What changes if Big Cypress National Preserve becomes a Wilderness Area?Method to treat IBD being used for other health issues
BIG CYPRESS PRESERVE What changes if Big Cypress National Preserve becomes a Wilderness Area? America’s first nationally designated preserve is in Southwest Florida’s backyard, and it is celebrating its fiftieth anniversary.
Method to treat IBD being used for other health issues Trying to get treatments for the brain when fighting neurological diseases like epilepsy and ALS is a challenge.
FORT MYERS NTSB report reveals new details in helicopter crash after Hurricane Ian The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has released its final report on a helicopter crash that occurred in Iona, Florida, shortly after Hurricane Ian.
‘Latinos in Action’ empowers all students to succeed WINK News talked with teachers who are a part of the program, helping kids reach their full potential.
Immokalee ‘The eyes always draw me in’; Immokalee portrait artist turns dark times into color One of Southwest Florida best portrait artist, Martha Maria Cantu, almost gave up art. Now she’s on the forefront of the city of Immokalee, to make her community filled with color.
GOLDEN GATE Collier commissioners approve agreement for golf complex in Golden Gate Collier commissioners unanimously approved a long term lease and operating agreement to reopen the Golden Gate golf course Tuesday.
PUNTA GORDA Motorcyclists ride in SWFL to help veterans battle suicide A group of veterans from the American Legion are grabbing their helmets and boots for a motorcycle ride to bring awareness to the staggering rates of suicide among veterans.
SARASOTA Alleged sexual abuse victims of Port Charlotte priest comes forward Father Riley worked at three churches in Charlotte County and another in Naples. On Friday, new allegations emerged from a news conference in Sarasota.
PORT CHARLOTTE Port Charlotte priest accused of sexual abuse appears in court A priest accused of sexually abusing four altar boys in Iowa nearly 40 years ago returned to Charlotte County court.
Alamo Drafthouse Cinema prepares for opening at Mercato The newest movie theater in Southwest Florida opens April 29, and it does so with an array of entertainment offerings that go beyond the usual options across the region.
Let’s Waffle opens in Cape Coral Let’s Waffle is one of two businesses the Feix family launched locally, with the FMS Florida Boat Tours and Limousine Service owned and operated by Feix’s husband, Alexander.
Planned Punta Gorda hotel, pub, brewery faces construction delay Kevin Doyle, owner of Celtic Ray Public House Irish pub in downtown Punta Gorda, and his partner, S4 Global Investments, were found in violation of the city’s exposed soils code.
Three Sisters Spring Toast the manatee released by FWC, SeaWorld and Casey DeSantis near Crystal River A manatee named Toast was released back into the Florida waters after a final medical evaluation from wildlife officials.
CAPE CORAL Cape Coral Man arrested and charged with over 90 counts of fraud The Cape Coral Police Department arrested a man for allegedly stealing items from a business and then pawning them.
Man accused of pulling gun on someone ordering at Collier County Dunkin’ Donuts drive-thru A man has been arrested after allegedly pulling a gun on someone ordering at a Dunkin’ Donuts drive-thru in Collier County.
BIG CYPRESS PRESERVE What changes if Big Cypress National Preserve becomes a Wilderness Area? America’s first nationally designated preserve is in Southwest Florida’s backyard, and it is celebrating its fiftieth anniversary.
Method to treat IBD being used for other health issues Trying to get treatments for the brain when fighting neurological diseases like epilepsy and ALS is a challenge.
FORT MYERS NTSB report reveals new details in helicopter crash after Hurricane Ian The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has released its final report on a helicopter crash that occurred in Iona, Florida, shortly after Hurricane Ian.
‘Latinos in Action’ empowers all students to succeed WINK News talked with teachers who are a part of the program, helping kids reach their full potential.
Immokalee ‘The eyes always draw me in’; Immokalee portrait artist turns dark times into color One of Southwest Florida best portrait artist, Martha Maria Cantu, almost gave up art. Now she’s on the forefront of the city of Immokalee, to make her community filled with color.
GOLDEN GATE Collier commissioners approve agreement for golf complex in Golden Gate Collier commissioners unanimously approved a long term lease and operating agreement to reopen the Golden Gate golf course Tuesday.
PUNTA GORDA Motorcyclists ride in SWFL to help veterans battle suicide A group of veterans from the American Legion are grabbing their helmets and boots for a motorcycle ride to bring awareness to the staggering rates of suicide among veterans.
SARASOTA Alleged sexual abuse victims of Port Charlotte priest comes forward Father Riley worked at three churches in Charlotte County and another in Naples. On Friday, new allegations emerged from a news conference in Sarasota.
PORT CHARLOTTE Port Charlotte priest accused of sexual abuse appears in court A priest accused of sexually abusing four altar boys in Iowa nearly 40 years ago returned to Charlotte County court.
Alamo Drafthouse Cinema prepares for opening at Mercato The newest movie theater in Southwest Florida opens April 29, and it does so with an array of entertainment offerings that go beyond the usual options across the region.
Let’s Waffle opens in Cape Coral Let’s Waffle is one of two businesses the Feix family launched locally, with the FMS Florida Boat Tours and Limousine Service owned and operated by Feix’s husband, Alexander.
Planned Punta Gorda hotel, pub, brewery faces construction delay Kevin Doyle, owner of Celtic Ray Public House Irish pub in downtown Punta Gorda, and his partner, S4 Global Investments, were found in violation of the city’s exposed soils code.
Three Sisters Spring Toast the manatee released by FWC, SeaWorld and Casey DeSantis near Crystal River A manatee named Toast was released back into the Florida waters after a final medical evaluation from wildlife officials.
CAPE CORAL Cape Coral Man arrested and charged with over 90 counts of fraud The Cape Coral Police Department arrested a man for allegedly stealing items from a business and then pawning them.
Man accused of pulling gun on someone ordering at Collier County Dunkin’ Donuts drive-thru A man has been arrested after allegedly pulling a gun on someone ordering at a Dunkin’ Donuts drive-thru in Collier County.
Photo by WINK News. “You knew he was going to be special one day,” That’s what Rich Dombroski said, who saw something special in J.C. Jackson the moment he took the Immokalee High School Football field. “From day one, J.C. was probably the most physical defensive back that I’ve ever been around,” Dombroski said. “And coupled with his speed and athleticism, you kind of suspected this kid could do something great.” Dombroski coached Jackson at IHS in 2013, at which time the Indians football senior became a four star recruit and chose the University of Florida. He was chasing an NFL dream. “All the kids at Immokalee do because of Edgerrin James, the first great player to come out of IHS,” Dombroski said. Jackson’s ride wasn’t a smooth one though. In his first year in a Florida Gators uniform, he injured his shoulder and was red-shirted. He’d never take the UF football field again, but that’s because Jackson was arrested for armed robbery in 2015. “But knowing J.C. and what motivated J.C., J.C.’s dream of playing in the NFL one day, I knew it was going to take more than that to stop him,” Dombrowski said. “There was no quit in J.C. J.C. was gonna keep fighting until he got to where he needed to be.” Jackson was found not guilty on all charges, but his time with the SEC program was over. He would make a stop at Riverside City, a Junior College in California then work his way back to the University of Maryland. “His family was there to support him and remind him this is the second opportunity and you don’t get second opportunities often,” Rodelin Anthony said. Anthony now leads Immokalee HS Football, where he see’s Jackson’s legacy lead up-and-coming athletes by example. “It sends a positive message and it shows them, ‘Hey keep fighting; keep going down that road of success,'” Anthony said. “Every bump is an opportunity to land a great story and ultimately make you a better person and a stronger athlete.” After a couple years with the University of Maryland, Jackson declared for the NFL draft in 2018. He wasn’t drafted, but he wasn’t giving up. Before the year was through, he was signed as an undrafted free agent for the New England Patriots. “I’m not surprised at all that he made the roster,” Dombrowski said. “Knowing Bill Belichick and knowing the way he brings guys in, he saw something special in J.C.” By week 13, Belichick gave Jackson the starting spot on the Patriots. In his rookie season as a Patriots cornerback, Jackson already has 3 interceptions and has become a massive force for the Patriots defense. This weekend, in his first year in the NFL, Jerald Christopher “J.C.” Jackson, the pride of Immokalee, is starting in a Super Bowl. His journey there was one of overcoming obstacles and adversity and sends a message to his football followers and community in Southwest Florida. “Keep fighting for what you believe in,” Dombrowski said, “That’s what J.C. Jackson did, and he’s playing in the Super Bowl.” Watch Immokalee’s own J.C. Jackson in Super Bowl LIII on WINK.