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.

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#10949

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Demolition begins on parts of Royal Palm Square in Fort Myers

1 day ago | winknews.com | David Dorsey

Almost three years after buying Royal Palm Square and then waiting for existing leases to expire, Alessio Cos. made its first major move in transforming the 14-acre site between Colonial and Royal Palm Square boulevards in Fort Myers.
Charlotte firefighters save cat stuck in PVC pipe

4 days ago | winknews.com | Matias Abril

Some Charlotte County fire rescuers sprang into action to save a cat that found itself in a tight spot. A woman stopped by the Charlotte County Fire/EMS Station Station 8 on Monday needing help getting her feline friend out of a PVC pipe. With the hep of Lt. Mike Brucci and Firefighter-EMT Kyle Phillips’s "claw-some" teamwork, the feline was safely freed and back on its paws in no time. CREDIT: Per Charlotte County Public Safety:
Captiva Island's original South Seas Resort developer dies at 84

4 days ago | winknews.com | David Dorsey

Al Ten Broek, who founded a company that began by redeveloping South Seas Resort on Captiva Island in the 1970s and then became the largest private employer in Lee County by the late 1990s, died at 84. Allen Gilbert Ten Broek (pronounced Brook), born in Milwaukee in 1940, co-founded The Mariner Group, a Fort Myers-based real estate development and hospitality company that grew to about 5,000 employees and focused on environmentally- and economically-sustainable resort development.
WINK Investigates: Controversy over kratom in SWFL

4 days ago | winknews.com | Haley Zarcone

Kava bars and clubs continue to pop up across Southwest Florida, offering products that promise relaxation or energy to anyone 21 and older. However, one product derived from the herbal leaf kratom is raising eyebrows for its disguised opioid effects. Kratom itself is legal and natural, but a chemically altered form known as 7-Hydroxymitragynine is sparking concern. Dr. Christopher McCurdy, a professor at the University of Florida, explained the issue.
Lee County faces worst drought in 24 years

1 week ago | winknews.com | Amy Galo

Southwest Florida is facing an intense drought, with Lee County experiencing its worst dry spell in 24 years. This situation marks the driest conditions the area has seen since 2001. According to date published by NOAA and the National Integrated Drought Information System, Lee County is currently in its 40th driest year to date, 2.7 inches below normal.
Lehigh Acres woman accused of role in Collier County armed robberies

1 week ago | winknews.com | Carolina Guzman

A 32-year-old woman from Lehigh Acres has been arrested for allegedly serving as the getaway driver in a series of armed robberies across Collier County. According to the Collier County Sheriff's Office, Crystal Garza's husband, Christopher Arrick Townsend, 37, has been in jail since Feb. 27 on similar charges. Detectives reported that Garza drove a white Mini Cooper, acting as a lookout while Townsend, armed and masked, robbed businesses.
Tips during Hurricane Awareness Week

1 week ago | winknews.com | Matt Devitt

Hurricane Preparedness Week is in full swing, focusing on staying protected during storms. This year, new tools aim to enhance safety and preparedness. Every hurricane season brings new lessons and opportunities for improvement. After being impacted by hurricanes Debbie, Helene and Milton last year, there is much to analyze and upgrade. "When a storm blows in, the biggest questions are where's it going and will it impact my home?" said The Weather Authority Chief Meteorologist Matt Devitt.
Naked man caught on camera sparks concern in Pine Island Cove community

1 week ago | winknews.com | Jolena Esperto

A naked man roaming around Pine Island Cove has been caught on several neighbors' security cameras, sparking concern among residents. The bizarre sightings have been happening for weeks, with the man even attempting to break and enter homes. RELATED: Nude man caught on camera leaves Pine Island Cove residents worriedOne resident, Jack, decided to take matters into his own hands after spotting the man on his bike cutting through yards.
Cape Coral man gored by bison in Yellowstone National Park

1 week ago | winknews.com | Matias Abril

A Cape Coral man is recovering after a Bison gored him in the Lake Village area of Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming. On Sunday, at approximately 3:15 p.m., the Cape man was gored by the bison after he approached it too closely, the park said. The man sustained minor injuries and was treated by emergency medical personnel. The incident is currently under investigation, and no further details are available at this time.
Alligator caught after attacking goats at Golden Gate Estates farm

1 week ago | winknews.com | Carolina Guzman

An alligator recently disrupted the peaceful environment at Funny Bunches of Goats in Golden Gate Estates. The alligator killed a goat named Riding Hood and left another goat, Mojito, without a leg, last week. Owner Sarah Pershing helped to rescue Mojito. Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) officers arrived on the scene to trap the reptile. The alligator put up a strong fight, but FWC successfully captured it.