‘The Community Press’ founder ending newspaper to start a new chapter

The time has come for James Middlebrooks, the man who founded The Community Press eight years ago, to put down a paper he poured his heart into. Middlebrooks says it’s time for another chapter in life. It is the end of an era for the ‘little paper with big news.’ Memories flooded in for Middlebrooks […]

SWFL law enforcement officers reflect on 2022’s line-of-duty deaths

According to preliminary data from the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund, 129 federal, state, tribal, and local law enforcement officers died in the line of duty in the first six months of 2022. “I’ve gone to 109 law enforcement funerals in the state of Florida in my career, and every single funeral, every single […]

Guardian ad Litem volunteers bring Christmas gifts to SWFL foster children

Members of the Guardian ad Litem Foundation are working hard to ensure foster children in Lee County have what they need this Christmas. The Guardian ad Litem Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that supports the health, educational and social needs of nearly 1,300 foster children in Southwest Florida, has gathered more than 2,000 toys, including Barbie […]

Cape Coral parents see little progress on missing signs, lights near schools

Many Cape Coral parents are still contacting WINK News about people breaking the rules of the road near elementary schools without being held accountable. Dozens of parents have spoken out about speeding in school zones and all of the damaged or displaced road signs and traffic lights. This time, she set out to answer two […]

Cape Coral Elementary crossing guard warns of missing school zone light

After WINK News’ previous story about drivers speeding near Cape Coral Elementary School, many of our viewers reached out with further concerns. A crossing guard says speeding will continue to be a problem until a more significant issue is fixed. A school zone light pole can be seen at the corner of Vincennes Boulevard and […]

Florida lawmakers discussing homeowners insurance during special session

The damage and destruction from Hurricane Ian will go down as one of the costliest natural disasters in history. Additionally, many homeowners insurance is on life support, but lawmakers promise to address that in a special session next week. Reliable and affordable are understandably two words you may not think of when it comes to […]

Fort Myers police officer honors fallen heroes from across the country

Fort Myers Police Officer Bill Schettino knows what it means to be a first responder. In 2019, he started a woodworking business but wanted it to have a higher purpose. Schettino is a New Jersey native and a Fort Myers police officer. He dedicates his time out of uniform to honoring those who lost their […]

Speeding drivers endangering children outside Cape Coral Elementary School

A Cape Coral woman is fired up over speeders near a local elementary school. She doesn’t feel that officers are doing enough to protect the children. Clarice Campbell wants Cape Coral police to come to Cape Coral Elementary School and catch speeders before something terrible happens. Speeding, reckless, and distracted drivers are all concerning for […]

Families in need receive Thanksgiving meals

Fresh Thanksgiving meals were delivered to 13 families in need by volunteers in Southwest Florida. Deborah Mecalo knows what the meaning of Thanksgiving is. “I am thankful for everybody that I have met throughout this journey because if it wasn’t for them, I wouldn’t be this far as I am now,” Mecalo said. Volunteers with […]

Trust & Verify: Investigating a rumor about a Coconut Point Mall incident

WINK News is investigating a rumor about an incident at Coconut Point Mall that has been circulating on social media. The Lee County Sheriff’s Office has also posted on Facebook to try to debunk the claims. The claim:  A Facebook post circulating suggested a 19-year-old woman was drugged at Coconut Point Mall after a man […]