Hendry County rolls out cameras for new school zone safety programCape Coral officials approve replacement funding for hurricane-damaged stop signs
LABELLE Hendry County rolls out cameras for new school zone safety program The Hendry County Sheriff’s Office has rolled out a new way of enforcing school zone speed limits by using cameras that will target drivers traveling over a certain speed in a school zone.
CAPE CORAL Cape Coral officials approve replacement funding for hurricane-damaged stop signs The Cape Coral City Council has approved funding to replace stop signs damaged during Hurricane Milton, resulting in an emergency purchase.
Holiday events happening in Southwest Florida Southwest Florida is embracing the holiday spirit with a variety of festive events this Christmas season.
Collier man accused of supplying fentanyl-laced pills, enough to kill 531,500 people The Collier County Sheriff’s Office has arrested a man accused of supplying more than 10,000 fentanyl-laced pills disguised as prescription painkillers.
CAPE CORAL Cape Coral council supports construction of I-75 interchange into city The Cape Coral City Council has approved a resolution requesting support from Lee and Charlotte counties to prioritize state and federal funding for the Interstate 75 Interchange at Slater Road.
PUNTA GORDA Crews removing derelict boats from Gilchrist Park Crews are working to remove derelict boats from Gilchrist Park after several of them washed ashore during Hurricane Milton in October.
33rd endangered Florida panther death of 2024; killed by vehicle in Hardee County Another Florida panther has been killed by a vehicle, this time in Hardee County, increasing the death toll of the endangered species to 33 for 2024.
the weather authority Cool and breezy for your Thursday afternoon After waking up to a cold morning, the Weather Authority is tracking warming conditions to the low 70s this Thursday.
Police release 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.
LABELLE Hendry County rolls out cameras for new school zone safety program The Hendry County Sheriff’s Office has rolled out a new way of enforcing school zone speed limits by using cameras that will target drivers traveling over a certain speed in a school zone.
CAPE CORAL Cape Coral officials approve replacement funding for hurricane-damaged stop signs The Cape Coral City Council has approved funding to replace stop signs damaged during Hurricane Milton, resulting in an emergency purchase.
Holiday events happening in Southwest Florida Southwest Florida is embracing the holiday spirit with a variety of festive events this Christmas season.
Collier man accused of supplying fentanyl-laced pills, enough to kill 531,500 people The Collier County Sheriff’s Office has arrested a man accused of supplying more than 10,000 fentanyl-laced pills disguised as prescription painkillers.
CAPE CORAL Cape Coral council supports construction of I-75 interchange into city The Cape Coral City Council has approved a resolution requesting support from Lee and Charlotte counties to prioritize state and federal funding for the Interstate 75 Interchange at Slater Road.
PUNTA GORDA Crews removing derelict boats from Gilchrist Park Crews are working to remove derelict boats from Gilchrist Park after several of them washed ashore during Hurricane Milton in October.
33rd endangered Florida panther death of 2024; killed by vehicle in Hardee County Another Florida panther has been killed by a vehicle, this time in Hardee County, increasing the death toll of the endangered species to 33 for 2024.
the weather authority Cool and breezy for your Thursday afternoon After waking up to a cold morning, the Weather Authority is tracking warming conditions to the low 70s this Thursday.
Police release 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.
Wires dangling low to the ground and damaged power poles leaning over their yard: It’s a scary sight that one Port Charlotte couple had to stare at every day since Hurricane Ian. The equipment created safety concerns, but despite their best efforts, the couple couldn’t get anyone to clean up the mess. The couple’s two dachshunds, Mr. Beans and Rudy, share Barnes’ yard with authority. They’re not the only little ones that love to have fun on the 21 thousand block of Circlewood Avenue in Port Charlotte. Two doors down, four kids play outside. Further down the street, two more kids are active. The yards are mostly open, leaving plenty of space for animals and kids alike to enjoy. But with the damaged equipment easily accessible, Barnes gets stressed and anxious thinking about something bad happening. “I’ve waited and waited and waited for something to happen,” Barnes laments. “I’m afraid somebody is going to touch one of these wires and if it’s a really bad live wire, they’re going to get fried. I know my dog got zapped.” During Hurricane Ian, like many neighborhoods, Circlewood Avenue took heavy damage. The Barnes family suffered through many issues inside and outside of their house. “We came home to a disaster,” Barnes remembers. “I’ve been trying to get things cleaned up around here.” It’s proven to be easier said than done. Barnes called WINK News, desperate for help, 16 months after the storm. Despite her own calls to Florida Power and Light, and CenturyLink, her internet provider during the storm, she couldn’t get anyone out to clean up. “I’ve gotten nowhere with them,” Barnes says frustrated. “I’ve gotten promises that it would be transferred to the proper department and I’ve gotten nowhere… It’s been very terrible. Very disappointing.” FPL’s own website says: “Stay far away from downed power lines or other damaged electrical equipment.” So, neighbors around Circlewood Avenue can’t figure out why the gear wasn’t cleaned up more than 16 months after the storm.” Getting results WINK investigative reporter Peter Fleischer contacted FPL after meeting with the Barnes family and surveying the damaged equipment. They sent a crew the next day, but their team determined, the gear belonged to CenturyLink. Finally, after a call and email to CenturyLink, the Barnes saw action. CenturyLink confirmed the gear belonged to them and removed it the same day Fleischer reached out. For Barnes, it’s a massive relief. Crews came to clean the damaged equipment and downed lines after they were contacted by WINK “It was a beautiful sight,” Barnes admitted, staring out across her yard that is finally damage-free. “We feel great. People of our age, it’s very hard to do things on our own.” After the mess was cleaned up, Fleischer asked CenturyLink, what took so long? How can other customers get faster action if they’re dealing with potentially dangerous equipment? CenturyLink didn’t answer any of those questions directly, but reps did say it helps when customers give as much information as possible: names, address, contact information, even pictures. They sent Fleischer a full statement that reads: We always want to assist our customers and our main focus is on addressing their needs, with service restoration a priority. We realize the wires are unsightly and are working right now to get them removed. If you have additional customers reach out to you, please forward their contact information: address, phone and account number and we will work to resolve their service issues as quickly as possible. If you would like to contact Peter about a story or send him a tip, you can reach him at Peter.Fleischer@winknews.com