NCH, Florida Blue reach last-minute agreement on new contractFirefighters pull intoxicated man from pond in Three Oaks
WASHINGTON (AP) Walz and Vance will meet in their first vice presidential debate Tim Walz and JD Vance will meet in what could be the last debate for both campaigns to argue their case before the election.
NCH, Florida Blue reach last-minute agreement on new contract With negotiations going down to the wire, Naples Comprehensive Health and Florida Blue agreed on a new three-year contract late in the day Sept. 30 that will keep almost 40,000 of the insurance carrier’s members in network with the health care system.
Three Oaks Firefighters pull intoxicated man from pond in Three Oaks The San Carlos Park Fire Protection and Rescue responded to a scene where they pulled an intoxicated man from a pond in Three Oaks.
FORT MYERS Phase 2: $1 billion RSW expansion project begins The Lee County Port Authority will begin Southwest Florida International Airport’s Terminal Expansion Phase 2, a more than $1 billion project.
PUNTA GORDA Sen. Rick Scott to survey damage in Charlotte County Florida Sen. Rick Scott is set to visit Charlotte County, receive a briefing on Hurricane Helene, and survey the damage.
The Weather Authority The Weather Authority: Scattered rain and storms return for your Tuesday The Weather Authority is tracking rain and storms throughout this Tuesday afternoon and into your evening commute.
PUNTA GORDA Punta Gorda man dies after fire is sparked by Helene’s flooding Hurricane Helene was not kind to Charlotte County, and on Monday night, people are picking up the pieces and grieving the loss of a neighbor.
SANIBEL Sanibel businesses work to recover after Helene There’s no “Going back to normal” on Sanibel after Ian, but Helene isn’t stopping people as they work towards a “New normal.”
MATLACHA Sisters fly to Matlacha to help father rebuild after Hurricane Helene’s destruction Hurricane Helene has affected people not just in southwest Florida but also people across the country.
Recovery efforts at Sugar Sand Beach RV Resort Almost everyone on Matlacha and Pine Island is focused on the same thing: Recovery.
MANASOTA KEY Cleaning up Manasota Key after Helene Hurricane Helene caused severe flooding that seemed to spare no one on Manasota Key. Two families share their cleanup stories with WINK News.
PUNTA GORDA Historic District in Punta Gorda recovering after Helene So much of Southwest Florida continues to recover in the aftermath of Helene, especially in areas on the coast.
Florida Blue and NCH reach an agreement With a few hours to spare, the Naples Comprehensive Health (NCH) and Florida Blue have reached an agreement after months of negotiations.
Fort Myers Beach cleans up after Helene For many, Fort Myers Beach has been the epicenter of hope and recovery after Ian. Now people are looking back at the island town again after Hurricane Helene.
NORTH PORT New details emerge confirming state investigation into Heritage Insurance WINK News is breaking new details on a criminal investigation into an insurance company where customers claim they were left with wrecked homes after Ian and no money to rebuild.
WASHINGTON (AP) Walz and Vance will meet in their first vice presidential debate Tim Walz and JD Vance will meet in what could be the last debate for both campaigns to argue their case before the election.
NCH, Florida Blue reach last-minute agreement on new contract With negotiations going down to the wire, Naples Comprehensive Health and Florida Blue agreed on a new three-year contract late in the day Sept. 30 that will keep almost 40,000 of the insurance carrier’s members in network with the health care system.
Three Oaks Firefighters pull intoxicated man from pond in Three Oaks The San Carlos Park Fire Protection and Rescue responded to a scene where they pulled an intoxicated man from a pond in Three Oaks.
FORT MYERS Phase 2: $1 billion RSW expansion project begins The Lee County Port Authority will begin Southwest Florida International Airport’s Terminal Expansion Phase 2, a more than $1 billion project.
PUNTA GORDA Sen. Rick Scott to survey damage in Charlotte County Florida Sen. Rick Scott is set to visit Charlotte County, receive a briefing on Hurricane Helene, and survey the damage.
The Weather Authority The Weather Authority: Scattered rain and storms return for your Tuesday The Weather Authority is tracking rain and storms throughout this Tuesday afternoon and into your evening commute.
PUNTA GORDA Punta Gorda man dies after fire is sparked by Helene’s flooding Hurricane Helene was not kind to Charlotte County, and on Monday night, people are picking up the pieces and grieving the loss of a neighbor.
SANIBEL Sanibel businesses work to recover after Helene There’s no “Going back to normal” on Sanibel after Ian, but Helene isn’t stopping people as they work towards a “New normal.”
MATLACHA Sisters fly to Matlacha to help father rebuild after Hurricane Helene’s destruction Hurricane Helene has affected people not just in southwest Florida but also people across the country.
Recovery efforts at Sugar Sand Beach RV Resort Almost everyone on Matlacha and Pine Island is focused on the same thing: Recovery.
MANASOTA KEY Cleaning up Manasota Key after Helene Hurricane Helene caused severe flooding that seemed to spare no one on Manasota Key. Two families share their cleanup stories with WINK News.
PUNTA GORDA Historic District in Punta Gorda recovering after Helene So much of Southwest Florida continues to recover in the aftermath of Helene, especially in areas on the coast.
Florida Blue and NCH reach an agreement With a few hours to spare, the Naples Comprehensive Health (NCH) and Florida Blue have reached an agreement after months of negotiations.
Fort Myers Beach cleans up after Helene For many, Fort Myers Beach has been the epicenter of hope and recovery after Ian. Now people are looking back at the island town again after Hurricane Helene.
NORTH PORT New details emerge confirming state investigation into Heritage Insurance WINK News is breaking new details on a criminal investigation into an insurance company where customers claim they were left with wrecked homes after Ian and no money to rebuild.
An elite athlete in Florida was diagnosed with a rare heart disease after collapsing during a UF basketball game. Keyontae Johnson, 21, contracted the coronavirus in August and then passed all physical tests to play college ball. When Johnson collapsed on the court, the sports world held its breath. The Gainesville Sun reported doctors diagnosed Johnson with myocarditis. We spoke to doctors about whether Johnson’s condition is something those who lead active lifestyles should be concerned about. “The heart itself becomes inflamed,” said Robert Hawkes, the director of the FGCU physician assistant program. “It’s harder to work, and sometimes it becomes so infected and inflamed it doesn’t pump well, and sometimes people can pass out, and certainly they don’t function as well.” Hawkes told us this condition is not new. But concerns for COVID-19 led to the Big Ten conference’s decision to delay its football season. Johnson’s collapse restarted the conversation. “If it has something to do with COVID, I would say every coach in the country would like to know,” John Calipari said. So would every athlete from the pros to the colleges to the weekend warriors. Johnson passed a complete cardiac evaluation after recovering from COVID-19. The American College of Cardiology urges doctors to perform similar heart screenings on anyone who recovered from the virus and wants to exercise. Johnson is home from the hospital but probably won’t play basketball again this season. “I want to thank you for all the prayers you gave to me,” Johnson said. “Go Gators.” Warning signs of myocarditis Shortness of breath Chest pain Irregular heartbeat Fatigue or dizziness Body aches Joint pain Swelling in extremities The symptoms mentioned might not be experienced all at once, and it’s possible to feel these symptoms and not have myocarditis. Anyone with concerns should contact a doctor.
Kenny Dean is a nurse a the Lee County VA Clinic in Cape Coral. He was among the first staff members to receive the COVID-19 vaccine on Wednesday. The clinic recently received a batch of Moderna vaccines. “I am right as rain,” said Dean, who is also a veteran. “I don’t feel any side effects at all. I didn’t feel anything when receiving the injections so all in all it really wasn’t any different than receiving your flu shot.” Staffers there have been waiting for the vaccine. “John and I were kind a like kids on Christmas morning waiting for it to come,” said Bay Pines VA Hospital Assistant Director Joseph Scotchlas, referring to Dr. John Leonard, a pharmacy supervisor with the Lee County VA Clinic. The Bay Pines VA Healthcare System oversees the Lee County VA Clinic. “It’s exciting,” Leonard said. “I think that there’s a bit of electricity in the air and a positive attitude that we’re excited for the days to come.” The VA Clinic said veterans who live in long-term care facilities will receive the vaccine next. (Kenny Dean, RN Lee County VA 5:45) “This virus has caused thousands of thousands of lost lives,” said Dean. “Whatever we can do as individuals to help stop this, you know, I think it’s incumbent on each of us to do our part.”
Staff at Atrium at Liberty Park assisted living facility are used to being on the receiving end of giving campaigns. But this year, they decided to turn the tables by donating one important item to their residents and the homeless population. Today feels like Christmas morning at Atrium. Vicki Einhorn is the sales director at Atrium at Liberty Park. “I want everybody to have something new on their bed Christmas morning,” said Einhorn. She says people donate to Atrium all throughout the year and give all kinds of different items. This year, just in time for Christmas, they’re getting Bombas socks. Vicki may have had something to do with this particular donation. “I sent them an email and I told him my story and I said ‘I really would love to see people get something new to open up, the homeless, people up in the hospital and the skilled and those currently in my wishes’ and they sent us, the Atrium 750 pairs of socks to distribute wherever we would like,” Einhorn said. Bombas is a one for one company, meaning they make a point of donating a pair of socks for every pair they sell. They say the reason they do this is because the most requested clothing item in homeless shelters is socks. So, with bags full of gifts and treats, they got all masked up and delivered what they’re calling “socks of love.” “It made me feel really good because I know we’re giving back because not everybody, especially in these times, you know, they’ve been furloughed, laid off, they don’t have any money, no extras… What a pair of fresh socks on your feet?” Einhorn said.
The pandemic has changed so many things in our lives, including the ways we worship. But churches in Southwest Florida are doing all they can to make sure that Christmas service is still available but as safe as possible. This Christmas, Grace Church in Cape Coral wants you to know that the moments of peace you experience at church can also be achieved at home. Jorge Acevedo is the lead pastor at Grace Church. “I asked people to register for each of the services and we quickly filled up.” Those who can’t attend the celebration in person are welcome to join online. Acevedo says they also allow for “walk-ins.” “We even register what we call walk-ins. We know some people will walk in, we know some people won’t show up,” he said. Many pastors are asking that you don’t come to service on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day if you are feeling sick. And if you do come in person, make sure to wear a mask. Rickey Anderson Sr. is the pastor at Followers of Christ Fellowship Ministries. “My aim is to make sure, that as a pastor, I don’t want to put them in harm’s way.” Since most churches sanitize between services and they also ask that you don’t linger around. Anderson’s messages are on Zoom and that’s where he wants his congregation to connect afterward. “Even though we’re not in church, some of the seniors, you look at the way they dress, their hair and everything, they’re dressed up just like they’re going to church,” Anderson said. First United Methodist Church in Charlotte County is holding its services outdoors, which will include a live nativity scene and petting zoo. Jordan Flick is the director of the kid’s ministry at First United Methodist Church. “I think kids are also very much craving connection and love being outside and all that, so I am excited to see Christmas through the kids’ eyes,” said Flick. Most churches have some sort of social distancing measures in place to make sure people don’t pack the pews. Go to your church’s website beforehand to see if they have specific rules about Christmas Eve or Christmas Day service procedures.
Is your kid the lucky one who got the new PlayStation 5 for the holidays? A problem manifesting after you successfully get your hands on one is when the empty console box hits the curb, and everyone knows it’s in your house, including the bad guys. Cape Coral Police Department is partnering with Waste Pro to keep community members safe. When you look down the street on Christmas morning, you know who got the new TV and computer and other new top-of-the-line electronics. The crooks know it too, and that makes picking out potential houses to rob easier for them. Master Sgt. Patrick O’Grady, a CCPD public information officer, says that’s a problem. “A lot of people, after Christmas is over, you’ve got all the packages; you’ve got all the boxes,” O’Grady said. “When you put it down to the roadway, you are advertising to the criminal what you recently got.” CCPD has teamed up with Waste Pro to offer a creative solution. “We’ve teamed up with the Cape Coral Police Department and Waste Pro to have specific bins set up for the city residents, so they can drop their boxes there instead of putting them down by the curb,” O’Grady said. You can take the boxes to 1020 Cultural Park Boulevard across the street from Cape Coral City Hall and dispose of them safely. Now, thieves won’t know which house has the loot, unless they hear the kids screaming with joy. Plus, it could help the environment. “It’s great for the environment because you are going to be recycling it instead of just throwing it out and taking up room in the landfill,” O’Grady said. If you can’t make it to the drop-off spot, at least turn your boxes inside out, so anyone checking won’t be able to easily see what Santa brought you. The drop-off site opens in Cape Coral Thursday and will be available through Dec. 28. MORE: CCPD — Public Affairs Office CCPD – Crime Prevention Recycling Program
While many of us wait to reunite with family members once the pandemic eases up, five family members are excited to meet for the very first time. The five found out they were related thanks to the personal genomics and biotechnology company 23andMe. It was far from the perfect family picture, but one Zoom call was more than 50 years in the making. The five siblings, which include a man from Boynton Beach, all used the 23andMe DNA kits. In August, each got an email saying they have new, possible genetic matches in their family tree. After some investigating, the five, who live in five different states – including Florida, Texas, Pennsylvania, Colorado, and New York – discovered they all have the same biological father. Their father and two of the three siblings’ mothers have since died. After hours of conversations with each other, it left everyone with countless questions. But they all do share one big thing: the love of animals. The five say they can’t wait until the pandemic is over so they can meet in person. For now, they are settling for two-hour Zoom calls, daily text messages, and sending each other cookies and gifts in the mail.
President Donald Trump has vetoed the annual defense policy bill, following through on threats to veto a measure that has broad bipartisan support in Congress and potentially setting up the first override vote of his presidency. The bill affirms 3% pay raises for U.S. troops and authorizes more than $740 billion in military programs and construction. This is a breaking story and will be updated.
The pandemic might dampen Christmas but some at Miromar Outlets are keeping the holiday spirit alive. Shoppers made their way to the Estero mall on Wednesday to take advantage of the last day stores will be open regular hours. On Thursday, Miromar Outlets will open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. For Kathy Hatton, Becky Davis and Karen Hanlon, the gifts were not hard to find. Hanlon, of Naples, said she found a cute pair of sandals for one daughter and a pair of sneakers matching Ohio State colors for her other daughter away at school. “I think it’s about spending time with each other and the gifts are a nice thing to do, but you don’t have to do that,” said Hatton, of Anchorage, Alaska. “We still like the gifts,” her sister Hanlon said laughing. “Don’t get us wrong. We like the gifts too.” Davis, their niece who was visiting from college, noticed they had to wait outside to enter some stores. “It’s different this year, but as long as we have Zoom and our masks and we’re social distancing, it’s fine,” Davis said. Shoppers toted large bags and practiced social distancing. Signs encouraged people to wear a mask and stores limited the number of shoppers inside. “I wear my mask, I social distance, and I think, you know, I feel I’m safe,” said Robert Gill, a part-time resident of Southwest Florida. Gill said he was shopping for a gift for his wife. “My wife said she didn’t want anything for Christmas, but we know better than that don’t we? So I bought her some nice earrings,” Gill said. But regardless of the purchases, the best part of Christmas is having family close by. “I could give up everything else as long as I have my family together,” Hanlon said.
If you still need to do some shopping, we have you covered in our Season of Savings series. Today, we have some ideas to help you wrap it all up. If you giving a gift and you don’t know what the person wants, don’t give them more clutter. Here are a few things people can actually use that won’t use shelf space, or at least not for long. Streaming Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN+ bundled together is running $13 a month. And Spotify family, where everyone gets an account, is $15 a month. And you also have Apple TV+ for $4.99 and CBS All Access for $5.99. Monthly Subscriptions A three-month Driftaway Coffee subscription starts at $44 dollars. For the pet lover, there’s Bark Box. And you can choose how long you want it sent for. Staying Fresh Lastly, consider a bi-weekly flower delivery for a month or longer. Call their local florist and tell them your bottom line on cost, then see what they come up with. That way the person has something to look forward to every other week. The bottom line, if you don’t know what they want and want a tangible gift, make sure it’s perishable. So a basket of Mrs. Meyers hand soaps, funny napkins from Home Goods, all work. This way, you won’t have your gift ending up in the trash or being re-gifted
As of 2 p.m. Wednesday, there have been 1,234,399 positive cases of the coronavirus recorded in the state. The case count includes 1,213,760 Florida residents and 20,639 non-Florida residents. There are 20,874 Florida resident deaths reported, 299 non-resident deaths, and 60,800 hospitalizations at some point during illness, according to the Florida Department of Health. *Numbers are released by the DOH every afternoon. STATEWIDE NUMBERS Total number of recorded cases: 1,234,399 (up from 1,223,105) Florida resident deaths: 20,874 (up from 20,754) Non-resident deaths: 299 (up from 298) Total deaths in state (Fla./non-Fla. residents combined): 21,173 (up from 21,052) 11,294 total new cases reported Wednesday 120 new resident deaths reported Wednesday 1 new non-resident deaths reported Wednesday Percent positive for new cases in Fla. residents: 8.62% This percent is the number of people who test PCR- or antigen-positive for the first time divided by all the people tested that day, excluding people who have previously tested positive. SOUTHWEST FLORIDA NUMBERS Total recorded cases in SWFL: 72,533 (up from 71,790) Deaths: 1,294 (up from 1,291) 743 total new cases reported Wednesday 3 new deaths reported Wednesday Lee County: 37,909 cases (up from 37,507) – 645 deaths (2 new) Collier County: 21,213 (up from 21,050) – 322 deaths (1 new) Charlotte County: 6,742 (up from 6,665) – 217 deaths DeSoto County: 2,791 (up from 2,758) – 51 deaths Glades County: 750 (up from 742) – 11 deaths Hendry County: 3,128 (up from 3,068) – 48 deaths Click HERE* for a case-by-case breakdown – updated daily. *If not linked, the final report has not yet been made available. TESTING DATA Effective Oct. 27, the Florida Department of Health ceased releasing data showing overall testing numbers. Their statement: “The Florida Department of Health is making adjustments to the COVID-19 dashboard and daily report to provide clear, accurate information for Florida families. Moving forward, the daily report will focus on the number of tests reported to the state by day and the corresponding positivity rate by day. The previously reported cumulative number did not reflect the current status of the pandemic in Florida. This change is in line with the CDC recommendation that calculation of percent positivity [is] applied consistently and with clear communication, will allow public health officials to follow magnitude and trends effectively, and the trends will be useful for local public health decision making.” RESOURCES NOW HIRING: SWFL companies adding jobs FOOD PANTRIES: Harry Chapin mobile food pantry schedule, week of Dec. 21 REPORT COVID-19 DIAGNOSIS/TEST: International self-reporting system VACCINES: State of Florida’s COVID-19 vaccine reports IF YOU FEEL SICK: The Florida Department of Health has a 24-hour COVID-19 Call Center at 1-866-779-6121. Questions may also be emailed to covid-19@flhealth.gov. Email responses will be sent during call center hours. LINK: Florida Department of Health COVID-19 updates *The map is best viewed on a desktop computer. If you don’t see the map above tap HERE for a fullscreen version.