FGCU softball pitcher making a name for herselfSurrendering-pets trend at Gulf Coast Humane Society concerns
FORT MYERS FGCU softball pitcher making a name for herself One season in FGCU, freshman pitcher Allison Sparkman is already ruffling feathers in the circle.
Surrendering-pets trend at Gulf Coast Humane Society concerns An large amount of pets are being surrendered by their owners. About half of the dogs at the Gulf Coast Humane Society are surrender dogs.
Students benefitting from millions in sales tax dollars So far, the voter-approved half-cent sales tax has brought in $507 million for the Lee County School District.
PORT CHARLOTTE ‘Shady’: One woman feels misled after federal student loan consolidation It takes some people decades to pay off their student loans. One woman’s last payment was in sight until she took a gamble she said she was told to take.
FORT MYERS Homeless encampments inch closer to neighborhoods Law enforcement has swept multiple encampments, cleaning the trails of mess and muck left behind, and some of these encampments are right in our backyards.
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 50th 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.
NAPLES Memorial celebrates the life of John Passidomo Hundreds of friends and family gathered for a memorial at Baker Park in Naples.
‘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.
FORT MYERS FGCU softball pitcher making a name for herself One season in FGCU, freshman pitcher Allison Sparkman is already ruffling feathers in the circle.
Surrendering-pets trend at Gulf Coast Humane Society concerns An large amount of pets are being surrendered by their owners. About half of the dogs at the Gulf Coast Humane Society are surrender dogs.
Students benefitting from millions in sales tax dollars So far, the voter-approved half-cent sales tax has brought in $507 million for the Lee County School District.
PORT CHARLOTTE ‘Shady’: One woman feels misled after federal student loan consolidation It takes some people decades to pay off their student loans. One woman’s last payment was in sight until she took a gamble she said she was told to take.
FORT MYERS Homeless encampments inch closer to neighborhoods Law enforcement has swept multiple encampments, cleaning the trails of mess and muck left behind, and some of these encampments are right in our backyards.
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 50th 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.
NAPLES Memorial celebrates the life of John Passidomo Hundreds of friends and family gathered for a memorial at Baker Park in Naples.
‘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.
Ryan Graf, David Heinze, Jerrell Smith. 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 or your local law enforcement. Call 1-800-780-TIPS (8477). Here are three fugitives wanted by Southwest Florida Crime Stoppers. Ryan Graf Ryan Graf (DOB 1/3/83) – wanted in Collier County for aggravated battery w/a deadly weapon, attempted aggravated cruelty to animals, burglary, and criminal mischief. He is accused of breaking into a resident’s patio and threatening the homeowner with a bat. Before Crime Stoppers says he ran away and threw scaffolding from the patio into the pool area, causing quite a bit of damage. Roughly 15 minutes later, he went to another home and armed himself with a machete. After striking the victim, Graf turned to the family dog and tried to kill him, as well. He’s been busted three times previously in Collier and 9 times in Charlotte County for resisting, assault, dealing in stolen property, fraudulent use of a credit card and grand theft. He’s also been sent to prison twice for theft and trafficking in stolen property. He is 5’11”, 150 pounds and was last known to be living in the Golden Gate Estates area. He’s worked in the past as a self-employed handyman, painter and construction laborer. David Heinze David Heinze (DOB 6/23/99) – wanted in Collier County on a bench warrant for failure to appear on charges of making a written threat to kill/do bodily injury & aggravated stalking. Crime Stoppers says he does not have a previous criminal history, other than the original charge of intimidation- written threat to do bodily injury, aggravated stalking/stalk with a credible threat. He is 5’10”, 187 pounds, and has been on the run since late March. Although he’s wanted in Naples, his last known address is in Bonita, with an occupation listed as working at a retail vitamin store. Jerrell Smith Jerrell Smith (DOB 11/12/88) – wanted in Lee County for violation of probation – aggravated assault with a weapon and the possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. His current charge stems from Smith inviting an acquaintance to an apartment to partake in some narcotics activity. But when the man arrived, Smith allegedly pulled a gun on him and threatened to kill his family, before stealing his cash, credit cards, ID and cell phone. He’s only been out of jail for two months on probation and already he’s back on law enforcement’s radar. To date, he’s been booked 16 times before in Lee County, and three times in Hendry, on charges of armed robbery, aggravated assault, burglary, theft, domestic violence, aggravated stalking, weapons charges, and multiple counts of battery. He’s also been sent to prison once for battery. He is 5’6”, 185 pounds and is known to move back and forth between Lehigh and Clewiston. He has a tattoo of “RIP Lanette” on his left arm and the name Ashton Ja’lie on his hand. And upon his arrest, he will be held without bond. CAPTURED Tyler Williamson Tyler Williamson – Was wanted in Lee County for Violation of Probation on three counts of robbery. His current charge stems from an incident when he got into a verbal altercation with a man in Bokeelia over money. If you have a tip on the whereabouts of any of these wanted suspects contact Southwest Florida Crime Stoppers. All callers will remain anonymous and will be eligible for a cash reward of up to $3,000. Southwest Florida Crime Stoppers 1-800-780-TIPS (8477) or southwestfloridacrimestoppers.com