Naples man accused of hit-and-run crash on Cypress Way EProtecting Panthers: How Conservation Florida secured its latest 60 acre land acquistion
NORTH NAPLES Naples man accused of hit-and-run crash on Cypress Way E A hit-and-run incident in North Naples led to the arrest of a driver after a crash involving a Chevy pickup and a Mazda.
copeland Protecting Panthers: How Conservation Florida secured its latest 60 acre land acquistion Conservation efforts have been ongoing in Florida, as the native wildlife are at constant risk of being pushed out due to an influx of people moving to the state.
the weather authority Lots of sunshine for your Wednesday The Weather Authority is tracking plenty of sunshine and warmer temperatures ahead of a weak cold front.
Web Exclusive: Rachel Cox-Rosen’s Construction Heads Up Mar. 19 While construction may dampen your commute, WINK News traffic anchor Rachel Cox-Rosen, in this web-exclusive feature, knows the best way to traverse the roadways.
Collier County sees new funding to protect homes from hurricane damage A new grant program offers financial assistance to homeowners in Collier County to help protect their properties from hurricane damage.
FORT MYERS Fort Myers woman killed, 4 kids injured in rollover crash on Winkler Road A rollover crash at the intersection of Winkler Road and Sunset Drive in Fort Myers has left a woman dead.
FORT MYERS Fort Myers council vote blocks ICE deal, sparking protests and debate Controversy erupted in Fort Myers after a deadlocked vote led to the rejection of a proposed partnership between the Fort Myers Police and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
SOUTHWEST FLORIDA Southwest Florida braces for hurricane season with new tracking updates Hurricane season is approaching, and changes are coming to the way important storm information is shared.
Fort Myers council’s ICE decision could put state support in jeopardy The Fort Myers City Council is dealing with a deadlock on immigration policies, resulting in a heated debate that has reached beyond local borders.
Southwest Florida Jim Oberweis seeks SWFL seat as Byron Donalds plans governor campaign Southwest Florida is poised for a political shift as Byron Donalds eyes a run for governor.
LEHIGH ACRES Free and low cost mammogram screenings in Lehigh Acres for eligible women The Florida Department of Health in Lee County is bringing a 3D Mobile Mammography bus to Lehigh Acres.
NAPLES Hurricane resiliency forum hosted in Naples Naples residents are taking proactive steps to prepare for hurricane season.
FORT MYERS SHORES Fort Myers Shores teacher wins battle to save her hurricane-hit home A woman in Fort Myers Shores thought she had lost everything when Hurricane Milton wrecked her home, but now she has a second chance.
WINK NEWS Young pitcher returns to the mound after cancer battle Eleven-year-old Michael Misek is back on the pitcher’s mound after facing a challenging battle with cancer.
FORT MYERS Is your investment too good to be true? How to steer clear of scams If an investment opportunity feels too good to be true, then it probably is.
NORTH NAPLES Naples man accused of hit-and-run crash on Cypress Way E A hit-and-run incident in North Naples led to the arrest of a driver after a crash involving a Chevy pickup and a Mazda.
copeland Protecting Panthers: How Conservation Florida secured its latest 60 acre land acquistion Conservation efforts have been ongoing in Florida, as the native wildlife are at constant risk of being pushed out due to an influx of people moving to the state.
the weather authority Lots of sunshine for your Wednesday The Weather Authority is tracking plenty of sunshine and warmer temperatures ahead of a weak cold front.
Web Exclusive: Rachel Cox-Rosen’s Construction Heads Up Mar. 19 While construction may dampen your commute, WINK News traffic anchor Rachel Cox-Rosen, in this web-exclusive feature, knows the best way to traverse the roadways.
Collier County sees new funding to protect homes from hurricane damage A new grant program offers financial assistance to homeowners in Collier County to help protect their properties from hurricane damage.
FORT MYERS Fort Myers woman killed, 4 kids injured in rollover crash on Winkler Road A rollover crash at the intersection of Winkler Road and Sunset Drive in Fort Myers has left a woman dead.
FORT MYERS Fort Myers council vote blocks ICE deal, sparking protests and debate Controversy erupted in Fort Myers after a deadlocked vote led to the rejection of a proposed partnership between the Fort Myers Police and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
SOUTHWEST FLORIDA Southwest Florida braces for hurricane season with new tracking updates Hurricane season is approaching, and changes are coming to the way important storm information is shared.
Fort Myers council’s ICE decision could put state support in jeopardy The Fort Myers City Council is dealing with a deadlock on immigration policies, resulting in a heated debate that has reached beyond local borders.
Southwest Florida Jim Oberweis seeks SWFL seat as Byron Donalds plans governor campaign Southwest Florida is poised for a political shift as Byron Donalds eyes a run for governor.
LEHIGH ACRES Free and low cost mammogram screenings in Lehigh Acres for eligible women The Florida Department of Health in Lee County is bringing a 3D Mobile Mammography bus to Lehigh Acres.
NAPLES Hurricane resiliency forum hosted in Naples Naples residents are taking proactive steps to prepare for hurricane season.
FORT MYERS SHORES Fort Myers Shores teacher wins battle to save her hurricane-hit home A woman in Fort Myers Shores thought she had lost everything when Hurricane Milton wrecked her home, but now she has a second chance.
WINK NEWS Young pitcher returns to the mound after cancer battle Eleven-year-old Michael Misek is back on the pitcher’s mound after facing a challenging battle with cancer.
FORT MYERS Is your investment too good to be true? How to steer clear of scams If an investment opportunity feels too good to be true, then it probably is.
Ryan Watson Jr., 15. (CREDIT: DeSoto County Sheriff’s Office) A teenager has been sentenced for shooting and killing another teenager at the DeSoto County Fair. Ryan Watson Jr. was sentenced to life in prison for murdering 17-year-old Daniel Rodriguez Lopez in 2023. Watson Jr. was found guilty in December of second-degree murder with a firearm and carrying a concealed firearm. Watson’s defense attorney released a statement saying: “We are going to appeal. The 20-year sentence runs consecutively to the life sentence for the second-degree murder conviction. We believe that this consecutive sentence is inappropriate since it could affect his efforts for early termination at the end of 25 years as permitted by statute.” RELATED: DeSoto teen found guilty for murder at fair RELATED: Teenage DeSoto County Fair shooting suspect to be tried as adult RELATED: ‘Very unusual’: DeSoto County Fair shooter to stay in detention lockup as Arcadia continues to cope RELATED: 15-year-old arrested in death at DeSoto County Fair: ‘What’s wrong with the world today?’ Watson Jr. was 15 years old at the time of the shooting, and documents show he was tried as an adult. After the shooting, WINK News spoke with Lopez’s family. “We’re always laughing, having a good time, and smiling,” said Pedro Castro, the victim’s dad. “It’s never a dull moment with us, especially with Daniel around. He’s always putting a smile on people’s faces. It’s just a spark. Now, it’s much harder.” “He’s not here,” said Stephanie Castro, Lopez’s mom. “That’s going to be very different. My life has changed. My kids’ lives have changed. I’m sure anyone who’s met my son, their life will be changed.” “I’m happy with the verdict I’m thankful for the community for helping my family I really hope that Ryan Watson Jr will never be let out to hurt another person and that one day he understands that what he has done is not OK. Life will never be the same without my son Danny.” Stephanie Castro The DeSoto County Sheriff’s Office added additional security measures for the fair in 2024. The extra security included a mobile command center with 360-degree cameras and multiple screens for monitoring surveillance video to help people feel safe when returning to the fair. Watson received a life sentence for second-degree murder with a firearm and 20.83 years consecutive count for carrying a concealed firearm.