SpaceX launches flight test; spacecraft visible in FloridaSovereign citizen claim complicates deputy-involved Charlotte County shooting case
SOUTHWEST FLORIDA SpaceX launches flight test; spacecraft visible in Florida A mysterious sight in the sky had WINK News viewers buzzing, but there’s no need to worry. It’s not a UFO.
Sovereign citizen claim complicates deputy-involved Charlotte County shooting case A tense incident unfolded on Sandy Pine Drive in Charlotte County last October when deputies shot and killed a man in his driveway.
SANIBEL Sanibel’s water system faces climate challenges Sanibel Island is facing challenges as it balances its natural beauty with the demands of stormwater management.
FORT MYERS Travel tips ahead of spring break Spring break 2025 has arrived, and tourists are flocking to Southwest Florida.
FORT MYERS Pilot project tackles affordable housing gaps in Fort Myers Affordable housing is a pressing issue in Southwest Florida, driven by a growing population. The Florida Housing Coalition is working to ensure residents can afford a place to live.
ALVA Alva locals voice concerns over Lee County’s housing expansion plan Residents of Alva are grappling with changes as Lee County commissioners approved a significant development project that will transform their rural community.
Crews battling 12-acre brush fire in Charlotte County Crews are hard at work battling a 12-acre brush fire in Charlotte County.
Collier County man caught in $150K bank fraud at Fifth Third Bank Collier County deputies arrested a man accused of impersonating another individual and making fraudulent bank transactions exceeding $150,000.
SANIBEL Discover rare shells at Sanibel Shell Show The nation’s oldest and most esteemed shell show is currently taking place on Sanibel.
Lee County Fighting the bite: Soaring high to battle mosquitoes WINK News anchor Liz Biro had the chance to fly with the Lee County Mosquito Control District to see how they work to battle mosquitoes.
PUNTA GORDA Charlotte wrestling ready for state tournament under strong leadership Fresh off of a regional title and a state runner-up finish in the dual team wrestling tournament, the Tarpons are fired up.
CAPE CORAL Managing allergies during peak season Springtime in Southwest Florida brings not only flowers and sunshine but also a wave of sneezes and sniffles.
COLLIER COUNTY One-on-one with FC Naples head coach Matt Poland WINK Sports Reporter Zach Oliveri sat down with FC Naples head coach Matt Poland to talk about the inaugural season.
Economist Jeremy Siegel favors Trump tax cuts, not tariffs During President Donald Trump’s first administration, longtime economic professor Jeremy Siegel received a request to join it as an economic adviser.
miami beach Gov. DeSantis announces safety efforts ahead of spring break Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis has announced safety efforts in Florida ahead of spring break.
SOUTHWEST FLORIDA SpaceX launches flight test; spacecraft visible in Florida A mysterious sight in the sky had WINK News viewers buzzing, but there’s no need to worry. It’s not a UFO.
Sovereign citizen claim complicates deputy-involved Charlotte County shooting case A tense incident unfolded on Sandy Pine Drive in Charlotte County last October when deputies shot and killed a man in his driveway.
SANIBEL Sanibel’s water system faces climate challenges Sanibel Island is facing challenges as it balances its natural beauty with the demands of stormwater management.
FORT MYERS Travel tips ahead of spring break Spring break 2025 has arrived, and tourists are flocking to Southwest Florida.
FORT MYERS Pilot project tackles affordable housing gaps in Fort Myers Affordable housing is a pressing issue in Southwest Florida, driven by a growing population. The Florida Housing Coalition is working to ensure residents can afford a place to live.
ALVA Alva locals voice concerns over Lee County’s housing expansion plan Residents of Alva are grappling with changes as Lee County commissioners approved a significant development project that will transform their rural community.
Crews battling 12-acre brush fire in Charlotte County Crews are hard at work battling a 12-acre brush fire in Charlotte County.
Collier County man caught in $150K bank fraud at Fifth Third Bank Collier County deputies arrested a man accused of impersonating another individual and making fraudulent bank transactions exceeding $150,000.
SANIBEL Discover rare shells at Sanibel Shell Show The nation’s oldest and most esteemed shell show is currently taking place on Sanibel.
Lee County Fighting the bite: Soaring high to battle mosquitoes WINK News anchor Liz Biro had the chance to fly with the Lee County Mosquito Control District to see how they work to battle mosquitoes.
PUNTA GORDA Charlotte wrestling ready for state tournament under strong leadership Fresh off of a regional title and a state runner-up finish in the dual team wrestling tournament, the Tarpons are fired up.
CAPE CORAL Managing allergies during peak season Springtime in Southwest Florida brings not only flowers and sunshine but also a wave of sneezes and sniffles.
COLLIER COUNTY One-on-one with FC Naples head coach Matt Poland WINK Sports Reporter Zach Oliveri sat down with FC Naples head coach Matt Poland to talk about the inaugural season.
Economist Jeremy Siegel favors Trump tax cuts, not tariffs During President Donald Trump’s first administration, longtime economic professor Jeremy Siegel received a request to join it as an economic adviser.
miami beach Gov. DeSantis announces safety efforts ahead of spring break Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis has announced safety efforts in Florida ahead of spring break.
Javier Joel Perez Credit: Collier County Sheriff’s Office An Immokalee man has been sentenced to 8 years in federal prison for possession of a controlled substance with the intent to distribute it, possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking, and possession of a firearm and ammunition as a convicted felon. Javier Joel Perez, 46, was arrested in 2023 after Collier County Sheriff’s Office deputies recovered a firearm and a significant amount of illegal narcotics at a suspected drug house. According to court documents, CCSO deputies uncovered marijuana, cocaine and methamphetamine packaged for sale, along with a loaded firearm in Perez’s home. Detectives recovered the following items during the search: Methamphetamine – 29.5 grams Cocaine – 8.8 grams Marijuana – 1,733 grams A semiautomatic rifle Perez told deputies that the items located in his home belonged to him. Perez is a nine-time convicted felon and is prohibited under federal law from possessing firearms or ammunition; he was ordered to forfeit his firearms. During the investigation, detectives said they routinely observed a high level of “traffic” at the residence. Most of the traffic was individuals engaged in hand-to-hand transactions with Perez, exchanging money for narcotics. Perez pled guilty to the charges in February 2024. “I’ve made it very clear this type of illegal activity will not be tolerated in Collier County,” Sheriff Kevin Rambosk said. “Our Vice and Narcotics Bureau detectives work diligently to identify and arrest drug dealers in our community. Day or night, you never know when they are going to come knocking.” This case was investigated by the Collier County Sheriff’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Mark Morgan. This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods, a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence.