DOH-Collier cautions of blue-green algae at Lake AvalonCity, Naples Beach Club to preserve green space in perpetuity
COLLIER COUNTY DOH-Collier cautions of blue-green algae at Lake Avalon The Florida Department of Health in Collier County (DOH-Collier) wants to caution the public of the presence of blue-green algae in Lake Avalon.
City, Naples Beach Club to preserve green space in perpetuity More than 104 acres of recreation and open space at the former Naples Beach Hotel & Golf Club’s golf course will be forever preserved.
FORT MYERS The 52nd annual Fort Myers Boat Show begins An annual Fort Myers tradition has returned as the region’s premier display of boats and boating products, which will be on full display for enthusiasts to enjoy.
the weather authority Tracking Tropical Depression 19, expected to become Tropical Storm Sara The Weather Authority is tracking Tropical Depression 19, which is forecast to strengthen into Tropical Storm Sara in the Caribbean later this Thursday afternoon.
the weather authority Gorgeous Thursday afternoon with highs in the mid 80s The Weather Authority is tracking pleasant afternoon conditions with temperatures in the mid-80s this Thursday.
SANIBEL Failed air quality tests push back reopening date for The Sanibel School The tentative reopening of The Sanibel School has been pushed back once again after being closed since Hurricane Milton.
FORT MYERS Fort Myers Police respond to rollover crash; driver flees scene The Fort Myers Police Department responded to a rollover, single-vehicle on Colonial Gardens Circle and Colonial Boulevard.
FORT MYERS West End residents frustrated by security failures, lack of response A nearly $64 million luxury apartment complex that close to 500 people call home, but somehow, security seems to fall through the cracks.
NAPLES Collier County nearly doubles tourism budget On Tuesday, Collier County Commissioners approved a nearly $12 million budget for a tourism marketing campaign.
Florida policyholders urged to contact OIR if policies are canceled or nonrenewed If your insurance has been canceled or is not being renewed due to this year’s storms, the state of Florida wants you to reach out to the Office of Insurance Regulation.
BAREFOOT BEACH Woman thinks QR code got hacked A Fort Myers woman says a fraudulent QR code at Barefoot Beach caused her credit card to be hacked. She’s on a mission to warn others.
CAPE CORAL Sticker shock: Cape Coral residents hit with unexpected property tax hikes This is the time of year when people start paying their property taxes, but what happens when you get your bill and it’s more than you expected?
SANIBEL Sanibel workshop teaches residents benefits of elevating homes and businesses With each hurricane that brings damage to our area, many people rush to be more resilient. On Sanibel, more than 300 people have RSVP’d to learn about raising their homes and businesses.
SANIBEL Sanibel Causeway construction causing confusion and costing local business Repairing the Sanibel Causeway after recent storms has caused more than just traffic back-ups.
DOWNTOWN FORT MYERS Speakeasy in downtown Fort Myers honors local historic figures Everything inside the Escondido Lounge whispers an authentic speakeasy, from the dim red lights to the fancy vintage glasses.
COLLIER COUNTY DOH-Collier cautions of blue-green algae at Lake Avalon The Florida Department of Health in Collier County (DOH-Collier) wants to caution the public of the presence of blue-green algae in Lake Avalon.
City, Naples Beach Club to preserve green space in perpetuity More than 104 acres of recreation and open space at the former Naples Beach Hotel & Golf Club’s golf course will be forever preserved.
FORT MYERS The 52nd annual Fort Myers Boat Show begins An annual Fort Myers tradition has returned as the region’s premier display of boats and boating products, which will be on full display for enthusiasts to enjoy.
the weather authority Tracking Tropical Depression 19, expected to become Tropical Storm Sara The Weather Authority is tracking Tropical Depression 19, which is forecast to strengthen into Tropical Storm Sara in the Caribbean later this Thursday afternoon.
the weather authority Gorgeous Thursday afternoon with highs in the mid 80s The Weather Authority is tracking pleasant afternoon conditions with temperatures in the mid-80s this Thursday.
SANIBEL Failed air quality tests push back reopening date for The Sanibel School The tentative reopening of The Sanibel School has been pushed back once again after being closed since Hurricane Milton.
FORT MYERS Fort Myers Police respond to rollover crash; driver flees scene The Fort Myers Police Department responded to a rollover, single-vehicle on Colonial Gardens Circle and Colonial Boulevard.
FORT MYERS West End residents frustrated by security failures, lack of response A nearly $64 million luxury apartment complex that close to 500 people call home, but somehow, security seems to fall through the cracks.
NAPLES Collier County nearly doubles tourism budget On Tuesday, Collier County Commissioners approved a nearly $12 million budget for a tourism marketing campaign.
Florida policyholders urged to contact OIR if policies are canceled or nonrenewed If your insurance has been canceled or is not being renewed due to this year’s storms, the state of Florida wants you to reach out to the Office of Insurance Regulation.
BAREFOOT BEACH Woman thinks QR code got hacked A Fort Myers woman says a fraudulent QR code at Barefoot Beach caused her credit card to be hacked. She’s on a mission to warn others.
CAPE CORAL Sticker shock: Cape Coral residents hit with unexpected property tax hikes This is the time of year when people start paying their property taxes, but what happens when you get your bill and it’s more than you expected?
SANIBEL Sanibel workshop teaches residents benefits of elevating homes and businesses With each hurricane that brings damage to our area, many people rush to be more resilient. On Sanibel, more than 300 people have RSVP’d to learn about raising their homes and businesses.
SANIBEL Sanibel Causeway construction causing confusion and costing local business Repairing the Sanibel Causeway after recent storms has caused more than just traffic back-ups.
DOWNTOWN FORT MYERS Speakeasy in downtown Fort Myers honors local historic figures Everything inside the Escondido Lounge whispers an authentic speakeasy, from the dim red lights to the fancy vintage glasses.
The lawyers for Beattie Development have released a statement after a barrage of accusations saying that the company took money for construction projects and never finished the work. The statement confirmed that there is a government investigation against Paul Beattie and his company, Beattie Development Corporation. This comes a week after his office was raided by law enforcement. Since the raid of the Beattie development offices, WINK News has spoken dozens of former Beattie homeowners, employees, and subcontractors. READ MORE: Beattie Development office raided; witnesses say someone was in handcuffs We haven’t heard directly from Paul Beattie, but his attorney, Simon Gaugush, sent WINK News a statement, responding to claims that Beattie didn’t finish the job and didn’t pay subcontractors. It reads, “Paul Beattie and Beattie Development Corporation have built or remodeled over 2,800 homes in the Southwest Florida area since 2009. Over the years, they have employed more than 590 local workers on a full-time basis and thousands of local subcontractors. This is a legitimate company that has succeeded in putting over a thousand families into new or renovated homes. We have offered to cooperate in the government’s ongoing investigation regarding the company’s inability to commence or finish a number of building projects. We expect this investigation will conclude with a favorable resolution for Paul Beattie and the company.” Simon Gaugush, representing Paul Beattie and Beattie Development Corporation There is no mention of any specific incidents, just an overall mention of leaving several building projects unfinished. One former Beattie customer gave WINK News Reporter Olivia Jean a response to Beattie’s attorney. Former Beattie customers as a group wrote the statement. It reads, “Mr. Gaugash,On behalf of the 100+ homebuilders and remodelers that were under contract with Beattie Development, thank you for breaking the silence of Mr. Beattie. We have one question in response to your statement.What about the 100+ people who were told “There is no money left to complete your house,” after collecting cash for the escalation fees and upgrade costs, as well as all or almost all of their construction loan funds—and being told they would not get any of that money back? What is the “favorable resolution” for these families?We look forward to your response.” Group of former Beattie customers to Beattie representative On Thursday, WINK News went back to see Stuart Owen at his unfinished home to hear his reaction to the statement. He is out thousands of dollars. “When I read the statement that was posted, I just kind of felt it was standard lawyer speak. I mean, I’ve never seen an attorney yet come out and say my clients innocent are guilty to start with, I think it’s standard lawyers speak. I’m confident that the police department and the people investigating, the truth will come out, and I hope they spend the time to find other people in his organization that were involved, because it’s not just a one man operation. When asked about the “legitimate company” claim in the Beattie statement, Owen said, “he had a great reputation, but something’s gone really bad the last three years, and he’s behind it.” Courtney Porter, another former Beattie customer also responded to the Beattie statement. Porter said, “The statement by Paul Beattie’s attorney was nothing but damage control. I have faith in the justice system and I know justice will be served in time. Good things take time.” We continue to press Cape Coral Police every day to explain why they raided Beattie Development last Wednesday. We also have sent public records requests to numerous agencies. READ MORE: Beattie Development Warehouse; homeowners items on sale and Beattie cars towed to be resold “I wouldn’t wish this on my worst enemy,” former Beattie customer says. Another former Beattie employee speaks out EXCLUSIVE: Former Beattie Development project manager speaks out Where’s Beattie? Former customers speak out; connect through group chat Beattie Development subcontractors speak out