Florida Highway Patrol investigating fatal hit-and-run involving motorcyclistFEMA agrees to outside investigation into avoiding homes with Trump signs
lehigh acres Florida Highway Patrol investigating fatal hit-and-run involving motorcyclist The Florida Highway Patrol is investigating a hit-and-run that left a motorcyclist dead in Lee County.
FEMA agrees to outside investigation into avoiding homes with Trump signs FEMA’s administrator has agreed to an outside investigation to find out why her employee gave orders to deny trump supporters aid after Hurricane Milton.
Denise Carlin sworn in as Lee County Schools superintendent It’s a big night for families with kids attending Lee County Schools! Dr. Denise Carlin was just sworn in as superintendent.
PORT CHARLOTTE 8 illegal immigrants arrested in Charlotte County Eight people have been arrested in Port Charlotte for being in the country illegally.
SANIBEL Memorial statue unveiled for exotic birds at Jerry’s Foods on Sanibel Island For over 40 years, Dick Muench displayed many of his exotic birds from Central and South America at Jerry’s Foods on Sanibel.
FORT MYERS Fort Myers veteran worried about FEMA code compliance letter One marine veteran is worried sick over having to raise his home.
Residents oppose U-Haul storage unit development in Collier County A lush line of trees in Collier County may turn into storage units, and neighbors are unhappy.
LEHIGH ACRES Parents want changes made to Lee County Schools JROTC The Lee County School District is making changes after 25 students were treated by emergency services for heat exhaustion at a local high school on Friday.
FORT MYERS BEACH La Ola speaks out a day after FEMA deadline A day after the FEMA deadline for temporary structures on Fort Myers Beach to be removed, the scenery remains largely unchanged.
FORT MYERS Neighbors react to plans for new Amazon warehouse in Fort Myers Amazon will soon have the largest building in Southwest Florida.
FORT MYERS Councilman Johnny Streets retires after nearly 20 years of service After nearly two decades of service, Fort Myers City Councilman Johnny Streets is retiring.
Local human trafficking survivor speaks out It’s a question many of us think we know the answer to: What is human trafficking? A Collier County woman told WINK her definition changed after she survived it.
Sheriff’s Office: Teen victim knew suspect in deadly Collier County shooting There is new information on the deadly shooting late Saturday of a teenage girl in Collier County.
FORT MYERS Inauguration ceremony for Lee Board of County Commissioners Lee County held an inauguration ceremony for a newly appointed county commissioner and two incumbents.
FGCU FGCU volleyball prepares to defend ASUN Tournament title FGCU volleyball looks to secure its fourth straight ASUN Tournament title this week and secure a spot in the NCAA Tournament.
lehigh acres Florida Highway Patrol investigating fatal hit-and-run involving motorcyclist The Florida Highway Patrol is investigating a hit-and-run that left a motorcyclist dead in Lee County.
FEMA agrees to outside investigation into avoiding homes with Trump signs FEMA’s administrator has agreed to an outside investigation to find out why her employee gave orders to deny trump supporters aid after Hurricane Milton.
Denise Carlin sworn in as Lee County Schools superintendent It’s a big night for families with kids attending Lee County Schools! Dr. Denise Carlin was just sworn in as superintendent.
PORT CHARLOTTE 8 illegal immigrants arrested in Charlotte County Eight people have been arrested in Port Charlotte for being in the country illegally.
SANIBEL Memorial statue unveiled for exotic birds at Jerry’s Foods on Sanibel Island For over 40 years, Dick Muench displayed many of his exotic birds from Central and South America at Jerry’s Foods on Sanibel.
FORT MYERS Fort Myers veteran worried about FEMA code compliance letter One marine veteran is worried sick over having to raise his home.
Residents oppose U-Haul storage unit development in Collier County A lush line of trees in Collier County may turn into storage units, and neighbors are unhappy.
LEHIGH ACRES Parents want changes made to Lee County Schools JROTC The Lee County School District is making changes after 25 students were treated by emergency services for heat exhaustion at a local high school on Friday.
FORT MYERS BEACH La Ola speaks out a day after FEMA deadline A day after the FEMA deadline for temporary structures on Fort Myers Beach to be removed, the scenery remains largely unchanged.
FORT MYERS Neighbors react to plans for new Amazon warehouse in Fort Myers Amazon will soon have the largest building in Southwest Florida.
FORT MYERS Councilman Johnny Streets retires after nearly 20 years of service After nearly two decades of service, Fort Myers City Councilman Johnny Streets is retiring.
Local human trafficking survivor speaks out It’s a question many of us think we know the answer to: What is human trafficking? A Collier County woman told WINK her definition changed after she survived it.
Sheriff’s Office: Teen victim knew suspect in deadly Collier County shooting There is new information on the deadly shooting late Saturday of a teenage girl in Collier County.
FORT MYERS Inauguration ceremony for Lee Board of County Commissioners Lee County held an inauguration ceremony for a newly appointed county commissioner and two incumbents.
FGCU FGCU volleyball prepares to defend ASUN Tournament title FGCU volleyball looks to secure its fourth straight ASUN Tournament title this week and secure a spot in the NCAA Tournament.
A Cape Coral man was arrested early Friday after a standoff with police. Frank Philip Simon, 33, was taken into custody by CCPD’s SWAT team at a home in the 900 block of Gleason Parkway, police said. No one was injured in the incident, which police responded to at about 9:30 p.m. Thursday. Police say Simon was armed with an assault rifle, threatened a person inside the home and reportedly fired a round into the ceiling. The person was able to flee and told officers Simon was wearing a ballistic vest and a helmet, and that another person inside the home against their will. The SWAT team was eventually able to make contact with Simon, who at one point shined a green laser through the front windows. Officers confirmed Simon was armed with a .50 caliber assault rifle, vest and helmet, but no one else was inside the home. Simon was booked into the Lee County Jail shortly after 5 a.m. and faces a charge of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. Trust WINK News for updates.
Two law enforcement officials tell The Associated Press that authorities have found human remains in the vicinity of the explosion that rocked downtown Nashville early Christmas morning. It is unclear how the remains are related to the Friday explosion or whether they might belong to the person believed to be responsible or a victim. The officials could not discuss an ongoing investigation publicly and spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity. Authorities have said they believe the blast was intentional. The city’s police chief said officers responded to a report of a shots fired before discovering the RV that was blaring a recorded warning that a bomb would detonate in 15 minutes. Police evacuated nearby buildings and called in the bomb squad. The RV exploded shortly afterward. THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. AP’s earlier story follows below. An explosion shook the largely deserted streets of downtown Nashville early Christmas morning, shattering windows, damaging buildings and wounding three people. Authorities said they believed the blast was intentional. Metro Nashville Police Chief John Drake said police were responding to a report of shots fired when they encountered a recreational vehicle blaring a recording that said a potential bomb was to detonate in 15 minutes. Police evacuated nearby buildings and called in the bomb squad. “Shortly after that, the RV exploded,” Drake said at a midday news conference. Windows are blown out in a building near the scene of an explosion in downtown Nashville, Tenn., Friday, Dec. 25, 2020. Buildings shook in the immediate area and beyond after a loud boom was heard early Christmas morning.(AP Photo/Mark Humphrey) Surveillance video published on a Twitter account Friday that appeared to be recorded from across the street captured an audio recording that included the warning, “… if you can hear this message, evacuate now.” The blast was captured on the surveillance video seconds later. Metro Nashville Police Department spokesman Don Aaron said three people were taken to area hospitals for treatment, although none were in critical condition. Authorities don’t know whether anyone was in the vehicle when it exploded, however. Aaron said earlier that some people were taken to the department’s central precinct for questioning but declined to give more details. The FBI will be taking the lead in the investigation, said spokesman Joel Siskovic. Federal investigators from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives were also on the scene. The FBI is the primary law enforcement agency responsible for investigating federal crimes, such as explosives violations and acts of terrorism. At noon, police dogs continued to search cars and buildings in the nearby area. A Philadelphia man staying in a nearby hotel said that when he heard the blast, he knew it wasn’t a harmless noise. A vehicle is on fire after an explosion in the area of Second and Commerce Friday, Dec. 25, 2020 in Nashville, Tenn. Buildings shook in the immediate area and beyond after a loud boom was heard early Christmas morning. (Andrew Nelles/The Tennessean via AP) “It was a very loud explosion,” said Joseph Fafara. “We tried to rationalize it that it was an earthquake or something. But it was obvious it wasn’t an earthquake.” He said he traveled to Tennessee with his family on Christmas because the state has looser COVID-19 restrictions than Philadelphia. Fafara went outside to look at the damage but police barricades had already been put in place. Black smoke and flames were seen early Friday billowing from the area, which is packed with bars, restaurants and other retail establishments and is known as the heart of downtown Nashville’s tourist scene. Buildings shook in the immediate area and beyond after a loud boom was heard. Buck McCoy, who lives near the area, posted videos on Facebook that show water pouring down the ceiling of his home. Alarms blare in the background and cries of people in great distress ring in the background. A fire is visible in the street outside. McCoy says he says he heard gunfire 15 minutes before the explosion rocked his building. McCoy said the windows of his home were entirely blown out. “All my windows, every single one of them got blown into the next room. If I had been standing there it would have been horrible,” he said. “It felt like a bomb. It was that big,” he told The Associated Press. “There were about four cars on fire. I don’t know if it was so hot they just caught on fire, and the trees were all blown apart,” he said. President Donald Trump has been briefed, according to White House spokesperson Judd Deere, who said that Trump, who is spending the holidays in Florida, will continue to receive regular updates. The U.S. Justice Department said Acting Attorney General Jeff Rosen was also briefed and directed all department resources to be made available to help with the investigation. Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee said on Twitter that the state would provide the resources necessary “to determine what happened and who was responsible. Please join MariaLeeTN and me in praying for those who were injured and we thank all of our first responders who acted so quickly this morning.” Nashville Mayor John Cooper said the city was lucky that the number of injuries was limited. https://twitter.com/RyanEGraney/status/1342457226171187200
A driver and a passenger are being sought after running from the scene of a crash on Christmas Eve in LaBelle. The Florida Highway Patrol said Friday that a silver 2001 Acura SUV failed to stop at a stop sign on Collingswood Parkway at SR-80 at about 8:10 p.m. Thursday evening, and collided with an eastbound SUV on SR-80. The driver and passenger of the Acura SUV ran from the scene. The 56-year-old male driver of the SUV that was hit was flown to Lee Memorial Hospital with serious injuries. A 38-year-old female passenger and a toddler in the vehicle were not injured. Anyone with information on the crash is asked to contact *FHP or Southwest Florida Crime Stoppers at 800-780-TIPS. The Florida Highway Patrol no longer releases the names of those involved in crashes, citing Marsy’s Law.
A 19-year-old Bradenton man is behind bars in Collier County after authorities say he led them on a high-speed chase in a stolen vehicle on I-75. A report from the Collier County Sheriff’s Office says they notified the Florida Highway Patrol that a license plate reader had located a stolen 2014 Chevrolet Impala on eastbound I-75. A trooper spotted the car and tried to pull it over, but the driver accelerated to over 100 mph, passing several vehicles before entering Broward County. At one point, the driver drove onto the shoulder to pass several slower vehicles and eventually exited at Snake Road, ran the stop sign, and lost control of the vehicle, sideswiping a traffic control post. The driver then attempted to head back onto I-75, but a Miccosukee police officer had blocked the entrance ramp, causing the driver to attempt to drive around the blockage and get stuck in the mud in the embankment. As another Miccosukee officer approached the car, the driver was trying to “rock his way out of the mud,” according to the CCSO report. A 16-year-old girl in the car was the lone passenger and got out of the vehicle when officers approached. The driver, identified as Joshua Peter Pagan, told officers there was a gun under the driver’s seat. The gun was listed as stolen, according to the report. A pink Taser that belonged to the girl was also found in the car. Pagan is facing charges of grand theft of a motor vehicle, reckless driving, grand theft of a firearm, use or display of a firearm during a felony, child endangerment without great bodily harm, and flee and elude with disregard to persons or property. Pagan was also cited with a traffic infraction for a violation of driving on a learner’s license. He remains in the Collier County Jail. The 16-year-old girl was released to a guardian.
Alabama teammates Mac Jones and DeVonta Smith along with Clemson’s Trevor Lawrence and Florida’s Kyle Trask have been named finalists for the Heisman Trophy. The Heisman will be awarded Jan. 5 during a virtual ceremony. The coronavirus pandemic forced the cancellation of the usual trip to New York for the trophy presentation that comes with being a finalist. Jones and Smith are the eighth set of teammates to be finalists together since the tradition started in 1982. Smith is trying to become the first wide receiver to win the Heisman since Michigan’s Desmond Howard in 1991. If it isn’t Smith, who leads the nation in receptions (98) and receiving yards (1,511), the winner will be a quarterback for the 13th time in the last 15 years. Jones leads the nation in efficiency rating (202.34), completion percentage (76.5) and yards per pass (11.4), with 32 touchdown passes. The top-ranked Crimson Tide will play No. 4 Notre Dame in the College Football Playoff semifinals on Jan. 1. Jones or Smith would become Alabama’s third Heisman winner. Running backs Mark Ingram (2009) and Derrick Henry (2015) were the Tide’s first Heisman winners. Lawrence was the preseason favorite to win the award, but missing two games after contracting COVID-19 slowed his campaign. The junior quarterback and presumptive first selection in the next NFL draft did not play against Boston College and at Notre Dame. He did play in Atlantic Coast Conference championship rematch against the Fighting Irish last weekend and led the Tigers to a blowout victory. On the season, Lawrence has thrown for 2,753 yards and 22 touchdowns in nine games, helping Clemson reach the playoff for the third time in his career. No. 2 Clemson plays No. 3 Ohio State in the Sugar Bowl semifinals on Jan. 1. Lawrence would be the Tigers’ first Heisman winner. Trask leads the country with 43 touchdown passes and 4,125 yards. The senior is trying to join Steve Spurrier, Danny Wuerffel and Tim Tebow as Heisman-winning quarterback from Florida. The rest of the top 10 was revealed in order, starting with Alabama running back Najee Harris. The Crimson Tide is the second team to have three players in the top five in Heisman voting. In 1946, Army running back Glenn Davis won the Heisman, fellow running back Doc Blanchard finished fourth and quarterback Arnold Tucker was fifth. Iowa State running back Breece Hall was sixth this year, followed by Ohio State quarterback Justin Fields, BYU quarterback Zach Wilson, Notre Dame quarterback Ian Book and Florida tight end Kyle Pitts. Pitts is the first tight end to finish in the top 10 of the Heisman voting since Notre Dame’s Ken MacAfee was third in 1977.
As the landlord of more than 500 affordable housing units occupied by low-income families, staffers at Contemporary Housing Alternatives of Florida have seen firsthand how the pandemic has hit working families. About 20% of its tenants are behind on rent because they have lost either work or hours since March. Many of them worked in the hospitality industry, including as cooks and food servers. Concerned that rent arrears were piling up, the nonprofit has come up with a way for its residents to volunteer their way out of debt. The nonprofit introduced a “Back on Track” program that forgives $100 of overdue rent for every hour a tenant volunteers for a recognized nonprofit charity. The offer applies only to renters who have lost income because of the pandemic. “To be honest, it’s probably money we wouldn’t get anyway, but it gives them some pride and a feeling they’re doing something,” said Joseph Lettelleir, the nonprofit’s president and CEO. “Bottom line, they’re good tenants, and we’d like to keep them.” The idea for the program came from Holly Butler, the group’s director of property management, who described it as a lemonade-out-of-lemons moment. “I thought it might be a kookie idea, but I pitched it,” she said. More than two dozen residents have participated in the program, volunteering at food banks, cleaning up a trailer park and removing trash along the shorelines with Tampa Bay Watch. At another organized event, volunteers collected more than 400 pounds of trash from nearby neighborhoods. At Hope Villages of America, which was known as Religious Community Services Pinellas until October, volunteers sorted, packed and labeled food headed for a food pantry. Chief Operating Officer Melinda Perry said her group was pleased to benefit from a program that also helps those volunteering. “We’ve had almost 20 residents volunteer at our food distribution center, and they provided nearly 150 volunteer hours processing food donations and assisting with food distribution,” Perry said. “Their efforts meant that we could meet individuals’ and families’ needs for nutritious food.” Established in 1992, Contemporary Housing runs 14 properties, mostly in the Pinellas Park and Lealman area. To qualify to live there, residents must make no more than about 80 percent of the area median income. The nonprofit also has housing that is designated for families whose income falls below 60 percent of the region’s household average. Rent for a two-bedroom apartment is about $700 a month. When the pandemic’s impact on the economy first became apparent, the group stressed to tenants that it was critical to let their landlords know if they were having difficulty. In April, it gave everyone who paid their rent on time a $25 grocery store gift card as appreciation. For those who have struggled, the nonprofit has agreed to payment plans to give tenants more time and suspended late fees. It also helped them connect with rent-assistance programs, including Pinellas CARES, a financial-assistance program funded through federal stimulus money, and 211 Tampa Bay Cares. Both programs are no longer accepting applications, according to their websites. Despite many tenants qualifying for assistance, Contemporary Housing’s rent revenue is down about $300,000 this year, said Lettelleir. The economic downturn has made eviction or foreclosure a constant worry for millions. Nationwide, almost 8% of Americans reported being behind on rent or mortgage payments or have little confidence that their household can make the next payment, according to the U.S. Census Household Pulse Survey. Lettelleir hopes that other landlords of affordable housing will adopt a similar rent forgiveness program to give their tenants a chance to try and get back on their feet. “It takes a group that is really struggling and offers them an opportunity to hold up their head and do something for the community,” he said.
So many people are struggling this holiday, but one couple is trying to make it easier on those in need. Operation Christmas started with one man in Alva. He would dress up as Santa and deliver toys to his friends’ children. Four years ago, Toys for Tots partnered with him to provide more toys for even more families in need. It’s a Christmas tradition for Charlie Harrington and Jackie Armate. Every year, they make a special list. “I think I’ve checked it at least four, maybe five times…” Armate said. “Way more than twice,” added Harrington. Their list this year is made up of 300 families in need to make sure they have presents to unwrap on Christmas Day. “We just want to make sure everyone is helped,” Armate said. 2020 will go down as a year of misery, pain, hardship and loss for many people, so the Alva couple’s list is longer than usual. “I’ve been calling it a logistical nightmare, but everybody’s getting their toys and no one will slip through the cracks,” Harrington said. Dressed in a suit that’s red, Harrington packed a truck full of toys. One of his stops: the Lehigh Acres home of Charles Grillo, a father of two. “I got maybe 12 gifts between my wife working late nights and me not working, 12 gifts to wrap and that was it, we didn’t have anything for our kids,” said Grillo, who was moved to tears by the act of kindness. “I cried. As a father, it hurts. You know, I was making 70, 80,000 a year, and now I’m making zero.” Seeing the smiles of those they help brings joy to Armate and Harrington each Christmas season. The couple said their goal for 2021 is to turn Operation Santa into a nonprofit so they can continue to spread Christmas cheer to even more families in need.
Prince Harry and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, have released a family holiday card marking their first American Christmas, featuring the couple with their 19-month-old son Archie, as well as their two adorable dogs. The card is an illustration based on a photo taken by the duchess’s mom, Doria Ragland. It was released through the animal welfare organization Mayhew, which Meghan has been a patron of since the beginning of 2019. The casual image shows off Archie’s red hair, inherited from his dad, and the two family dogs, Pula and Guy. The entire family is sitting in a backyard shed decorated for the holiday season at their new home in California. It’s the first public image of Archie since his birthday in May. “Wishing you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year,” the card says. We’re thrilled to receive wonderful Christmas wishes from our Patron, The Duchess of Sussex, who also made a personal donation, helping dogs, cats and our community. 💜 From all of us at Mayhew, thank you and Merry Christmas. 🎄🐶🐱 Find out more! 👉 https://t.co/5o2RHLveRM pic.twitter.com/uBV19F6Odt — Mayhew 🐶🐱 (@themayhew) December 23, 2020 “The original photo of the family was taken at their home earlier this month by The Duchess’s mother,” a spokesperson for the couple told Entertainment Tonight. “The small Christmas tree, including the homemade ornaments and other decorations, were selected by Archie, and the tree will be replanted after the holidays.” Meghan said in a statement that her family has made a donation to Mayhew, which will go towards “vital work to help dogs, cats and communities” during the coronavirus pandemic. “This year we, as a family, have made donations to several charities with you in mind,” Meghan wrote. “From a local California organization that helps families transition out of homelessness, to two of our U.K. patronages: one that supports animal and community welfare, and the other, a memorial fund for a cherished friend that helps to educate children and fight poverty in Uganda, we have honored their work on behalf of all of us.” Last year, Meghan and Harry’s card featured a video of newborn Archie crawling towards the camera, with his smiling parents sitting behind him. They spent the 2019 holiday season in Canada rather than at Sandringham Estate — the queen’s rural retreat, as has long been customary for senior royals. Just sharing the sweetest Christmas Card from our President and Vice-President, The Duke and Duchess of Sussex. Very Merry Christmas, everyone! pic.twitter.com/McOcHALoGl — The Queen’s Commonwealth Trust (@queenscomtrust) December 23, 2019 Harry’s father and stepmother, Prince Charles and Camilla, also released a holiday card last week. The sweet photo was taken in the garden at Birkhall, Scotland. Prince William and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, have also released a heartwarming family photo from their 2020 Christmas card, also with their kids center stage. Prince George, 7, Princess Charlotte, 5, and Prince Louis, 2, are all seen lounging on their parents while smiling wide for the camera. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Duke and Duchess of Cambridge (@kensingtonroyal)
The spirit of Christmas was alive in a Collier County neighborhood Thursday night. Victoria Park is known for going all out for the holidays and is always packed on Christmas Eve. A teenager there added a little spin to the celebration. She’s raising money for the Humane Society as people drive by. The whole neighborhood was decked in lights, and a street with arches of lights was the most popular spot in the whole neighborhood. People were packing the street in their cars to enjoy the holiday lights and the Christmas spirit. ‘Twas the night before Christmas and all through Victoria Park. Hundreds and hundreds of cars lined up to see lights shining in the dark. Neighbors waved to those passing by from far and near, happy to bring the Christmas cheer, especially this year. Sweet melodies played by a 15-year-old girl, hoping to raise $1,000 for the humane society and bring joy to the world. Violinist Sidney Cramer plays for all who pass by her home in Victoria park on Christmas Eve Thursday, Dec. 24, 2020. Cramer raised money for the Human Society, collecting donations for anyone willing to spread the Christmas cheer. “This year has been really tough definitely, so to be able to shine some light amidst this darkness, that really makes me happy,” said violinist Sidney Cramer, who raised money for Humane Society. A community coming together to make Christmas Merry and bright with artificial snow, Santas and arches of lights. “To be a part of this this year means everything to me, everything,” neighbor Billy Michaelman said. Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night. “I hope that all these lights and all this stuff at least temporarily helps people kind of forget other things that are going on,” neighbor Robert Ouaou said.