Controversial Florida anti-riot bill now awaits governor decision

A controversial anti-riot bill filled with consequences for demonstrators is ready for Gov. Ron DeSantis to make an executive decision. DeSantis pushed for this legislation following a summer of protests for social justice in 2020 after the death of a Black man in police custody. But peaceful protesters are emotional about the proposed new rules, […]

Florida Senate passes anti-riot bill

Update: The Florida Senate has passed the anti-riot bill SB 484 Thursday, and it is now headed to Gov. Ron DeSantis to be signed. WINK News’ original story follows. Florida is one step closer to a crackdown on violent protests. The Florida Senate is moving fast to pass an anti-riot bill, which includes a long […]

Art history mystery: Who is this ‘bronze beauty’?

Putting a face to the missing name. An elaborate bust of a woman was made by an artist who created sculptures of prominent people but researchers can’t figure out who the sculpture is of. Kathleen Brennan’s home is an art gallery of sorts. It’s filled with paintings and sculptures, each with its own story. “You […]

Fort Myers Police Department headquarters. (Credit: WINK News)

Fort Myers PD working to improve safety, trust within community

The Fort Myers Police Department said it’s targeting areas and trying to prevent crime before it happens, something the city said has reduced violent crime by 51%. The city is now focusing on how much trust and satisfaction people have with the police department. Chief Derrick Diggs said the numbers prove the plan to keep […]

SWFL black expo

First-ever SWFL Black Business Expo in Fort Myers aimed at helping businesses thrive

The first-ever SWFL Black Business Expo sold out at Edison Mall in Fort Myers. It is aimed at helping Black businesses in the area grow and flourish. Every morning when Altemia Diggs opens the doors to her makeover studio and hair academy, she counts her blessings. She remembers daily why she’s still in business even […]

DeSantis files lawsuit against federal government, CDC over cruise industry shutdown

The state of Florida has filed a lawsuit against the federal government to demand cruise ships be allowed to start sailing immediately, Gov. Ron DeSantis announced Thursday. DeSantis said the no-sail order is outdated and hurts the state as the industry generates billions for the economy and employs tens of thousands of Floridians. “We don’t […]

SWFL Asian-American, Pacific Islander communities discuss targeted hostility during pandemic

Asian-American and Pacific Islander communities in Southwest Florida organized a symposium Wednesday to discuss the violence and verbal attacks directed toward these community members associated with the coronavirus and the pandemic. Violence against Asian-Americans nationwide has been hard to watch for many. There have been no such reports in Southwest Florida. But members of these […]

Lee County considering making cashless toll system permanent

Gone are the days where someone would greet you and collect your cash at the tollbooth. COVID-19 brought a new era of cashless tolls and Lee County wants it to stay that way. But the change could cost you an additional $2 every time you pass a tollbooth in Southwest Florida. The cashless system may […]