FGCU’s Zavian McLean shares student athlete experience with podcastLocals react to egg price increase
FGCU FGCU’s Zavian McLean shares student athlete experience with podcast FGCU men’s basketball guard Zavian McLean shares what its like to be a Division I student athlete in his podcast “Truey Talks.”
Locals react to egg price increase Egg prices continue to soar. In fact, prices have gone up about 37% from where they were just one year ago, and the pricing and supply issues have started to impact Southwest Florida.
FORT MYERS BEACH Trump’s executive order on straws stirs debate in Fort Myers Beach President Donald Trump recently signed an executive order to bring back plastic straws, reversing a previous plan to reduce plastic reliance in the federal government.
Charlotte County official’s usage of racial slur prompts calls for resignation Charlotte County Commissioner Stephen Deutsch is under scrutiny after a complaint surfaced last week alleging he used the N-word during a work meeting.
CAPE CORAL Cape Coral woman finds hope with new ALS drug A breakthrough discovery of a drug offers new hope for patients with a genetic form of the disease.
Elevate Florida program to help homeowners strengthen properties against storms The Florida Dept. of Emergency Management announced the launch of its new “Elevate Florida” residential mitigation program.
Planning and Zoning Board approves proposed West County area development Homebuilder Maronda Homes received approval Feb. 10 from the Charlotte County Planning and Zoning Board to amend a previously approved development on 1,174 acres in the area of South Gulf Cove.
LEHIGH ACRES 3 charged for major theft organization targeting luxury vehicles Three men, one from Lehigh Acres, has been charged for their role in a major theft organization targeting luxury vehicles.
port charlotte Man arrested for DUI after slamming into Port Charlotte home’s garage The North Port Police Department has arrested a man accused of DUI and crashing into a Port Charlotte home’s garage.
CAPE CORAL New information on nurse accused of starving premature baby New information has been released about what happened behind closed doors when a nurse allegedly starved a premature baby.
BONITA SPRINGS World’s largest bounce castle to spring into Bonita Springs The Big Bounce America, the world’s largest inflatable bounce castle is set to appear in Bonita Springs.
palmdale Gatorama owner bitten during alligator feeding show Gatorama owner Allen Register was sent to hospital after being bitten by an alligator during a feeding show.
CAPE CORAL Man accused of Cape Coral DUI accident with serious injuries A man has been arrested after allegedly causing an accident with injuries while driving under the influence in Cape Coral.
wink news 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.
the weather authority Another warm afternoon for your Tuesday plans The Weather Authority is tracking a warm Tuesday afternoon with stray rain showers expected in our inland communities.
FGCU FGCU’s Zavian McLean shares student athlete experience with podcast FGCU men’s basketball guard Zavian McLean shares what its like to be a Division I student athlete in his podcast “Truey Talks.”
Locals react to egg price increase Egg prices continue to soar. In fact, prices have gone up about 37% from where they were just one year ago, and the pricing and supply issues have started to impact Southwest Florida.
FORT MYERS BEACH Trump’s executive order on straws stirs debate in Fort Myers Beach President Donald Trump recently signed an executive order to bring back plastic straws, reversing a previous plan to reduce plastic reliance in the federal government.
Charlotte County official’s usage of racial slur prompts calls for resignation Charlotte County Commissioner Stephen Deutsch is under scrutiny after a complaint surfaced last week alleging he used the N-word during a work meeting.
CAPE CORAL Cape Coral woman finds hope with new ALS drug A breakthrough discovery of a drug offers new hope for patients with a genetic form of the disease.
Elevate Florida program to help homeowners strengthen properties against storms The Florida Dept. of Emergency Management announced the launch of its new “Elevate Florida” residential mitigation program.
Planning and Zoning Board approves proposed West County area development Homebuilder Maronda Homes received approval Feb. 10 from the Charlotte County Planning and Zoning Board to amend a previously approved development on 1,174 acres in the area of South Gulf Cove.
LEHIGH ACRES 3 charged for major theft organization targeting luxury vehicles Three men, one from Lehigh Acres, has been charged for their role in a major theft organization targeting luxury vehicles.
port charlotte Man arrested for DUI after slamming into Port Charlotte home’s garage The North Port Police Department has arrested a man accused of DUI and crashing into a Port Charlotte home’s garage.
CAPE CORAL New information on nurse accused of starving premature baby New information has been released about what happened behind closed doors when a nurse allegedly starved a premature baby.
BONITA SPRINGS World’s largest bounce castle to spring into Bonita Springs The Big Bounce America, the world’s largest inflatable bounce castle is set to appear in Bonita Springs.
palmdale Gatorama owner bitten during alligator feeding show Gatorama owner Allen Register was sent to hospital after being bitten by an alligator during a feeding show.
CAPE CORAL Man accused of Cape Coral DUI accident with serious injuries A man has been arrested after allegedly causing an accident with injuries while driving under the influence in Cape Coral.
wink news 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.
the weather authority Another warm afternoon for your Tuesday plans The Weather Authority is tracking a warm Tuesday afternoon with stray rain showers expected in our inland communities.
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