Jolena Esperto

2 weeks ago | winknews.com | Jolena Esperto

The deadline for Elevate Florida applications is fast approaching, with submissions closing on April 11 at 7 p.m. This initiative is Florida’s first residential mitigation program aimed at bolstering community resilience and providing financial aid to homeowners needing to elevate their homes against hurricanes. Scott Hart, a resident of Englewood, found his home severely damaged by Hurricanes Milton and Helene. Despite the high costs of rebuilding from scratch, Hart is determined to move forward.

2 weeks ago | winknews.com | Jolena Esperto

A 23-year-old man is in jail in Pasco County, accused of killing his mother in Lehigh Acres. Authorities said Lukas Carlton allegedly slit his mother’s throat before fleeing. He was apprehended on Interstate 75 heading north. John Barnett, the victim’s husband of 16 years, shared his grief. He described the horrifying moment he witnessed his wife, Stephanie Lynch Barnett, choking on her own blood. “I mean for this to sink in, it’s gonna take me a very long time,” said Barnett.

2 weeks ago | winknews.com | Jolena Esperto

The City of Fort Myers is taking steps to transform a small island in the Caloosahatchee River into a public park. To complete the project on Legacy Island, the city plans to apply for a $330,000 grant from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. Currently, the island lacks docks for boats, with only pylons in place. The goal is to add walking trails, a dock, an observation platform, and a beach to the island. A year ago, Legacy Island was overgrown and almost unrecognizable.

2 weeks ago | winknews.com | Jolena Esperto

A bill targeting abandoned and dilapidated boats in Florida’s waters has passed the final Senate vote with a unanimous 37-0 decision. This development aims to both clear the waters of these derelict vessels and increase penalties for those violating state boating laws. The bill, known as Senate Bill 164, introduces harsher penalties for vessels that fail to comply with long-term anchoring mandates.

3 weeks ago | winknews.com | Jolena Esperto

Authorities are investigating a man accused of exploiting older people by pretending to be a pastor. RELATED: Elderly in SWFL defrauded by Bonita Springs man posing as pastorTimothy Deaton allegedly befriended individuals and created documents to become the beneficiary of their estates. Steven Wise, the nephew of one victim, expressed disbelief over Deaton’s actions.