Controversial changes to Bright Futures being put through legislative process

Students are worried and frustrated because Florida lawmakers are approving the first steps to change the Bright Futures scholarships. Proposed changes to Bright Futures would affect students who might not have a clear path to their future. Florida Senate Republicans want to update Bright Futures by granting scholarship money to students who get college credit […]

bright futures

A bill to cut scholarships for ‘Bright Futures’ students is back on the table

A controversial bill that could change your child’s future is back on the table. The bill that would cut scholarship money for “Bright Futures” students will be discussed on Tuesday. This means that students who don’t enroll in college majors that “lead directly to employment” would not receive scholarship money. But some students and parents […]

Chief Meteorologist Jim Farrell retires, cements legacy in SWFL

It’s hard to pinpoint one honor that encompasses more than 30 years serving Southwest Florida. WINK News and Southwest Florida say goodbye to Jim Farrell as chief meteorologist Friday, but we know his name will live on in other ways throughout his retirement. We hit the street to ask members of the public about what […]

FGCU students, 1st graders learn together about kindness

Students at Florida Gulf Coast University are teaching a younger generation about kindness, compassion and empathy. You probably wouldn’t think there’s any subject college students and first graders could learn together, but it turns out, there is, and WINK News got to witness it. “We’re spreading kindness and compassion and empathy,” said Julianna Griffin, who […]

Working mom says she lost her job due to need to care for her sick children

A working mother is fighting back after she says she was fired for taking care of her kids. Lauren Martinez of Cape Coral filed a lawsuit against her former employer. She claims her company laid her off because she needed to miss work to care for her sick kids at the height of the pandemic. […]

More CVS stores to carry vaccine, DeSantis announces during news conference in Lehigh Acres

The governor announced the expansion of vaccine availability at CVS pharmacies across the state, including here in Southwest Florida. Gov. Ron DeSantis held a press conference Tuesday afternoon at a CVS in Lehigh Acres. 76 more CVS pharmacies will begin vaccinating Floridians. Signups will begin on Thursday for appointments starting Friday. Visit cvs.com to register […]

‘He loved his community’: Friends mourn Sam Galloway Jr.

Many know Sam Galloway Jr. because of his mega-car dealership in Southwest Florida, but he was much more than a businessman. Galloway died this week at the age of 76. He leaves behind a legacy of helping people. His passion? Feeding the hungry. “Our generation was blessed to have Sam Galloway,” said Lee County Commissioner […]

DeSantis says Florida pharmacies will administer vaccines to teachers of all ages

Governor Ron DeSantis held a news conference Thursday morning in Crystal River on the vaccine rollout. DeSantis announced the vaccine rollout will move along past seniors at pharmacies, giving thousands of others a chance at their shot. Doses have been expanded across pharmacy locations, with more people eligible than ever before in our state. The […]