‘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.
You hear the word fentanyl so often now that you know it is a problem. But when you dive into the deadly drug, it really reveals its magnitude and devastating effects. “Our story is no different than anyone else,” reflected the Leisman’s. The couple recalled a treasured message from their son Josh, “Hi. Love you guys. Miss ya.” But now, that memory is all they have of their son. It is the harsh reality of addiction. Josh Leisman’s mom and dad can attest, fentanyl kills. Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid 50 times stronger than heroin and 100 times stronger than morphine Josh Leisman “That was the hardest day of our life,” said an emotional Kelly Leisman. Their star hockey player son, number 33, was found dead. “The scary thing with fentanyl is they’re not looking, they’re not necessarily looking to have something with fentanyl when that’s what kills them,” explained Edward Leisman. “And that’s what killed our son.” RELATED: Fentanyl fueling fears after Collier deputy overcome by exposure RELATED: Fentanyl arrests surpass heroin arrests for the first time One dose of fentanyl, possibly his first, ended Josh’s life at 28 after half a lifetime battling drug dependence. Drug Enforcement Administration Assistant Special Agent in Charge Shahnaz Varghese said the mindset of, “I’m looking to get as many people addicted as possible,” along with two worldwide drug cartels, made fentanyl a more significant problem than ever. DEA DEA While it’s prescribed for chronic pain like morphine, it is 100 times stronger and can lead to addiction. The fentanyl crisis is believed to be the worst drug epidemic in American history. Sheriff Kevin Rambosk, Collier County Fentanyl’s cheap production and frequent mixing with other illegal drugs makes it stronger and more addictive. The tiniest bit can be lethal, and people often unknowingly consume it. Deadly dose of fentanylCREDIT: DEA “Think of it like a cake mix,” explained WINK News Anchor Chris Cifatte. “If I mix in cinnamon powder but don’t mix it well, part of the cake will have too much. Now, cinnamon won’t hurt you, but that much fentanyl will kill you.” Fentanyl is everywhere DEA seized over 77 million fentanyl pills, 2023 Seven out of ten tested contained a deadly dose DEA Seized nearly 12,000 pounds of fentanyl powder nationwide, 2023 Florida overdose deaths fell slightly Nationwide, the government seized enough fentanyl in 2023 to kill every American “People talk about it like being a warm hug,” explained Dan, who has been sober for 6 years. “Through my experience with it, it started out that heroin was cut with fentanyl. But now, from my observations, it just seems fentanyl is in everything.” This drug does not discriminate. Shahnaz Varghese, DEA We took this to an undercover Fort Myers police officer on the front line against fentanyl. “Fentanyl poses a unique challenge to both parents, community members, and law enforcement because many things like legal drugs, controlled substances, like Xanax, like Oxycodone, may contain fentanyl,” said the officer. DEA Fentanyl killed 112,000 Americans in 2023 “So this drug does not discriminate,” Agent Varghese reflected. “This drug does not care whether you live or die. It is happening to all facets of the American public.” Which brings us to one more number: 33, Josh’s number, now on T-shirts, on angel’s wings. “It can go from not your problem to your problem,” said Josh’s dad. “Yeah, he’s definitely our angel. He’s here with us,” said his mom. Three day before he died, he left them a message. “Hi. Love you guys. Miss ya.” FACT: NALOXONE ONLY LASTS 30-90 MINUTES. ONCE IT WEARS OFF, INDIVIDUALS CAN BE AT RISK OF OVERDOSE AGAIN. YOU MUSTALWAYS CALL 911 IN ADDITION TO USING IT. iSaveFL.com They have a message of their own now for everyone – Make sure your family knows that one dose can change everything in an instant. How to spot an overdose Small, constricted “pinpoint pupils” Falling asleep or losing consciousness Slow, weak, or not breathing Choking or gurgling sounds Cold or clammy skin Discolored skin, especially lips and nails Limp body A person acting in good faith who seeks medical assistance for an individual experiencing a drug-related overdosemay not be charged, prosecuted, or penalized. Florida Statute 893.21 What to do if you suspect an overdose Administer naloxone or narcan, if available Call 911 Try to keep the person awake and breathing Lay the person on their side to prevent choking Get help