Making Strides Against Breast Cancer: Cancer survivor makes charms of hope

Maureen Chodaba, a 26-year breast cancer survivor, is using angel charms to share her message and celebrate life. Chodaba’s grandmother died from breast cancer in 1968. Her mother was a 38-year survivor and Chodaba was diagnosed in 1995. These days, she lives life knowing it’s precious, and the angel has become her mascot of sorts. She’s […]

FEMA’s Risk Rating 2.0 causing surging flood insurance quotes in Southwest Florida

Tropical systems. Daily torrential downpours. Rushing water in the streets. Southwest Florida is certainly no stranger to flooding or flood damage. For decades, homeowners have relied on the Federal Emergency Management Agency for their flood insurance coverage because of lower prices. But now experts think the market is going to get more competitive, and more […]

Most Wanted Wednesday: We feature some of SWFL’s most wanted suspects; Sept. 29

This weekly WINK News segment features fugitives from justice right here in Southwest Florida. This is your chance to help out the community and give the tip that gets these people off the street. These suspects need to be found – and you can help. If you have seen them, reach out to Crime Stoppers […]

Collier County experiencing an unexpected tourism boom

For the past few months, the beaches and streets of Collier County have been busy as tourists pour in to take in the sights and sounds of the area. “The beaches like Wiggins Pass is actually gorgeous,” says Gail Pellett who is visiting from Ohio. Randy Shoff, who is visiting from Texas, says it is […]

NCH says unvaccinated employees ‘will have voluntarily resigned’ as of Thursday

NCH Healthcare System confirmed Wednesday all of its employees must comply with its previously declared COVID-19 vaccine requirement; otherwise, those who choose not to be fully vaccinated “will have voluntarily resigned as of September 30 unless they have an approved medical or religious exemption.” According to an NCH statement to WINK News, “All employees including […]

World War II veterans honored with a trip to the sky

Three World War II veterans took to the sky in restored bi-planes from that era as part of a program called “Operation September Freedom,” which honors veterans from across the country. Watch the video above for the full story.

Bus driver shortage hitting Collier Area Transit

For the last decade, Ivan Esteves has started his day boarding a Collier Area Transit bus, buckling up and driving away. But these days are long days and turning into long weeks. “Almost 56 hours,” Esteves said, A shortage of bus drivers is taking a toll on drivers like Esteves. Right now, there are 50 […]

12-year-old girl arrested for posting threat toward Oakridge Middle School

A 12-year-old girl is accused of posting a threat on social media to cause violence at her school in Southwest Florida. Collier County Sheriff’s Office arrested an Oakridge Middle School student Tuesday after they say she was responsible for threatening the school. According to the CCSO Facebook post, detectives said the student confessed to posting […]

SWFL woman happy fugitive couple arrested in Collier County

A cross-country crime spree for a man and woman is over, and we spoke to a woman in Southwest Florida who was among many people who fell victim. Collier County Sheriff’s Office says Anatoly Kutsar, 39, and Rachael Noel Kaz-Clark were to blame for thousands of personal items, including family heirlooms and expensive gadgets, being […]

Gator attack that killed Collier County man’s dog prompts warning from condo association

People walking their dogs is a common sight everywhere, especially at West Wind Condo Estates in Collier County. Veteran Tim Duffy and his best buddy Abby would ride his scooter with Abby trotting next to him. But not Monday. Instead, Duffy’s scooter sat empty near this memorial for Abby. “It was just an unfortunate accident,” […]