Vintage base ball game in Fort Myers brings 1860s history to lifeStarry Nights Gala raises $2M for Southwest Florida’s Youth Haven
FORT MYERS Vintage base ball game in Fort Myers brings 1860s history to life Visitors at Terry Park had the chance to travel back in time with a vintage base ball game, showcasing America’s pastime.
NAPLES Starry Nights Gala raises $2M for Southwest Florida’s Youth Haven Youth Haven hosted its annual Starry Nights Gala, an evening dedicated to supporting abused and neglected children in Southwest Florida.
FORT MYERS 1 of the last WWII women veterans celebrates 100th birthday Ruth Blake, a World War II veteran, celebrated her 100th birthday with reflections on her extraordinary life and service.
CAPE CORAL Cape Coral police probe SW 13th Ave home, neighbors seek answers A police investigation unfolded in Cape Coral on Saturday morning, capturing the local community’s attention.
WINK NEWS Fatal collision on I-75 in Collier County leaves 1 man dead A fatal crash on Interstate 75’s Alligator Alley in Collier County left one person dead early Saturday morning.
WINK NEWS FGCU women’s team seeks revenge against Oklahoma in NCAA tournament The FGCU women’s basketball team woke up in Oklahoma with excitement and determination.
the weather authority First weekend of spring kicks off with sun and clouds, low humidity The Weather Authority says it’s the first weekend of spring, and it is a beautiful one across Southwest Florida!
CAPE CORAL Cape Coral massage parlors under investigation for illegal services Cape Coral police have arrested individuals at three massage parlors, suspecting activities beyond advertised services.
NAPLES Collier County fair makes a prehistoric return The Collier Fair is back, and this year, it’s all about dinosaurs. To celebrate 49 years, the fair held its ceremonial ribbon cutting at the Collier Fairgrounds.
Southwest Florida Department of Education potentially coming to an end President Donald Trump has issued an executive order calling for dismantling the Department of Education
CAPE CORAL Cape City Council to vote on funding proposal for Jaycee Park Cape Coral’s efforts to upgrade Jaycee Park have hit financial hurdles, particularly with the company contracted to manage concessions and food trucks, The Reef Cape Coral LLC.
ESTERO 9th annual Eagle Radio Music Festival rocks the FGCU campus Florida Gulf Coast University held the 9th annual Eagle Radio Music Festival, which exposed students to live local acts on its front lawn.
CAPE CORAL Cape Coral mourns loss of dedicated police volunteer Stanley Maliszewski, a dedicated volunteer for the Cape Coral Police Department for over 20 years, has passed away.
CAPE CORAL Rare right whales spotted near Cape Coral, experts urge caution Two critically endangered right whales made a rare appearance near Cape Coral, swimming into Southwest Florida waters.
FORT MYERS Storm surge VR from NOAA shows hurricane danger to teach safety NOAA has introduced a groundbreaking virtual reality simulation called “Weather the Storm,” designed to immerse people in the experience of a hurricane’s storm surge safely.
FORT MYERS Vintage base ball game in Fort Myers brings 1860s history to life Visitors at Terry Park had the chance to travel back in time with a vintage base ball game, showcasing America’s pastime.
NAPLES Starry Nights Gala raises $2M for Southwest Florida’s Youth Haven Youth Haven hosted its annual Starry Nights Gala, an evening dedicated to supporting abused and neglected children in Southwest Florida.
FORT MYERS 1 of the last WWII women veterans celebrates 100th birthday Ruth Blake, a World War II veteran, celebrated her 100th birthday with reflections on her extraordinary life and service.
CAPE CORAL Cape Coral police probe SW 13th Ave home, neighbors seek answers A police investigation unfolded in Cape Coral on Saturday morning, capturing the local community’s attention.
WINK NEWS Fatal collision on I-75 in Collier County leaves 1 man dead A fatal crash on Interstate 75’s Alligator Alley in Collier County left one person dead early Saturday morning.
WINK NEWS FGCU women’s team seeks revenge against Oklahoma in NCAA tournament The FGCU women’s basketball team woke up in Oklahoma with excitement and determination.
the weather authority First weekend of spring kicks off with sun and clouds, low humidity The Weather Authority says it’s the first weekend of spring, and it is a beautiful one across Southwest Florida!
CAPE CORAL Cape Coral massage parlors under investigation for illegal services Cape Coral police have arrested individuals at three massage parlors, suspecting activities beyond advertised services.
NAPLES Collier County fair makes a prehistoric return The Collier Fair is back, and this year, it’s all about dinosaurs. To celebrate 49 years, the fair held its ceremonial ribbon cutting at the Collier Fairgrounds.
Southwest Florida Department of Education potentially coming to an end President Donald Trump has issued an executive order calling for dismantling the Department of Education
CAPE CORAL Cape City Council to vote on funding proposal for Jaycee Park Cape Coral’s efforts to upgrade Jaycee Park have hit financial hurdles, particularly with the company contracted to manage concessions and food trucks, The Reef Cape Coral LLC.
ESTERO 9th annual Eagle Radio Music Festival rocks the FGCU campus Florida Gulf Coast University held the 9th annual Eagle Radio Music Festival, which exposed students to live local acts on its front lawn.
CAPE CORAL Cape Coral mourns loss of dedicated police volunteer Stanley Maliszewski, a dedicated volunteer for the Cape Coral Police Department for over 20 years, has passed away.
CAPE CORAL Rare right whales spotted near Cape Coral, experts urge caution Two critically endangered right whales made a rare appearance near Cape Coral, swimming into Southwest Florida waters.
FORT MYERS Storm surge VR from NOAA shows hurricane danger to teach safety NOAA has introduced a groundbreaking virtual reality simulation called “Weather the Storm,” designed to immerse people in the experience of a hurricane’s storm surge safely.
Reife Peterson, owner of JKS Construction, was arrested last week in Charlotte County. Multiple homeowners reported losing thousands after Peterson assured them he would finish their construction projects but never did. The Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office revealed that what initially appeared to be a civil case quickly turned criminal when they discovered Peterson was not a licensed contractor. Corporal Chris Farley from the Economic Crimes Unit of the Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office explained the lengthy investigation into Peterson’s activities. “It took a long time to complete, and it was very extensive,” said Corporal Farley. Tracking the money trail led investigators directly to Peterson, who faces multiple charges, including grand theft and impersonating a contractor during a state of emergency. “Contracting cases take an extremely long time,” said Corporal Farley. “He has contracted in many different states, and he does have a previous arrest record involving contracting.” Corporal Farley indicated that the funds Peterson collected should have been returned to the victims or sent to the insurance company, as Peterson was no longer licensed to perform the work. Charlotte County is just one of several areas with cases against Peterson, with the list of those affected by JKS Construction growing to dozens. RELATED: Local roof builder arrested: Former customers speak out “It’s just been 36 months of a nightmare, and we’re no closer today than we were 36 months ago,” said one victim, Ron Ortolan. “This guy is ruthless,” said George Downing, another victim. “He just has no compassion whatsoever for people. He needs to go to prison for the rest of his life.” The case involves “direction of pay” contracts, allowing contractors to receive insurance payouts directly, which Florida is attempting to reform. Corporal Farley advises everyone to thoroughly vet contractors before hiring. The Department of Business and Professional Regulation can verify if a person is licensed and what type of license they hold. The Peterson situation arose shortly after Hurricane Ian. Corporal Farley mentioned that following Hurricanes Milton and Helene last year, there were fewer complaints than expected, possibly indicating that some unscrupulous contractors have moved on. For more information on how to verify contractor licenses and protect yourself from fraud, visit the Department of Business and Professional Regulation website. Peterson is due in court in April.