Beckman failed a drug test on September 8. According to county standards of conduct, Beckman was supposed to be removed from work and placed on unpaid leave immediately. Beckman’s boss, Tabatha Butcher, was in charge of handling his leave and discipline. Documents show Butcher met with seven Collier County officials on September 20, where she was “cautioned to treat the discipline with the same serious nature as the violation itself.” But Beckman didn’t completely stop working. What happened next cost Collier EMS Chief Tabatha Butcher her job. It started on October 16, with Beckman replying to an email. The email reply revealed that Beckman was still performing some duties while he was supposed to be on unpaid leave. An interview transcript shows Butcher told Beckman “he couldn’t come to work,” and Beckman admitted county officials in his own interview that he had continued to help with EMS business from home. He claimed it would be “nearly impossible” for someone else to pick up his duties. But county protocol says Butcher should have ensured Beckman stopped all duties and special projects. After speaking with all parties involved, the county felt like they had to convert Beckman’s unpaid leave to paid. A records request submitted by investigative reporter Peter Fleischer revealed Beckman didn’t send just one email while he was away, he sent 250. He replied to emails about servicing county vehicles, putting decals on trucks, and even accepted meeting invitations. After a review, Collier County issued back pay of more than 15 thousand dollars. On November 17, 70 days after Beckman’s failed drug test, it was Butcher who was terminated. According to the county, she failed to enforce Beckman’s unpaid leave. A letter from Collier’s Director of Public Safety Michael Choate details the reasoning, including a pattern of concerning leadership deficiencies, ineffective communication to superiors; and a failure to ensure Beckman did not work during his leave. Since Butcher’s termination, Collier EMS Assistant Chief Bruce Gastineau has been promoted to interim chief. The county has not announced a full-time replacement. WINK News reached out to everyone mentioned in this story for an interview, along with Collier County Manager Amy Patterson, but they declined our requests. The county confirmed Beckman was eventually terminated for his failed drug test.