Paul Dolan, WINK-TV (Fort Myers, FL) Journalist Profile

Articles

Lee County seeks residents' input on flooding experiences through survey

1 week ago | winknews.com | Paul Dolan

Lee County is encouraging residents to participate in a survey about local flooding experiences. The county seeks insight into how high waters impact infrastructure and vulnerable populations. As of Thursday morning, 246 people have completed the survey, which has been available for just four days. The survey aims to gather community feedback on managing flood risks in the area.
Roads reopen after crash with injuries on Fowler Street

2 weeks ago | winknews.com | Paul Dolan

Roads are back open after a major crash on Fowler Street in Fort Myers. Fort Myers police said one person was injured in the three vehicle crash Friday morning. The Fort Myers Police Department responded to the scene of the crash. WINK News was at the scene and saw tow trucks clearing two of the three cars and another on its way to take the third. Southbound Fowler Street at Winkler Avenue was blocked off for an undetermined amount of time but reopened Friday at 10:37 a.m.
Boat accidents on the rise in Lee County

4 weeks ago | winknews.com | Paul Dolan

Southwest Florida's love for boating also brings a safety risk. In 2024, Florida Fish and Wildlife recorded more boating fatalities than the previous year. Lee County ranked as the sixth highest in Florida for boating crashes, with one being deadly. WINK News reporter Paul Dolan hit the docks to talk with local boaters. Capt. Sydnie Collins shared her insights on where she believes boating crashes often occur. "I would think a lot of accidents happen down in that area," said Collins.
New York college students boosts Captiva Island's storm defense with dune work

1 month ago | winknews.com | Paul Dolan

Beaches in Southwest Florida often face the brunt of tropical storms and hurricanes. On Captiva Island, a group of students from Elmira College in New York is working diligently to restore the sand dunes, crucial natural barriers against storm surges. The students, led by Associate Professor Kelly Smith, are currently taking measurements along the dunes. These measurements will help determine the exact area they need to work with for the restoration process. "Most of the vegetation was destroyed.
Residents react to surprise black bear appearance at Fort Myers shopping plaza

1 month ago | winknews.com | Paul Dolan

A black bear was spotted roaming through a Fort Myers town center around midnight Sunday, surprising local residents. Rachel Scott encountered the bear while picking up her 17-year-old son from work early Sunday morning in Fort Myers. “That would be the number one place I would least expect to see it,” said Scott. Despite her surprise, Scott noted that the bear was in no rush. “There was a couple people that were kind of walking around as it was moseying by,” said Scott.
First green sea turtle nest of the season appears on Sanibel

1 month ago | winknews.com | Paul Dolan

The first green sea turtle nest of the season has appeared on Sanibel Island, marking a significant moment for local conservation efforts. The Sanibel Captiva Conservation Foundation is working diligently to protect these nests, especially as different turtle nests emerge across the island. On World Turtle Day, WINK News was there to see how the foundation safeguards the nests.
FWC's bear hunt approval raises safety and ethical concerns in Florida

1 month ago | winknews.com | Paul Dolan

Wildlife authorities have voted to move forward with a bear hunt, a topic that has sparked interest and concern in the community. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) approved a 23-day bear hunt with a 4-1 vote on Wednesday. Steve Ware, the general manager of Sportsman's Warehouse, has decades of hunting experience. "Traditionally, bear in southwest Florida has not been, at least in my experience, hasn't been that big of a deal," said Ware.
Cane toad invasion in Gateway; resident catches 600 to protect pets

1 month ago | winknews.com | Paul Dolan

Cane toads are making a comeback in Southwest Florida, and residents are taking action. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission has given the green light for landowners to hunt these highly poisonous invasive species on their property. Dave Fox, a resident of the Silverlakes Gateway community, has been actively hunting cane toads near a lake in his neighborhood. Fox said he has caught all 600 cane toads within the two-mile loop of his community.
Lee County Sheriff's Office honors fallen deputies at emotional memorial service

1 month ago | winknews.com | Paul Dolan

The Lee County Sheriff's Office held a solemn memorial service to honor fallen deputies who sacrificed their lives while protecting the community. The ceremony took place inside the Calusa Sound Theater. "Our fallen officers are our heroes," said Lee County Sheriff Carmine Marceno, reflecting on the legacy and sacrifice of each fallen hero. Donnie Fewell, the brother of a fallen officer, shared poignant thoughts during the service. He said, "The room is full of heroes.
Sanibel reinstalls fishing line stations to protect local wildlife

1 month ago | winknews.com | Paul Dolan

Fishing is a beloved activity in Southwest Florida, bringing people together to enjoy the area's unique beauty. However, discarded fishing lines and hooks pose a significant threat to local wildlife. The city of Sanibel is taking action by reinstalling "Mind Your Line" stations, which were previously washed away by Hurricane Ian. WINK News reporter Paul Dolan visited Blind Pass Beach to see their progress.