‘It’s devastating’: Neighbor reflects on fatal fire in Port Charlotte‘The sound of death’ Neighbors concerned by amount of crashes on Joel Blvd
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 fires are being felt worldwide as people evacuate some are in southwest Florida.
LOVERS KEY Couple returns to Lovers Key condo post Ian While Hurricane Ian is long gone from Southwest Florida, many are still feeling its impacts.
EVERGLADES Biden signs Water Resources Development Act, its effect on SWFL President Biden recently signed into law the Water Resources Development Act with an aim to improve rivers and harbors across the country and provide for the conservation of water. Southwest Florida was included in that act. Putting the 240-page plan together took a lot of work, not just from state and federal lawmakers, but also […]
Turning business travel into a vacation Would work travel seem a little easier if you could turn it into a vacation? Two professors say they have proof that would help business travel.
The future of biometrics: Safer security or new AI risks? In 2021, the Transportation Service Agency (TSA) launched its new touchless identity solution in the Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County airport.
CAPE CORAL Pelican Elementary resource officer saves infant A school resource officer at Pelican Elementary saved an infants’ life at a traffic stop in Cape Coral.
FORT MYERS Progress being made on City View Park in Dunbar More promises made by a city that has not kept its promises for the last six years have some neighbors concerned about the future of their community.
COLLIER COUNTY Seacrest hoops player hits a full court buzzer beater Seacrest Country Day School boys basketball player Hayden Fuller hits full court buzzer beater against Aubrey Rogers.
NAPLES Cutting-edge ACL surgery reducing reinjury risk by 80% Known for its game-changing orthopedic repair options, Naples-based Arthrex has done it again.
NAPLES MacStrength FL offers sport and lifestyle training for young athletes In 2025, MacStrength FL is swinging for success with their current players and for a wider reach in its community.
You can appeal FEMA’s decision on your claim – Here’s how Now a week after the deadline for FEMA hurricane assistance has closed, the federal agency says you can appeal their decision on your claim if you don’t agree.
Naples selects city CFO as next city manager, averts national search Naples Deputy City Manager and Chief Financial Officer Gary Young will become the next city manager, averting a lengthy, expensive national search for a replacement.
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 fires are being felt worldwide as people evacuate some are in southwest Florida.
LOVERS KEY Couple returns to Lovers Key condo post Ian While Hurricane Ian is long gone from Southwest Florida, many are still feeling its impacts.
EVERGLADES Biden signs Water Resources Development Act, its effect on SWFL President Biden recently signed into law the Water Resources Development Act with an aim to improve rivers and harbors across the country and provide for the conservation of water. Southwest Florida was included in that act. Putting the 240-page plan together took a lot of work, not just from state and federal lawmakers, but also […]
Turning business travel into a vacation Would work travel seem a little easier if you could turn it into a vacation? Two professors say they have proof that would help business travel.
The future of biometrics: Safer security or new AI risks? In 2021, the Transportation Service Agency (TSA) launched its new touchless identity solution in the Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County airport.
CAPE CORAL Pelican Elementary resource officer saves infant A school resource officer at Pelican Elementary saved an infants’ life at a traffic stop in Cape Coral.
FORT MYERS Progress being made on City View Park in Dunbar More promises made by a city that has not kept its promises for the last six years have some neighbors concerned about the future of their community.
COLLIER COUNTY Seacrest hoops player hits a full court buzzer beater Seacrest Country Day School boys basketball player Hayden Fuller hits full court buzzer beater against Aubrey Rogers.
NAPLES Cutting-edge ACL surgery reducing reinjury risk by 80% Known for its game-changing orthopedic repair options, Naples-based Arthrex has done it again.
NAPLES MacStrength FL offers sport and lifestyle training for young athletes In 2025, MacStrength FL is swinging for success with their current players and for a wider reach in its community.
You can appeal FEMA’s decision on your claim – Here’s how Now a week after the deadline for FEMA hurricane assistance has closed, the federal agency says you can appeal their decision on your claim if you don’t agree.
Naples selects city CFO as next city manager, averts national search Naples Deputy City Manager and Chief Financial Officer Gary Young will become the next city manager, averting a lengthy, expensive national search for a replacement.
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.