marco island

Marco Island preparing for potential storm impacts

Marco Island’s city manager did not mince words when he let residents on the island know they need to prepare for the possible storm next week. The city manager said to lock everything down, figure out what arrangements need to be made, and batten down the hatches. City leaders told WINK News they’re trying to […]

illegal hunting

Two men arrested, accused of illegally hunting in Collier County

Two men were arrested after Florida wildlife officers said they were caught illegally hunting on County Road 858. Yoandry Quevedo-Ayala, 31, and Pedro Leal-Pavon, 40 were arrested on charges of violation of Florida code pertaining to hunting regulations and unlawful to take or kill a deer, fawn, or antlerless deer during open season. On September […]

Florida declares State of Emergency, SWFL prepares ahead of potential ‘major hurricane’

Gov. Ron DeSantis has declared a State of Emergency as Hurricane Ian churns in the Caribbean. While Florida remains within the cone, there is still uncertainty about where a future hurricane could make landfall. DeSantis’ State of Emergency covers 24 counties within the potential span of Hurricane Ian. In Southwest Florida, Charlotte, Collier, DeSoto, Glades, […]

gta

Man arrested during a Collier County traffic stop, reveals stolen vehicle

A man was arrested during a traffic stop that ended in the recovery of a stolen vehicle. Deyren Almaguer-Sanchez, 29, was arrested on charges of grand theft auto, according to Collier County Sheriff’s Office. On September 21, Almaguer-Sanchez was driving a black GMC Yukon SUV on State Road 29 going 77 m.p.h in a 55 […]

Baseball coach Charles Maurer

Baseball Coach Charlie Maurer hired at St. John Neumann

A former Barron Collier baseball coach, whose firing upset parents and students, now has a new job. Charlie Maurer has been hired as head coach at St. John Neumann High School in Golden Gate. Athletics Director Damon Jones said he was very excited to have Maurer coaching the baseball team. Maurer found out in August […]

Artis-Naples

Lawsuit against Artis-Naples firing three unvaccinated musicians

Three musicians who used to be in the Naples Philharmonic were fired for not getting the COVID-19 vaccine and are now suing Artis-Naples in federal court. Florida state law is on the musicians’ side, as Gov. DeSantis preached against vaccine mandates throughout the pandemic. DeSantis even provided workers with religious exemptions from such mandates, which […]

Seminole Casino

Seminole Casino increases wages and holds job fair

A casino is hoping to hit the jackpot and score new employees after a big pay increase. The Seminole Casino just upped the ante by raising their wages from $8 to $11 higher than Florida’s minimum wage. The Seminole Casino in Immokalee has seen a lot of people stop by looking for a job since […]

In Collier County, students need permission to check out some books

Three books known for their sexual content are sparking outrage at one Collier County school. The books “19 Minutes,” “Sloppy Firsts,” and “The Bluest Eye” will remain in the high school library, but students will need their parents’ permission to check out the books. Alethea Shapiro and her daughter are close. Shapiro thinks books like […]

Drone

Drone women thought was spying on them determined to be from FPL

WINK News has learned that the drone that a woman says was peeping in on her at her home belongs to Florida Power and Light. The mother and her daughter are still upset and want something done. Florida Power and Light put the drone in the air to do a routine inspection of power lines, […]

Most Wanted Wednesday: Featuring some of SWFL’s most wanted suspects; Sept. 21

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 […]