WINK-TV (Fort Myers, FL)

A lot of people are curious about the origin of the name WINK News. While it might seem like it relates to the CBS logo since we are a CBS station, the truth is a bit different. WINK's story starts back in 1939, when it was known as WFTM, a radio station not affiliated with any network, owned by the Fort Myers Broadcasting Company. It holds the distinction of being the first licensed radio station in Southwest Florida. In 1942, the station was acquired by Ronald B. Woodyard and Reginald B. Martin, leading to a change in its call letters to WAAC.

Local

English, Spanish

Television

Outlet metrics

Domain Authority

Ranking

Global

#52082

United States

#10538

Arts and Entertainment/TV Movies and Streaming

#339

Traffic sources

Monthly visitors

Articles

US strikes 3 Iranian nuclear sites, inserting itself into Israel's war with Iran

6 days ago | winknews.com | David Rising |Sam Mednick |Maddie Herron |Haley Zarcone

The United States attacked three sites in Iran early Sunday, inserting itself into Israel’s war aimed at destroying the Iranian nuclear program in a risky gambit to weaken a longtime foe that prompted fears of a wider regional conflict as Tehran accused Washington of launching "a dangerous war.”U.S. President Donald Trump asserted that Iran’s key nuclear sites were “completely and fully obliterated” in an address to the nation from the White House.
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.
Lee County inmate attack raises questions on jail policy compliance

1 week ago | winknews.com | Claire Galt

The pairing of Yanko Romero and Brandt Diaz in a shared cell has raised questions about whether the Lee County Sheriff's Office violated policy. For more than a week, WINK News has reported that deputies said Romero beat Diaz while he was sleeping. Romero is now facing charges for that incident as well as the murder charges that put him in jail to begin with.
Fort Myers residents demand action on dangerous Palm Beach Blvd crashes

1 week ago | winknews.com | Amy Galo

Palm Beach Boulevard in Fort Myers has become notorious for its frequent and often fatal accidents. Recently, a man driving under the influence crashed into a taco stand, running over a family who was left with only minor injuries. In May, a 15-year-old boy lost his life while attempting to cross the boulevard on his bike. Fort Myers Police identified this area as one of the top five crash spots for 2024 in their north district. Residents are alarmed by the dangers they face on this road.
Family of jail beatdown victim ask for help from Sheriff Marceno

1 week ago | winknews.com | Claire Galt

WINK News continues to seek answers regarding an incident at the Lee County Jail. Brandt Diaz, who was reportedly on suicide watch, was attacked by his cellmate, Yanko Romero, a suspect in a deadly shooting last week. Diaz's family is demanding to know why he was placed in the same cell as Romero. Despite inquiries, the Lee County Sheriff's Office has not disclosed if the decision was due to space constraints.
Caught on Camera: Burrowing owl quintet stares down Cape Coral resident

1 week ago | winknews.com | Nicholas Karsen

A group of wide-eyed burrowing owls is capturing hearts in Southwest Florida after they were spotted perched peacefully in a neighborhood. The video submitted Tuesday morning by WINK News viewer Lindsay Funk shows them calmly surveying their surroundings—one even giving the camera a curious head tilt. According to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, burrowing owls are a threatened species within the state and the smallest species of owl in Florida.
Family of jail beatdown victim asks for help from Sheriff Marceno

1 week ago | winknews.com | Claire Galt

WINK News continues to seek answers regarding an incident at the Lee County Jail. Brandt Diaz, who was reportedly on suicide watch, was attacked by his cellmate, Yanko Romero, a suspect in a deadly shooting last week. Diaz's family is demanding to know why he was placed in the same cell as Romero. Despite inquiries, the Lee County Sheriff's Office has not disclosed if the decision was due to space constraints.
City decides for no concession area for Naples Pier

1 week ago | winknews.com | Bianca Smith

Naples City Council recently discussed the future of the hurricane-damaged Naples Pier, focusing on three design options. The council reached a consensus on the design without a concession area. The three options presented for the pier's redesign included Option One, featuring concessions, storage and open-air dining. Option One-A offered a similar design but without storage or concessions. Option Two, which the council favored, included a bathroom for Naples police and less open-air space.
Stalled settlement on man's 'lemon car'

1 week ago | winknews.com | Lindsey Sablan

You buy a new car, barely get it off the lot, and it has problems. Anyone would be frustrated. Then, it's declared a “lemon,” but 18 months later, there’s still no fix, and no money back. A man’s 2023 Buick only has 2500 miles on it, and it's sitting in a storage unit. It's not because the owner doesn't want to drive. He can't because it's not safe. “I'm down here for leisure and [to] enjoy my senior years, not chase General Motors,” said owner Tom Russo.
Sanibel moves forward with plans to dredge Wulfert channel

1 week ago | winknews.com | Amy Galo

Sanibel City Council moved forward on June 12 with plans to dredge the Wulfert Channel. In a 4-1 vote, the council declared its intent to schedule a one-time Wulfert dredging. A special financing district was established for Sanibel property owners who directly access the Wulfert Channel area. This decision means that around 196 property owners will need to contribute financially to the project.