Large Law enforcement presence in Charlotte CountyCharlotte County Sheriff’s Office investigating domestic shooting incident
Large Law enforcement presence in Charlotte County According to the Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office, there is a large law enforcement presence in the area of Parker Drive and Lemon Bay Road.
Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office investigating domestic shooting incident The Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a domestic shooting incident on Holtville Ave. in South Gulf Cove on Sunday evening.
LEHIGH ACRES Christ at Crossroads Church in Lehigh Acres catches fire According to Lehigh Acres Fire Control and Rescue District, a church in Lehigh Acres has caught fire on Sunday.
WINK News Photos of the Week: Jan. 19 – Jan 25. This week’s edition features photos from a commemorative march, a WINK News reporter receiving a special award and snow in Florida.
Gas line crash on U.S. 41 near Alico Road, at least 1 person dead The northbound lanes of U.S. 41 near Alico Road are currently closed due to a fatal crash involving a gas line that left one vehicle engulfed in flames.
BONITA SPRINGS Fatal crash in Bonita Springs: Motorcyclist dies on U.S. 41 According to the Florida Highway Patrol, the motorcyclist was traveling on U.S. 41 when an SUV entered the intersection, cutting in front of the motorcyclist.
the weather authority A dry, seasonal Sunday is on tap with highs in the 70s The Weather Authority says that while it’s a comfortable and cool morning across Southwest Florida, it is going to warm right on up this afternoon into the mid to upper 70s.
FORT MYERS 1 injured in Fort Myers auto shop fire According to FMPD, one person is injured after two vehicles and a dumpster caught fire in an auto shop on Saturday afternoon.
Hendry County Sheriff’s Office seeks public’s help in deer poaching investigation The Hendry County Sheriff’s Office Agriculture Unit is seeking assistance from the public in its investigation into the illegal killing of approximately nine deer.
Deputy injured, suspect killed in shooting near State Road 72 in DeSoto County A suspect wanted on a child enticement charge out of Georgia was killed in a deputy-involved shooting early Saturday morning in DeSoto County.
ENGLEWOOD 1 dead in Englewood incident; authorities investigating There is an active investigation going on at the 3200 block of Smith Street in Englewood, where one person was found dead.
NAPLES Naples Winter Wine Festival kicks off to support Collier County children The Naples Winter Wine Festival, one of the largest charity wine auctions globally, is set to begin at the Ritz-Carlton in Naples on Saturday.
ESTERO Join the March to a Million Meals to combat hunger in Southwest Florida Food insecurity remains a significant issue in Southwest Florida, with one in eight adults and one in six children experiencing hunger.
NAPLES Last chance to enjoy Naples Boat Show’s yachts and waterfront fun The Naples Boat Show wraps up on Saturday, offering one last chance for visitors to explore an impressive lineup of boats, yachts, and waterfront fun.
CAPE CORAL SunSplash Waterpark hosts hiring event in Cape Coral As chilly temperatures linger, it might be hard to think about the hot, humid days of summer, but SunSplash Family Waterpark in Cape Coral is already preparing for the season.
Large Law enforcement presence in Charlotte County According to the Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office, there is a large law enforcement presence in the area of Parker Drive and Lemon Bay Road.
Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office investigating domestic shooting incident The Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a domestic shooting incident on Holtville Ave. in South Gulf Cove on Sunday evening.
LEHIGH ACRES Christ at Crossroads Church in Lehigh Acres catches fire According to Lehigh Acres Fire Control and Rescue District, a church in Lehigh Acres has caught fire on Sunday.
WINK News Photos of the Week: Jan. 19 – Jan 25. This week’s edition features photos from a commemorative march, a WINK News reporter receiving a special award and snow in Florida.
Gas line crash on U.S. 41 near Alico Road, at least 1 person dead The northbound lanes of U.S. 41 near Alico Road are currently closed due to a fatal crash involving a gas line that left one vehicle engulfed in flames.
BONITA SPRINGS Fatal crash in Bonita Springs: Motorcyclist dies on U.S. 41 According to the Florida Highway Patrol, the motorcyclist was traveling on U.S. 41 when an SUV entered the intersection, cutting in front of the motorcyclist.
the weather authority A dry, seasonal Sunday is on tap with highs in the 70s The Weather Authority says that while it’s a comfortable and cool morning across Southwest Florida, it is going to warm right on up this afternoon into the mid to upper 70s.
FORT MYERS 1 injured in Fort Myers auto shop fire According to FMPD, one person is injured after two vehicles and a dumpster caught fire in an auto shop on Saturday afternoon.
Hendry County Sheriff’s Office seeks public’s help in deer poaching investigation The Hendry County Sheriff’s Office Agriculture Unit is seeking assistance from the public in its investigation into the illegal killing of approximately nine deer.
Deputy injured, suspect killed in shooting near State Road 72 in DeSoto County A suspect wanted on a child enticement charge out of Georgia was killed in a deputy-involved shooting early Saturday morning in DeSoto County.
ENGLEWOOD 1 dead in Englewood incident; authorities investigating There is an active investigation going on at the 3200 block of Smith Street in Englewood, where one person was found dead.
NAPLES Naples Winter Wine Festival kicks off to support Collier County children The Naples Winter Wine Festival, one of the largest charity wine auctions globally, is set to begin at the Ritz-Carlton in Naples on Saturday.
ESTERO Join the March to a Million Meals to combat hunger in Southwest Florida Food insecurity remains a significant issue in Southwest Florida, with one in eight adults and one in six children experiencing hunger.
NAPLES Last chance to enjoy Naples Boat Show’s yachts and waterfront fun The Naples Boat Show wraps up on Saturday, offering one last chance for visitors to explore an impressive lineup of boats, yachts, and waterfront fun.
CAPE CORAL SunSplash Waterpark hosts hiring event in Cape Coral As chilly temperatures linger, it might be hard to think about the hot, humid days of summer, but SunSplash Family Waterpark in Cape Coral is already preparing for the season.
Family comes in all shapes and sizes, but all share one common thing: their love for each other. One southwest Florida woman couldn’t have kids, so she built her family through adoption and fostering. Years ago, Michele Benjamin felt a calling: she wanted to be a mom, so she adopted a little boy. More than two decades later, Benjamin felt another calling: to be a foster mom. “Mom and I talked it over and we prayed about it and we opened our hearts and we were like, ‘We have the room and we have the time and there are a lot of children that need love and kindness,'” said Benjamin. There’s a process to being a foster parent. With the help of the non-profit One More Child, Benjamin and her mom Linda earned their foster parent license in early 2023. “We got the license on a Friday and then we got the call on Monday or Sunday or something,” said Benjamin. “It was within a couple of days and we got Colton.” Fast forward to Sept. 18, 2024, when Benjamin officially adopted Colton. Her son got off to a rough start in life, addicted to both alcohol and fentanyl. Benjamin didn’t care. “He’s getting everything he needs. He’s getting (Occupational Therapy) OT, (Physical therapy) PT and he’s getting all the services that he needs,” said Benjamin. “He’s thriving and it just warms my heart to see that whatever he’s doing he’s going to succeed.” What a Christmas gift! “It’s so wonderful, just to see even something simple. We went to Hobby Lobby and just walking through Hobby Lobby, he was just like, ‘oh, oh, oh,’ and his eyes just lit up,” said Benjamin. Because of that, the two went all out in creating what they call Colton’s Christmas. The second time Mom told WINK News that the list for Santa is very different the second time around. “My son had the wooden blocks and Hot Wheels and stuff like that. There’s more electronics now, but it’s okay, as long as it’s still learning,” said Benjamin. As special as it is, seeing Colton smile at twinkling lights… “He knows that Christmas is about Jesus and that is the reason that he is here,” said Benjamin. “If it was not for Jesus, we would not be here.” Benjamin said her faith and her second calling, help her and her mom deal with the temper tantrums and doctor’s appointments. “We jumped in with two feet and it was the most rewarding thing I would say, next to my own son, that I’ve done,” said Benjamin. “My careers don’t mean a thing compared to what this is. When he calls me mama, it just warms my heart.” Her Christmas wish? That everyone considers being a foster mom or dad. No matter your age. Benjamin is 60 years old. “It doesn’t take a lot of time to love. It doesn’t take money to love. These kids just need your love. It’ll change your world like you would not believe,” said Benjamin. “If you can think about changing a child’s world, then you can do it. They’re the best Christmas gift I think God can give you. Children are the best Christmas gift.” A gift you can give yourself. If you’d like to know more about becoming a foster parent reach out to the Children’s Network of Southwest Florida or One More Child.