Most Wanted Wednesday: Featuring some of SWFL’s most wanted suspects; Jan. 18

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 […]

‘Lunch and More’ event returns to the Naples Senior Center

The popular ‘Lunch and More’ event at the Naples Senior Center is back for the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic shut it down. It allows seniors to socialize, eat, and enjoy time with others. The event is all about making sure seniors have a place to go to be with others. With its new, […]

A judges gavel rests on top of a desk in the courtroom. Photo via CBS News.

Collier County man receives 2 life sentences for child molestation

A Collier County man was given two concurrent life sentences for child molestation after a trial for crimes committed over several years. Kendal Blackford, 42, was sentenced for two counts of lewd or lascivious molestation on a child under 12. He was found guilty in December after a jury trial in Collier County. (No mugshot […]

Woman’s car burglarized in Marco Island Publix parking lot

An ordinary trip to the grocery store in Marco Island became a burglary on Tuesday, when three suspects worked together to distract a woman before stealing her wallet from her car. One of the suspects pointed out ketchup on the back of a woman’s car. And with her attention diverted, suddenly, her wallet was stolen. […]

Florida Panther

How you can support the conservation of the Florida panther

WINK News is taking a closer look at our state animal, the Florida panther, which is one of the rarest animals in North America. There are fewer than 200 left in Southwest Florida. Investigative Reporter Celine McArthur looked into the impact of development on their survival. Now, she is sitting down with the son of […]

Youth Haven fundraiser on Wednesday helping children and teens

A 19-year-old girl is following her dreams in college after facing hardship for years at home. Youth Haven helped her get there, and they want to do the same for other teenagers. Jalise Emnanueloi, 19, doesn’t take a safe place to call home for granted. “I came from a pretty unstable, chaotic family,” Emnanueloi said. […]

Florida panther

Pathway for the Florida Panther? Environmentalist explains why ‘state animal’ may not survive development in Collier County

The population explosion and housing shortage in Florida are intensifying the demand for solutions. In Collier County, leaders say there’s room to develop enough housing to more than double its current population. But critics say plans in the pipeline don’t leave a pathway for the panther — Florida’s state mascot. WINK News investigative reporter Céline […]

Collier County Public Schools seek input for superintendent search

Collier County Public Schools is working to find a new superintendent after the former superintendent, Kamela Patton, was voted out of the role in December. The district is now looking for input from the community as they begin the replacement process. Collier County Public Schools has created a survey to determine what the community thinks […]

Trio wanted for vehicle burglary at a Marco Island Publix

The Marco Island Police Department is asking for help identifying three people who worked together to steal from a woman at a Marco Island Publix. Police say a Hispanic man wearing a mask approached an older woman as she was putting groceries in her car. They say the man distracted the victim by pointing out […]

MLK Day marches honoring his legacy in SWFL

The Collier County NAACP put together the MLK Day parade for the first time in three years in Naples. But, as people celebrated the great holiday, many also took time to reflect. Joyous and celebratory because it has been a long time since the community celebrated Doctor Martin Luther King altogether. But, among the dancing […]