CAPTIVA Impacts of hurricane season on fishing in SWFL Whipping winds and torrential downpours are all too common with hurricanes.
CAPE CORAL What to know before gifting pets this holiday season Gifting someone a pet for Christmas may sound like a good idea but not always. Animal experts remind us that owning an animal takes a big commitment.
Top rated prospects shine in City of Palms Classic In the third week of December, all eyes on college basketball recruiting are on the City of Palms Classic. Year after year, some of the top high school teams, featuring many of the top players in the country, compete in the Fort Myers Tournament. This year is no different. Take Long Island Lutheran versus Owasso, […]
NAPLES ‘Beverly’s Angels’ prepare holiday sacks for kids in need Beverly’s Angels in Naples is providing kids the essentials they need during the holiday season, and they got some help from high school students across Southwest Florida.
‘He was a phenomenal human being’: Woman says Elio Diaz inspired her to turn life around WINK News has shared stories about people greatly impacted by Deputy Sergeant Elio Diaz’s work. Now we hear from a woman whose life he affected for the better.
PUNTA GORDA ShorePoint Health in Punta Gorda to permanently close If people in Punta Gorda consider themselves patients of ShorePoint Hospital, they will have to look for an alternate place of healthcare.
LEHIGH ACRES Lehigh Acres Fire and Rescue District gives holiday candle safety tips Holiday celebrations are a few days away, and nothing sets the mood better than candles. This warning is best given before the holidays.
FORT MYERS Fort Myers closes on first house through affordable home program Through its Affordable Home Construction Program, the city closed a contract for the first single-family home.
SANIBEL Homeowners share unique ways to fortify homes after storms Roof, walls and floors. There’s so much to think about when you’re rebuilding.
DeSoto teen found guilty for murder at fair A teenager has been convicted in a deadly shooting that occurred at the DeSoto County Fair.
Residents gather at procession to pay tribute to Sgt. Elio Diaz WINK News spent the day along the procession route for Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Sgt. Elio Diaz talking with people who wanted to let us know what Diaz meant to them.
BABCOCK RANCH Emotional memorial for fallen Charlotte County sergeant Family, friends, brothers and sisters in blue and even complete strangers gave Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Sgt. Elio Diaz the sendoff he deserved.
NAPLES Naples Hurricanes 13U win Pop Warner Super Bowl The Naples Hurricanes 13U football team won the Pop Warner Super Bowl and become national champions.
charlotte harbor Funeral procession held for Charlotte County Sgt. Elio Diaz Charlotte County deputies and residents of Southwest Florida are paying their respects to Sergeant Elio Diaz, who was killed in the line of duty.
fort myers Community Cooperative to deliver over 300 holiday cards to Meals on Wheels clients Community Cooperative in Fort Myers has announced the delivery of over 300 holiday cards to Meals on Wheels clients.
CAPTIVA Impacts of hurricane season on fishing in SWFL Whipping winds and torrential downpours are all too common with hurricanes.
CAPE CORAL What to know before gifting pets this holiday season Gifting someone a pet for Christmas may sound like a good idea but not always. Animal experts remind us that owning an animal takes a big commitment.
Top rated prospects shine in City of Palms Classic In the third week of December, all eyes on college basketball recruiting are on the City of Palms Classic. Year after year, some of the top high school teams, featuring many of the top players in the country, compete in the Fort Myers Tournament. This year is no different. Take Long Island Lutheran versus Owasso, […]
NAPLES ‘Beverly’s Angels’ prepare holiday sacks for kids in need Beverly’s Angels in Naples is providing kids the essentials they need during the holiday season, and they got some help from high school students across Southwest Florida.
‘He was a phenomenal human being’: Woman says Elio Diaz inspired her to turn life around WINK News has shared stories about people greatly impacted by Deputy Sergeant Elio Diaz’s work. Now we hear from a woman whose life he affected for the better.
PUNTA GORDA ShorePoint Health in Punta Gorda to permanently close If people in Punta Gorda consider themselves patients of ShorePoint Hospital, they will have to look for an alternate place of healthcare.
LEHIGH ACRES Lehigh Acres Fire and Rescue District gives holiday candle safety tips Holiday celebrations are a few days away, and nothing sets the mood better than candles. This warning is best given before the holidays.
FORT MYERS Fort Myers closes on first house through affordable home program Through its Affordable Home Construction Program, the city closed a contract for the first single-family home.
SANIBEL Homeowners share unique ways to fortify homes after storms Roof, walls and floors. There’s so much to think about when you’re rebuilding.
DeSoto teen found guilty for murder at fair A teenager has been convicted in a deadly shooting that occurred at the DeSoto County Fair.
Residents gather at procession to pay tribute to Sgt. Elio Diaz WINK News spent the day along the procession route for Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Sgt. Elio Diaz talking with people who wanted to let us know what Diaz meant to them.
BABCOCK RANCH Emotional memorial for fallen Charlotte County sergeant Family, friends, brothers and sisters in blue and even complete strangers gave Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Sgt. Elio Diaz the sendoff he deserved.
NAPLES Naples Hurricanes 13U win Pop Warner Super Bowl The Naples Hurricanes 13U football team won the Pop Warner Super Bowl and become national champions.
charlotte harbor Funeral procession held for Charlotte County Sgt. Elio Diaz Charlotte County deputies and residents of Southwest Florida are paying their respects to Sergeant Elio Diaz, who was killed in the line of duty.
fort myers Community Cooperative to deliver over 300 holiday cards to Meals on Wheels clients Community Cooperative in Fort Myers has announced the delivery of over 300 holiday cards to Meals on Wheels clients.
Family, friends, brothers and sisters in blue and even complete strangers gave Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Sgt. Elio Diaz the sendoff he deserved. Kia Torres, the fallen deputy’s daughter, said, “On July 15, Daddy was given to us and put on this earth, and on December 15 of 2024, is when everything was taken away from my family and me.” Friday morning, thousands gathered to pay their final respects to Diaz, also known as Papi. Many put a black band on their badges because losing one of their own is like losing family. RELATED: Funeral procession held for Charlotte County Sgt. Elio Diaz Sheriff Bill Prummel said, “I’ve known Elio for 11 years. I had the honor of hiring him and swearing him in. Rest in peace, my friend, your work here is done.” Law enforcement from all over the state and country came to Diaz’s funeral service at the Babcock Ranch field house. Tears uncontrollably flowed as his daughters took the stage. Kia said, “Daddy is my best friend, my first love, my role model, my biggest supporter, my protector and my forever superhero. Daddy is my everything.” Nayleshka Luna, his other daughter, said, “Dad was known for the generosity and pure kindness that poured out of him, and that’s how I want to remember him, and that’s how I hope you guys all remember him today.” He showed the whole world what it means to be a loving family man and to also be a good police officer. Jacob, his nephew, said, “One of my favorite memories growing up was whenever he would come to school and pick me, my sister and my cousins up in his cop car. I felt like the coolest kid in school whenever he came to pick us up.” He lived the last hour of his life helping a stranger. That was his thing. Lt. Chris Williams said, “Papi intercepted that vehicle, and unfortunately, his kindness was taken too early by a coward.” Diaz will be remembered as a hero. Those on stage described Diaz as kind, smart, a true friend, superman, unselfish and reliable. Diaz will be buried at the Charlotte Memorial Funeral Home. To watch the entire memorial service, play this video below: