“Don’t give up. You’re worth it. God sees you.” St. Matthew’s graduates speak outFEMA relocation notice shocks mobile home park residents
NAPLES “Don’t give up. You’re worth it. God sees you.” St. Matthew’s graduates speak out Susan and Dustin Cheatwood credit the Justin’s Place recovery program for saving their lives and stopping them from becoming a statistic.
ENGLEWOOD EAST FEMA relocation notice shocks mobile home park residents The Federal Emergency Management Agency issued relocation notices to residents living in one of their temporary housing parks in Englewood East.
Six dogs rescued after being left in a box by SR-29 Six dogs, including four puppies and two adult dogs, were found stranded in an empty box on the corner of Experimental Road and State Road 29 in Immokalee.
FORT MYERS Players of the Week: Dunbar’s Ken’Dahrius Green and Jeremy Ware Dunbar High School’s Special Teams unit has shown out these past two weeks, scoring a special teams touchdown in wins over South Fort Myers and Fort Myers.
NAPLES Collier County golfer lands shot on the back of an alligator “Play it safe.” That’s what Greg Irving thought he may be doing when he swung his puck Wednesday morning while golfing with his friend Joe Pack.
PUNTA GORDA Southwest Florida veterans honored during round trip honor flight Veterans from Southwest Florida made a round trip to Washington, DC, and back in honor of their service.
NAPLES Path to freedom: From Cuban prison to NCH operating room It’s rare that a serious heart condition is a blessing, but that was the case for a Naples man. The surgery he received at NCH saved his life in more ways than one.
SANIBEL Changing landscape after hurricanes Many of you know what saltwater surge does to your homes after surviving hurricanes Ian, Helene and Milton. It’s highly corrosive and destructive. It also has a similar impact on plants and wildlife, but that’s not all bad news.
Former FGCU basketball player talks Karl Smesko joining WNBA Las Vegas Aces guard Kierstan Bell made a lot of memories playing at FGCU. From winning ASUN championships to playing for one of the winningest coaches in the sport Karl Smesko.
LEHIGH ACRES Suspicious fire sparks at Lehigh Acres church Daycare services at one church are canceled after a small fire at Victory church in Lehigh Acres.
State of Florida sues FEMA for ‘conspiracy to interfere with civil rights’ The State of Florida is suing the Federal Emergency Management Agency for “conspiring to interfere with civil rights,” according to an official complaint filed by Florida Attorney General Ashely Moody.
WINK NEWS Game of the Week: Cape Coral Seahawks vs. Immokalee Indians The Seahawks are undefeated on the road and the Indians have never lost on home turf. Friday night only one will advance to round two.
Disaster assistance available for Charlotte County residents Charlotte County residents affected by hurricanes Ian, Helene or Milton can now apply for disaster assistance from local resources through Community Organizations Active in a Disaster (COAD).
Great Wolf Lodge celebrates grand opening with Rob Gronkowski Pack your trunks. We’re taking you to the grand opening of the Great Wolf Lodge resort in Collier County.
BOCA GRANDE Lee County issues red tide alert near Boca Grande Pass The Florida Department of Health in Lee County has issued a health alert for the presence of red tide near Boca Grande Pass.
NAPLES “Don’t give up. You’re worth it. God sees you.” St. Matthew’s graduates speak out Susan and Dustin Cheatwood credit the Justin’s Place recovery program for saving their lives and stopping them from becoming a statistic.
ENGLEWOOD EAST FEMA relocation notice shocks mobile home park residents The Federal Emergency Management Agency issued relocation notices to residents living in one of their temporary housing parks in Englewood East.
Six dogs rescued after being left in a box by SR-29 Six dogs, including four puppies and two adult dogs, were found stranded in an empty box on the corner of Experimental Road and State Road 29 in Immokalee.
FORT MYERS Players of the Week: Dunbar’s Ken’Dahrius Green and Jeremy Ware Dunbar High School’s Special Teams unit has shown out these past two weeks, scoring a special teams touchdown in wins over South Fort Myers and Fort Myers.
NAPLES Collier County golfer lands shot on the back of an alligator “Play it safe.” That’s what Greg Irving thought he may be doing when he swung his puck Wednesday morning while golfing with his friend Joe Pack.
PUNTA GORDA Southwest Florida veterans honored during round trip honor flight Veterans from Southwest Florida made a round trip to Washington, DC, and back in honor of their service.
NAPLES Path to freedom: From Cuban prison to NCH operating room It’s rare that a serious heart condition is a blessing, but that was the case for a Naples man. The surgery he received at NCH saved his life in more ways than one.
SANIBEL Changing landscape after hurricanes Many of you know what saltwater surge does to your homes after surviving hurricanes Ian, Helene and Milton. It’s highly corrosive and destructive. It also has a similar impact on plants and wildlife, but that’s not all bad news.
Former FGCU basketball player talks Karl Smesko joining WNBA Las Vegas Aces guard Kierstan Bell made a lot of memories playing at FGCU. From winning ASUN championships to playing for one of the winningest coaches in the sport Karl Smesko.
LEHIGH ACRES Suspicious fire sparks at Lehigh Acres church Daycare services at one church are canceled after a small fire at Victory church in Lehigh Acres.
State of Florida sues FEMA for ‘conspiracy to interfere with civil rights’ The State of Florida is suing the Federal Emergency Management Agency for “conspiring to interfere with civil rights,” according to an official complaint filed by Florida Attorney General Ashely Moody.
WINK NEWS Game of the Week: Cape Coral Seahawks vs. Immokalee Indians The Seahawks are undefeated on the road and the Indians have never lost on home turf. Friday night only one will advance to round two.
Disaster assistance available for Charlotte County residents Charlotte County residents affected by hurricanes Ian, Helene or Milton can now apply for disaster assistance from local resources through Community Organizations Active in a Disaster (COAD).
Great Wolf Lodge celebrates grand opening with Rob Gronkowski Pack your trunks. We’re taking you to the grand opening of the Great Wolf Lodge resort in Collier County.
BOCA GRANDE Lee County issues red tide alert near Boca Grande Pass The Florida Department of Health in Lee County has issued a health alert for the presence of red tide near Boca Grande Pass.
A clip of a man slamming into a deputy’s garage just before firing shots inside. CREDIT: WINK News The Hendry County Sheriff’s Office arrested the neighbor of an LCSO deputy following an alleged targeted attack that involved ramming into a garage and firing shots. Authorities arrested Derek Evan Weber, 32, after he allegedly drove into the garage of his neighbor’s LaBelle home, who works as an LCSO deputy, and opened fire on Sunday. Derek Evan Weber, 32 mugshot. Credit: Lee County Sheriff’s Office A 9MM handgun was in Weber’s possession, according to deputies. Lee County Sheriff Carmine Marceno, in a Monday news conference, mentioned that Hendry County Sheriff’s Office deputies quickly responded to the scene. According to Marceno, the deputy and his son were inside the home at the time of the shooting. According to deputies, 16 shots were fired at the time of the shooting. “When I arrived on scene,” said Hendry Sheriff Steve Whidden at the news conference, “I was very surprised at the magnitude of this incident where this gentleman — say gentleman lightly — actually drove his vehicle through the deputy’s garage.” No injuries were reported. “In my opinion,” added Whidden, “it takes a very mentally unstable person to do something like this, and it could have been bad. But he was quickly apprehended.” Marceno stated that the shooting is suspected to be a targeted attack on law enforcement. Weber has been charged with shooting a firearm into an unoccupied dwelling, aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and discharging a firearm in a residential area. He is being held without bond. A video posted on X by LCSO shows the vehicle driving into the home. “Weber decided to drive his vehicle through my Deputy’s garage door and open fire with a 9mm handgun…My deputy is a hero. He jumped into action to protect his family,” said Sheriff Carmine Marceno. — Carmine Marceno – Florida’s Law and Order Sheriff (@SheriffLeeFL) April 15, 2024 Marceno provided this statement about the arrest: “It takes a special person to become a law enforcement officer. They must be warriors, caregivers and role models. They are held to the highest standards because that’s what the communities they protect deserve. Many say that it’s a lifestyle more than just a job. Kissing your loved ones goodbye and leaving for your shift, not knowing if you’re going to walk back through the door, weighs heavy. When you are home, you decompress, sleep, and spend time with those that support you. You are in the safety of your residence and trust the other brave men and women in law enforcement have the watch. On April 13th, one of my family members, who resides in Hendry County, had his personal property and assigned Lee County Sheriff’s Office patrol car damaged. Wasting no time, members of my team and the men and women of the Hendry County Sheriff’s Office began to investigate. The following day, around 11:30 AM, 32-year-old Derek Evan Weber of LaBelle decided to drive his vehicle through my deputy’s garage door and open fire with a 9mm handgun. My deputy is a hero. He jumped into action to protect his family. He ran to danger when so many others would run away. Thank God he and his family were not injured during this attack. Law enforcement all over the country have been attacked for simply doing their jobs. District attorneys and elected officials in some areas don’t hold criminals accountable, releasing them with no bail back into the communities to victimize more people in SWFL. We have and will maintain law and order and protect those who dedicate their lives to protecting their communities. It is more dangerous to be a law enforcement officer now than ever before.Our amazing state attorney, Amira Fox, backs her law enforcement partners. She ensures criminals are held accountable and believes that the most important thing to the residents she serves is their safety and security. The LCSO deputy is on paid administrative leave. He will also be afforded resources to make sure he and his family are taken care of. I have personally been in contact with my deputy. He and his family are doing well and have my full support. Once the crime scene was cleared, members of our team worked into the night to secure his residence so his family could have some peace. I would also like to thank my brother, Sheriff Whidden, and his team for their continued support every day. It doesn’t matter what patch is on your sleeve or the color of your uniform. We are all part of one team with the same goals. While some administrations have demonized law enforcement because of their own failed policies, Florida is thriving with those who want to live in a place where they know they are safe. We will have law and order in SWFL.” According to Hendry County Court, Weber’s next court date is April 30.