3 high school seniors talk directly to Charlotte school district on mask mandates

Three Lemon Bay High School seniors are requesting a mask mandate in Charlotte County Public Schools after a surge in COVID-19 cases this school year. “It was around 542 cases total for last year. Right now I believe as of today, we are over 1400 for the past month of school. So we’ve almost tripled […]

Inspiring People: Naples teen raises money for muscular dystrophy cure

Facing a life-changing diagnosis, a Naples teen is motivating our community to help find a treatment or cure for a serious illness in four short years. At 13, doctors diagnosed Heloise Hoffman with facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy, meaning her muscles are deteriorating. Each case is different, so she doesn’t know which muscles will fail or when. […]

Church making case for expansion in Golden Gate Estates amid opposition

A battle is brewing in Golden Gate Estates over a church. While some neighbors hope for divine intervention, others argue this has nothing to do with the type of project but what might arrive down the road. Dozens of parishioners of Iglesia Pentacostes Peniel gathered to address Collier County Planning Commission while wearing matching shirts, […]

‘Devious lick challenge’ hits some SWFL schools, businesses

A social media trend is pushing kids to commit crimes and then post them online: Kids are destroying property inside of businesses, even schools in Southwest Florida. It’s forcing them to close. Kids are bragging about these activities, but it’s serious business. Both Collier County Public Schools and Glades County School District say they will […]

Most Wanted Wednesday: We feature some of SWFL’s most wanted suspects; Sept. 15

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 […]

Commercial boaters under scrutiny for overcrowding at boat parks

Collier County leaders are putting the blame on commercial boaters for overcrowding at boat parks. Now, they are looking for a solution that those commercial boaters say could hurt their livelihood. If commercial boaters lose access to the water, if they’re suddenly kept from using public boat ramps, they’re out of business. They say they’re […]

Scientists are trying to find a way to battle palm tree-killing diseases

Deadly diseases are killing palm trees but scientists are finding a way to fix the issue. Cameron Cole, plant health manager at the Naples Botanical Garden, is one of the people who help keep the plants healthy. “My main concern is usually scouting for diseases and pests throughout the garden and keeping track of new […]

blue coral apartments

More affordable housing could be coming to Collier County

There’s a push to create affordable housing in an area of Southwest Florida that is known to be pricey. Hundreds of new apartments could be coming to Collier County very soon. Some of those units will be set aside for teachers and first responders. But, the question from many is if these units will actually […]

Health aide accused of stealing $45,000 in jewelry, pawning it

A caregiver is accused of stealing tens of thousands of dollars in jewelry from an older woman. Naples Police Department arrested Johaan Gabrielle Reynosa Elisca, 21, Monday for grand theft/exploiting an elderly person after the family she was serving accused her of stealing a safe with $45,000 in jewelry inside. According to the NPD Facebook […]

Collier County school district postpones homecoming dances

An annual highlight for many high school students in Southwest Florida has been postponed. Collier County Public Schools is canceling the homecoming dance to stop the spread of the coronavirus. Homecoming week is close, but there won’t be any homecoming dances at CCPS schools after the school district postponed them all. “Well, I think that […]