Changes coming to Social Security identification The Social Security Administration is changing how people can verify their identity for retirement, survivors, or family benefits.
the weather authority Warm and breezy this Thursday afternoon The Weather Authority is tracking a warm and breezy Thursday with conditions that may increase the risk of brush fires this afternoon.
NAPLES NCH Naples uses actors to prepare medical staff for emergencies NCH is taking medical training to an innovative level by providing real-life simulations for doctors and nurses.
ESTERO FGCU police wrangle 6-foot gator on busy campus boardwalk A 6-foot alligator made an unexpected appearance at Florida Gulf Coast University, causing a commotion on a busy boardwalk.
FORT MYERS Fort Myers City council faces backlash over ICE partnership The Fort Myers City Council’s partnership with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has been a point of contention
NAPLES Collier County teen hospitalized after protecting friend from dating violence incident A 17-year-old hero is fighting for his life in the hospital after a violent incident in Collier County.
FORT MYERS Fort Myers fire officials urge honesty to aid investigations, ensure safety The Fort Myers Fire Department is urging the community to be open and honest during fire investigations.
WWII veteran recalls life as a woman in war While many are familiar with the stories of men who served in World War II, the women who served also played a crucial role in shaping history.
Most Wanted Wednesday: Southwest Florida’s most wanted suspects for March 26, 2025 WINK News is back with Most Wanted Wednesday, spotlighting some of Southwest Florida’s most sought-after criminals. This initiative, in collaboration with Southwest Florida Crime Stoppers, aims to aid law enforcement by sharing crucial information about individuals they are trying to locate. This week, authorities are searching for Arquesha Brown in Fort Myers. The 47-year-old was […]
Florida Panther caught on camera mimicking house cat behavior A new video of a Florida Panther shows that these wild animals have more in common with house cats than you might think.
FORT MYERS Fort Myers councilman proposes cameras for McGregor Blvd school zones Fort Myers may soon see new traffic cameras installed in school zones along McGregor Boulevard.
AI in Florida insurance: New bill demands human review Lawmakers have proposed a bill to ensure that artificial intelligence (AI) cannot be the sole factor in denying insurance claims. This includes claims for home, auto, or health insurance.
ESTERO Estero teen to play in third Augusta National Women’s Amateur Estero 17-year-old Gianna Clemente is making her third appearance in the Augusta National Women’s Amateur.
FORT MYERS BEACH Fort Myers Beach timeshare owners await answers on delayed repairs Two and a half years after Hurricane Ian, timeshare owners at Mariners Boathouse and Windward Passage Resort on Fort Myers Beach are still unable to access their properties.
Lake Okeechobee water ruling favors clean water advocates in Florida Water quality advocates celebrated a victory after a lawsuit from three Florida sugar companies was rejected in court.
Changes coming to Social Security identification The Social Security Administration is changing how people can verify their identity for retirement, survivors, or family benefits.
the weather authority Warm and breezy this Thursday afternoon The Weather Authority is tracking a warm and breezy Thursday with conditions that may increase the risk of brush fires this afternoon.
NAPLES NCH Naples uses actors to prepare medical staff for emergencies NCH is taking medical training to an innovative level by providing real-life simulations for doctors and nurses.
ESTERO FGCU police wrangle 6-foot gator on busy campus boardwalk A 6-foot alligator made an unexpected appearance at Florida Gulf Coast University, causing a commotion on a busy boardwalk.
FORT MYERS Fort Myers City council faces backlash over ICE partnership The Fort Myers City Council’s partnership with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has been a point of contention
NAPLES Collier County teen hospitalized after protecting friend from dating violence incident A 17-year-old hero is fighting for his life in the hospital after a violent incident in Collier County.
FORT MYERS Fort Myers fire officials urge honesty to aid investigations, ensure safety The Fort Myers Fire Department is urging the community to be open and honest during fire investigations.
WWII veteran recalls life as a woman in war While many are familiar with the stories of men who served in World War II, the women who served also played a crucial role in shaping history.
Most Wanted Wednesday: Southwest Florida’s most wanted suspects for March 26, 2025 WINK News is back with Most Wanted Wednesday, spotlighting some of Southwest Florida’s most sought-after criminals. This initiative, in collaboration with Southwest Florida Crime Stoppers, aims to aid law enforcement by sharing crucial information about individuals they are trying to locate. This week, authorities are searching for Arquesha Brown in Fort Myers. The 47-year-old was […]
Florida Panther caught on camera mimicking house cat behavior A new video of a Florida Panther shows that these wild animals have more in common with house cats than you might think.
FORT MYERS Fort Myers councilman proposes cameras for McGregor Blvd school zones Fort Myers may soon see new traffic cameras installed in school zones along McGregor Boulevard.
AI in Florida insurance: New bill demands human review Lawmakers have proposed a bill to ensure that artificial intelligence (AI) cannot be the sole factor in denying insurance claims. This includes claims for home, auto, or health insurance.
ESTERO Estero teen to play in third Augusta National Women’s Amateur Estero 17-year-old Gianna Clemente is making her third appearance in the Augusta National Women’s Amateur.
FORT MYERS BEACH Fort Myers Beach timeshare owners await answers on delayed repairs Two and a half years after Hurricane Ian, timeshare owners at Mariners Boathouse and Windward Passage Resort on Fort Myers Beach are still unable to access their properties.
Lake Okeechobee water ruling favors clean water advocates in Florida Water quality advocates celebrated a victory after a lawsuit from three Florida sugar companies was rejected in court.
Credit: WINK News Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis has signed legislation supporting education for working students who are in school, military training or in some form classical education. During a news conference held on Tuesday in Jacksonville, DeSantis stated his support of House Bill 1285, which will revise provisions relating to K-12 education, establish the Purple Star School District Program and provide postsecondary education. More features included in House Bill 1285 include: Provide a clear and concise process for a struggling school to convert to a charter school. A school receiving consecutive low-performance evaluations is deemed a “turnaround school.” If the district’s plan to turn the school around does not succeed, the pathway for the school to find new direction and leadership should be simple and efficient. These changes will eliminate lengthy and drawn-out negotiations between the incoming charter school and the school district to ensure no student is trapped at a failing school in Florida. A charter school must give preference to kids in the previous school zone and must serve the same grade levels as the previous school. The charter school cannot charge rent for the facility, and the school district cannot charge an administrative fee. DeSantis mentioned how important engraining a person with a vital education is, referencing his educational experience while working at the same time. “I had to work my way through school, and I was working jobs,” said DeSantis. “For whatever reason there were some programs in our university system that prohibited working a part-time job. This bill will repeal that rule.” The House bill will allow students to work alongside their educational path to help pay for their education. He then emphasized the many options available for students seeking an unconventional learning path, including vocational work and military recruitment. The bill will help families when transitioning from classical schools to another classical school while living in Florida, mentioning that all school boards must negotiate with the college board to allow an option for students to earn credits while in high school. He concluded his announcement by signing the bill into Florida law.