Firefighters work to contain Myakka State Forest fireSpaceX launches flight test; spacecraft visible in Florida
Firefighters work to contain Myakka State Forest fire A brush fire near Myakka State Forest in Charlotte County left residents in fear as it threatened homes and property.
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.
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.
Firefighters work to contain Myakka State Forest fire A brush fire near Myakka State Forest in Charlotte County left residents in fear as it threatened homes and property.
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.
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.
Thousands of people gathered in Washington, D.C., to observe President Donald Trump’s swearing-in to his first day in office. WINK News anchor Claire Galt traveled north to witness the inauguration and speak with people from the Southwest Florida area about why they made the journey this Monday. “We’re very excited to see Donald Trump and the next four years,” said Steven from Florida. “It’s going to be a great time.” Congressman Mario Diaz-Balart spoke about what people can expect these next four years. “He has a very aggressive agenda in mind. He’s told the American people what he wants to do, and he has a mandate, and so we have to deliver for the president on that agenda,” said Diaz-Balart. “Us being Congress, we have to deliver on Trump’s agenda, which is the agenda of the American people to strengthen our country, and it’s getting the economy going, secure the border, make our military the strongest the ever support our allies, confront our enemies, bring down inflation and get the economy going.” “It’s a big agenda, but it’s doable, and it’s doable because we have President Trump in the White House,” said Diaz-Balart. Galt also talked to Congressman Byron Donalds about the mass deportations. “It’s going to start this afternoon,” Donalds said. “The directives have already gone out as far as I know. They’ve already gone out. You have many sheriff’s departments, like the ones in Southwest Florida who use a 287(g) program, so they have people already confined in local lockup. Those people are going to be the first to go. Criminals and illegal aliens, they’re going to be the first to go.” He continued to say that the resources used to keep illegal immigrants in the U.S. system should feel some relief with the deportations. “The truth is, we cannot keep people in our country illegally,” he continued. “They are overwhelming our services at the local level, overwhelming budgets at the local level, so we have to get that stuff out of there, and we are going to do it.” A handful of watch parties happened in the Southwest Florida area, as WINK News spoke with John Luce, owner of Blue Heron Pizza Pub in Port Charlotte, who offered a handful of specials. “I’m hoping to have a lot of people in, have a good time, and basically celebrate a new beginning. We’re a laid-back restaurant,” said Luce. “We like to host these things. It doesn’t matter really what party you’re affiliated with. I hope everybody is rooting for America.” The pub at 992 Tamiami Trail, Suite F in Port Charlotte, will offer an all-day happy hour on draft beers, wine and cocktails. In Collier County, Seed to Table will host an event from noon to 10 p.m., live-streaming the event while including live music from 3 to 9 p.m. WINK News is live streaming the event, as well. A link can be found in this story: Stream Live: complete coverage of Donald Trump’s inauguration by CBS.