WINK News - December 9, 2024
There was hope for Captain Con’s Fish House in Bokeelia after the damage from Hurricane Helene in September. That hope was crushed after Hurricane Milton’s destruction in October. On Sunday, the long-time popular Bokeelia restaurant was demolished.
I am live at the demolition site
WINK News - December 6, 2024
There are new developments in the murder-for-hire case that made headlines for weeks at the start of the year. The defendants are back in court. Justin Casagranda is accused of killing Mario Schiano and Anthony Galeotti in Charlotte County back in January. Detectives say he was hired by two people to commit the deadly crime. Those two people are Schiano’s wife, Kelly Schiano, and Everett Harper.
I am live at the Charlotte County Court House
WINK News - December 6, 2024
Hundreds joined to pay their respects to a beloved firefighter who passed away in November. Friends and family of John McMahon Jr. all met in Hertz Arena Friday morning for his funeral service.
WINK News - December 5, 2024
INVESTIGATION: One Lee County Commissioner wants to change how taxpayers view the Lee County Sheriff’s Office budget following a possible federal investigation and a grand jury meeting. Both situations have put the Sheriff’s Office budget in the crosshairs. Commissioner Brian Hamman’s proposing changes.
I am live in the studio
WINK News - December 4, 2024
INVESTIGATION: The Lee County Sheriff’s Office and Sheriff Carmine Marceno have been under scrutiny since a federal investigation on potential money laundering began. Many have questioned LCSO’s spending, so we broke down the budget. Just this year, the Sheriff’s Office budget received a $39 million increase, which it says will help 80 new hires and will allow them to give pay raises.
I am live at the Lee County Sheriff's Office
WINK News - December 3, 2024
INVESTIGATION: In light of recent investigations into Lee County Sheriff Carmine Marceno, a Lee County commissioner proposed a change at Tuesday’s commission meeting that would separate the county budget from the sheriff’s.
I am live at the Fort Myers City Chambers
WINK News - December 2, 2024
Thousands of people were trapped in their cars for hours at Miromar Outlets in Estero on Black Friday. On Monday, WINK News obtained the contract between the Lee County Sheriff’s Office and Miromar Outlets, which sheds light on how traffic got as bad as it did.
I am live at the Miramar Outlets
WINK News - November 29, 2024
Black Friday at Miromar Outlets turned into a nightmare as shoppers faced endless traffic jams. Frustrated drivers spent hours trying to leave.
Some without even stepping foot in a store.
WINK News - November 28, 2024
BREAKING: At least two people were injured during a head-on crash on Burnt Store Road and Caloosa Parkway in Cape Coral. Two cars were involved, and two people were airlifted to Gulf Coast Hospital around 5:45 p.m. after the crash on Thursday evening. They have non-life-threatening injuries.
I am live at the crash scene
WINK News - November 27, 2024
The night before Thanksgiving is one of the busiest business days for pizza places like McGregor Pizza. I spent the night with a local pizza joint to see just how busy they are.
I am live in the studio
WINK News - November 26, 2024
A multi-million dollar donation is helping people with autism have priceless experiences. Last week, billionaire philanthropist Tom Golisano gave $85 million in donations to 41 local organizations. Family Initiative, a non-profit based in Cape Coral that works with children with autism got $5 million, which they plan to use towards their mission of redefining autism
I am live in the studio
WINK News - November 25, 2024
A man returns home from deployment and gets to be a father. Only WINK News cameras were rolling as Peter Rosche held his baby girl Margo for the first time.
I am live at the RSW airport
WINK News - November 25, 2024
The man accused of driving drunk and crashing his car into That BBQ Place on Matlacha, killing a patron, has been denied his request for a new attorney.
WINK News - November 23, 2024
EXCLUSIVE: After Cape Coral homeowners fell victim to vandals who destroyed their home with racist and hateful slurs, the community is rallying together to get the home back to its original state.
I am a look live in the studio
WINK News - November 22, 2024
EXCLUSIVE: New exclusive surveillance video shows the moment a Cape Coral home is vandalized. The suspects painted racial slurs on the wall in red paint. WINK News broke this story on Wednesday. On Friday, Cape Coral Police Chief Anthony Sizemore met with the victim and homeowner, Dr. Peter Ndiangui, to discuss the incident. WINK News was the only one invited to hear that conversation.
I am live at the damaged home
WINK News - November 21, 2024
Green means go, red means stop and blue means you just ran a red light.
Collier County is going to install blue lights to help flag red-light runners at problem intersections.
I am live in Collier County
WINK News - November 20, 2024
EXCLUSIVE: A man returned to his unfinished Cape Coral home to find it’s been violated and vandalized. Cape Coral police are searching for the suspect or suspects. He found paint splattered, glass shattered, massive holes in walls, doors and windows broken and derogatory writing on walls. Words too vile to write or show on television.
I am live at the Cape Coral Police Department
WINK News - November 18, 2024
A lot of changes are in store when President-elect Donald Trump takes office in January. One of those changes is the possible dismantlement of the U.S. Department of Education. I break down the impacts Florida may see with this potential change.
I am live in the studio
WINK News - November 15, 2024
INVESTIGATION: A southwest Florida developer has now surrendered his six different contracting licenses, which include general contracting, plumbing and roofing. How did we get to this point? What’s next? I started investigating after an email tip was sent in July 2024, claiming Beattie has destroyed many lives.
I am live in the studio
WINK News - November 14, 2024
INVESTIGATION: Beattie Development has been accused of taking customers’ money and not completing work promised, and now the company’s owner is surrendering his licenses. Paul Beattie had a hearing in front of the construction industry licensing board. This is the board that serves the Department of Business and Professional Regulation. Beattie voluntarily gave up his construction, plumbing and roofing licenses. This means, he is no longer allowed to build homes anymore.
I am live in the studio
WINK News - November 13, 2024
A Fort Myers woman believes a fraudulent QR code at Bonita Beach Park near Barefoot Beach caused her credit card to be hacked. She’s on a mission to warn others
WINK News - November 11, 2024
Both amendments deal with two very different topics but one thing they share in common is they will both impact the state of Florida. Experts say they will likely be impacts but it’s too early to tell what concrete impacts we may see. Both amendments need to be established in the law first, in order to understand the impacts. Of course, many have predictions.
WINK News - November 8, 2024
I am trying to understand what reason would warrant three big-name government agencies to swarm Oakes’ home and warehouse. Kristen Ziman, a retired police chief and WINK’s Safety and Security Specialist, said this situation likely involves financial crimes.
I am live at the Oakes Farms warehouse
WINK News - November 7, 2024
BREAKING: Several federal and state law enforcement agencies were at politician Alfie Oakes’, home and packing house for an investigation that remains undisclosed. Those agencies are the Secret Service, the IRS and the U.S. Department of Defense Office of Inspector General on the scene.
I am live at the Oakes Farm warehouse
WINK News - November 6, 2024
Amendments three and four, marijuana and abortion, failed, despite the majority of voters wanting both amendments to pass. They both didn’t get 60% yes. Some voters believe the 60% mark is too high to make constitutional changes. For the threshold to change, it has to be put on the ballot for voters to decide and would need at least 60% of the vote.
I am live in the studio
WINK News - November 5, 2024
Florida’s Amendment 4, which aimed to create a constitutional right to abortion, has failed to pass. The amendment received 57% of the vote, falling short of the 60% vote required to pass. Florida’s current six-week abortion ban will, therefore, remain in place.
I am live at a polling place
WINK News - November 4, 2024
Stipends, Jaycee Park and new developments have been topics of concern in the City of Cape Coral for months now. Some voters tell WINK News they don’t know much about City Council and didn’t vote on that section of the ballot, others say they want all the incumbents gone with a laundry list of complaints.
I am live in the studio
WINK News - November 1, 2024
Red tide is smelly. Red tide is painful. At times, it can take you by surprise.
Symptoms include coughing, sneezing, and teary eyes. Satellite maps show red tide creeping more toward the south from offshore of Pinellas County. I speak with beachgoers and the city of Sanibel on how to prepare.
I am live on the beach in Sanibel
WINK News - October 31, 2024
BREAKING: New information has been released about the 2-year-old Clewiston boy who died from a single gunshot wound. According to authorities, this was an accidental and isolated incident.
I am live at the crime scene
WINK News - October 30, 2024
EXCLUSIVE: Election day is less than a week away and in the final stretch, we are hearing from more state officials. Florida Speaker of the House, Paul Renner, spoke exclusively me about the upcoming election.
I am live in the studio
WINK News - October 30, 2024
EXCLUSIVE: Thrive Academy is a first-of-its-kind school for those diagnosed with autism. On Wednesday, the school held a ribbon-cutting ceremony and invited the public inside. Parents tell WINK News that this is a “dream” as the school has tailored curriculum to the kids’ unique needs.
I am live inside Thrive Academy
WINK News - October 29, 2024
Is Matlacha forgotten? People in Matlacha still have questions following a civic association meeting Monday night that focused on rebuilding the island after recent storms. County leaders, business owners and property owners attended the meeting which got contentious at times.
.I am live at a debris site in Matlacha
WINK News - October 25, 2024
A New York investor has purchased Aspen, Colorado-based M Development’s interest in developing the former St. George & The Dragon property into luxury condominiums, boutique shops and restaurants in Naples, but the project team will continue to guide the project.
I am live on the property
WINK News - October 25, 2024
EXPLAINER: Florida helps to fund the campaigns of all statewide office candidates, including the governor, attorney general, chief financial officer, and agriculture commissioner. If passed, Amendment 6 will remove that funding.
I am a look live in the studio
WINK News - October 24, 2024
EXPLAINER: Collier County voters will see a tax-neutral referendum on their ballot. The referendum aims to shift funds from capital to operating expenses in the Collier County Public School system. It’s a continuation of the referendum currently in place
I am live in the studio
WINK News - October 24, 2024
EXPLAINER: Property taxes are not anyone’s favorite words, but they are money that must be paid if you own Florida real estate. Amendment 5 deals with homeowners, specifically those with a homestead exemption, which reduces a property’s taxable value.
I am a look live in the studio
WINK News - October 23, 2024
Benjamin, of Collier County, passed away on Saturday, two days after choking on food on his school lunch break at Laurel Oak Elementary School. 911 was called, and the North Collier Fire District responded within minutes.
I am live at the Collier County Public School headquarters
WINK News - October 23, 2024
EXPLAINER: Amendment 4 could be called the most controversial issue Florida voters face: When women in our state can have an abortion. Currently, Florida law restricts abortion to the first six weeks of pregnancy, with notable exceptions such as rape, incest and the life of the mother
I am a look live in the studio
WINK News - October 22, 2024
Marco Island Police Chief Tracy Frazzano has received a vote of no-confidence from the police union. The Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 95 represents 27 officers. They called their no-confidence vote a “last resort,” as 23 votes of no-confidence and one vote of confidence were tallied. They want her removed and are questioning her leadership.
I am live at the Marco Island Police Station
WINK News - October 22, 2024
EXPLAINER: Where there’s passion, there’s big money. Supporters and opponents have spent well over $100 million on Amendment 3. The bottom line is that if 60% of Florida voters vote “yes,” recreational marijuana will become legal in Florida.
I am a look live in the studio
WINK News - October 21, 2024
EXPLAINER: Tens of thousands of Floridians, and thousands more visitors that come to our state, enjoy fishing and hunting. We live in a state surrounded by water and wildlife and people have taken advantage of that. Amendment two would forever preserve the state’s constitutional right to hunt and fish, but this leaves some worried.
I am a look live in the studio
WINK News - October 21, 2024
EXPLAINER: Some school board meetings have become political, with raised voices and the need for security. Do you want to know if your elected school board member is Republican or Democrat? Or do you feel political parties shouldn’t be brought into school board elections? That’s what Amendment 1 is asking voters.
I am a look live in the studio
WINK News - October 15, 2024
A tornado from Hurricane Milton left a Glades County community in pieces. WINK News has confirmed that the tornado that hit the Twin Lakes Resort was the strongest tornado ever recorded in southwest Florida, according to the National Weather Service.
I am live at the damage site
WINK News - October 14, 2024
One of the biggest hurdles southwest Florida had to deal with after Hurricane Ian was FEMA. Many didn’t know how to apply, which forms needed to be filled out and how to get money. People are concerned about how FEMA is handling all of the damage from both Hurricane Helene and Hurricane Milton. FEMA is working on that since many are impacted by both storms.
I am live in the Dean Park neighborhood
WINK News - October 11, 2024
Sanibel has been closed to the public for days because of Hurricane Milton. On Friday, WINK News visited the island for the first time since the hurricane. I saw the damage, which was not as bad as Hurricane Ian but worse than Hurricane Helene.
I am live in Sanibel
Take a look at my story and web article
WINK News - October 10, 2024
Hurricane Milton caused significant damage to a Cape Coral home.
On Wednesday, around 9 p.m., a single-family home burst into flames off of Chiquita Boulevard in northwest Cape Coral. Neighbors said a downed transformer likely caused the fire and because of the hurricane, firefighters were unable to respond.
I am a look live at the home
WINK News - October 8, 2024
The City of Cape Coral held another press conference Tuesday to give an update on Hurricane Milton. The city is urging people in zones A and B to evacuate now. They also asked residents to secure loose items around homes and structures and be smart and safe. Basically, do anything you can to prepare for the storm surge as the city says they are doing the same.
I am live at the Cape Coral City Hall
WINK News - October 7, 2024
Ronald Selway, owner of Weinmeister Roofing, took his trucks and bought as much sand as he could. He then took it all back to Cape Coral, a place he has called home his whole life. The City of Cape Coral is not providing sandbags for Hurricane Milton. They haven’t in 15 years.
I am live at the sandbag distribution center
WINK News - October 7, 2024
Cape Coral held a press conference Monday morning to discuss Hurricane Milton. Cape Coral Mayor John Gunter says storm surge is the biggest threat of Hurricane Milton to the city. His message to his neighbors Monday morning is to make a plan and execute it now.
I am live at Cape Coral City Hall
WINK News - October 3, 2024
A community left waterlogged over and over again is ready for it to end. The county says they don't have drainage issues.
I am live a flooding prone area
WINK News - October 2, 2024
BREAKING: Some areas of Port Charlotte were underwater after heavy rain Wednesday evening.
I am live at the flooding
WINK News - October 1, 2024
INVESTIGATION: On Tuesday, for the first time, Paul Beattie, owner of Beattie Development, who a lot of people say owes them a lot of money, is speaking out. Beattie’s on-oath appearance on Zoom follows the raid in August at his construction office in Cape Coral, months of WINK News Investigations, dozens of people coming forward who claim they paid for homes his company never finished and subcontractors saying they were never paid.
I am live in the studio
WINK News - September 30, 2024
With a few hours to spare, the Naples Comprehensive Health (NCH) and Florida Blue have reached an agreement after months of negotiations. This will impact 40,000 people.
I am live in the studio
WINK News - September 27, 2024
On Friday, roads in downtown Fort Myers were fairly dry. It’s a stark contrast to Thursday night’s storm surge caused by the outer bands of Hurricane Helene. Some residents in the Dean Park neighborhood were still making repairs from Hurricane Ian when they were hit again with flooding from Hurricane Helene. Some neighbors even had water enter their homes.
I am live at the Dean Park neighborhood
WINK News - September 25, 2024
Many people living on Fort Myers Beach are still in the process of rebuilding their lives and their homes. Tropical storm Debby wasn’t any help last month. The flood water made a mess, scattering sand all over Times Square. Now, many worry Hurricane Helene could wash away their progress.
I am live on Fort Myers Beach
WINK News - September 25, 2024
The Florida Urban Search and Rescue Task Force Six has been deployed ahead of Helene. 52 members will go to affected areas throughout the state.
Some stationed in Bonita Springs left Thursday afternoon. They will head to Orlando to meet teams from all across Florida who respond to disasters and emergencies.
I am live the Bonita Springs Fire Department
WINK News - September 24, 2024
The Foxmoor Lakes condos are in North Fort Myers. They were damaged in Hurricane Ian so a construction company came in. All residents moved out in November 2022 so that the repairs could be completed.
Owners say there’s been delay after delay with renovations, costing them lots of money. They blame the construction company.
I am live at Foxmoor Lakes condos
WINK News - September 20, 2024
BREAKING: Two women have been transported after being critically injured following an incident on Montgomery Avenue in Tice.
I am live at the crime scene
WINK News - September 19, 2024
EXCLUSIVE: I have has obtained new exclusive video and new documents from the State Attorney’s Office of the deadly Matlacha crash in April.
I am live in the studio
WINK News - September 19, 2024
INVESTIGATION: WINK News has now confirmed the state’s Department of Business and Professional Regulation is now investigating Beattie Development.
I am live in the studio
WINK News - September 18, 2024
INVESTIGATION: WINK News has obtained new documents from the City of Cape Coral confirming the possibility of criminal charges against Paul Beattie, the owner of Beattie Development before the office was raided in early August. It shows the company is in $11 million dollars in debt.
I am live in the studio
WINK News - September 18, 2024
We are hearing from a former Florida Senator who said Erick Canoura could’ve been stopped before he came to Lee County if his law, a state-wide animal abuse registry, was in effect.
I am live at the crime scene
WINK News - September 17, 2024
A newly updated Lee County Sheriff’s Office arrest report details a troubling past for a new animal abuse arrest of a Lee County resident. Erick De Jesus Canoura was arrested for animal abuse. Before living in Lee County, Canoura lived in Miami-Dade County. According to the LCSO report, in 2021, Canoura was arrested in Miami-Dade County after 31 dogs were found in deplorable condition in his possession.
I am live at the crime scene
WINK News - September 11, 2024
Every day a student in Lee County carries a very special letter around with him. He likes to show it to anyone he can. The return address is The White House.
I am live in the studio
WINK News - September 10, 2024
Cars crashing into plots of water like canals, retention ponds and even lakes and rivers are stories WINK News covers often. If you have lived in Florida long enough, you know these crashes are common. WINK News is now asking if there is something that could prevent these accidents. You’ll notice that around canals and water spaces in Southwest Florida, you don’t typically see guardrails.
I am a look live at the crash site
WINK News - September 9, 2024
An investigation is underway after a car crashed into an ATV with six people, including children, on it. All six were taken to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. I break down the do's and don'ts of ATV's.
I am live in the studio
WINK News - September 6, 2024
After 20 years of getting kids to school safely, a beloved Collier County bus driver is retiring. Parents and students surprised him. Rick Ramsey received an outpouring amount of support from the community. He said he’ll miss everyone he interacted with.
I am live in the studio
WINK News - September 5, 2024
INVESTIGATION: Some people are so angry at the contractor they hired to build their dream home, they’re demanding changes in the law. Homeowners face a huge problem now: liens. Homeowners who paid their contractor, Beattie development, are being liened by subcontractors who claim Beattie never paid them. Florida law generally allows that.
I am live in the studio
WINK News - September 5, 2024
INVESTIGATION: Since we showed you Beattie Development‘s Cape Coral office being raided by police a month ago, the number of complaints to the Florida Attorney General has more than doubled, from 15 to 38. WINK News still get emails and are discovering new lawsuits concerning Beattie Development. WINK Investigations has uncovered problems Florida homeowners are facing because they did business with Beattie Development.
I am live in the studio
WINK News - September 2, 2024
EXCLUSIVE: According to Crime Stoppers, a man walked into Papa John’s at 3412 Cleveland Ave. at 8:45 p.m. on Sunday, brandishing a gun. No was was injured and employees say it could’ve been a lot worse. I exclusively got the security footage.
I am live at the Papa John's
WINK News - August 30, 2024
Friday was Jimmy Buffett Day at Margaritaville, and Fort Myers Beach is gearing up for a fun party all weekend long. There are specials, concerts, fun games and other activities happening all day throughout the weekend.
WINK News - August 30, 2024
A closer look at the gas leak that killed two men in Fort Myers Beach has revealed some new details leading up to the deaths. Joe Orlandini is the builder of the home. He said that Mike Dewitt, the owner of the home was one of his best friends of 20 years. They worked on many construction projects together and called Dewitt a hands-on guy when it came to those projects.
I am live at the home
WINK News - August 29, 2024
Wade Wilson, who was convicted of murdering two women in Cape Coral, was back in court for a plea hearing on drug charges. The hearing was supposed to be in September, but at the end of the hearing, State Attorney’s said moving it will facilitate Wilson going to death row more swiftly.
I am live at the courthouse
WINK News - August 28, 2024
A bad gas situation at a Fort Myers Beach home caused two deaths on Saturday. The details of this death have been pending, but the Lee County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that there was no foul play involved.
LCSO said it was an accidental death and not a murder-suicide.
I am live at the home
WINK News - August 27, 2024
BREAKING: A judge has sentenced the man who killed two Cape Coral women to death. Wilson had been in court since Tuesday morning for a Spencer hearing, which the defense had hoped would sway the judge to give him a life sentence. Wilson showed little to no emotion as the judge sentenced him to death.
I am live at the courthouse
WINK News - August 26, 2024
A newly released report from the Lee County Sheriff’s Office has revealed that a deadly gas leak that took two lives in a Fort Myers Beach home was due to exhaust. The report states that two men died inside the home because of it.
I am live at the home
WINK News - August 23, 2024
After years of living without any problems, Fort Myers homeowners are being hit with a surprise bill that could be more than about $1,000 dollars.
A letter from the City of Fort Myers appeared in more than 100 people’s mail, telling them they have to update their water system to the current ordinance that was passed in 1995.
I am live outside the neighborhood
WINK News - August 22, 2024
BREAKING: The Collier County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a shooting that occurred near Ava Maria. Deputies responded to the shooting incident at around 9 a.m. on Thursday, where they discovered one person was injured. Shots were fired in the quiet Ave Maria neighborhood and soon after, deputies say 26-year-old Hilberto Callejas from Hendry County, fled the scene.
I am live at the crime scene
WINK News - August 21, 2024
The Punta Gorda Waterfront Hotel has been sitting vacant for nearly two years but Wednesday, that changed. The structural demolition started and the hotel and restaurant were fully demolished. In the morning, the building stood, but by 5pm, it was all gone. Now lays piles of rubble with walls, pipes, even chairs and bed mattresses.
I am live at the demolition site
WINK News - August 20, 2024
BREAKING: Beattie Development now has a “F” rating on Better Business Bureau. On August 8th, the company had an A+. Then, on August 9th, the company had received a rating of C- and a suspension.
WINK News - August 20, 2024
The teachers union in Lee County has won $8.2 million arbitration against the Lee County School District. The arbitrator sustained the Teachers Association of Lee County’s (TALC) grievances in its entirety and ruled in favor of the union. TALC won $8.2 million but will only take home $5.5 million dollars. This is because the arbitrator found the district had already paid $2.6 million.
I am live in the studio
WINK News - August 20, 2024
BREAKING: The Supervisor of Elections Office said it was indeed taxpayer dollars and said all Supervisor of Elections payroll is pulled from taxes. The former employee, Doyle's affair, received 20 weeks’ severance pay. The catch is the office said there was no misappropriation of taxpayer dollars.
I am live in the studio
WINK News - August 19, 2024
An affair is bringing up questions. The former employee received 20 weeks’ severance pay. Lee County voters are wondering if the severance pay was their taxpayer dollars which is why I made phone calls and combed through documents Monday. I found that Lee County Commissioners pass a budget every year and that budget funds the Supervisor of Elections Office.
I am live at the Lee County Supervisor of Elections Office
WINK News - August 16, 2024
BREAKING: The Supervisor of Elections for Lee County, Tommy Doyle, is making a public and personal apology days before he is up for re-election.
Doyle sent WINK News a statement about allegations of an extramarital affair with a female employee in 2019 after it was reported by the Miami Independent.
I am live in the studio
WINK News - August 15, 2024
INVESTIGATION: I broke the story in May about a local county commissioner, who is required by our state constitution to live in the district he represents, moving away and remaining in office. When some Glades County residents found out about the Commissioner moving, they demanded he be replaced as the move didn’t abide by the constitution. That didn’t happen. So, who enforces commissioners living in their district?
I am live in the studio
WINK News - August 14, 2024
INVESTIGATION: The lawyers for Beattie Development have released a statement after a barrage of accusations saying that the company took money for construction projects and never finished the work. The statement confirmed that there is a government investigation against Paul Beattie and his company, Beattie Development Corporation. Former Beattie customers responded back with their own statement.
I am live at the Beattie Development Office
WINK News - August 13, 2024
INVESTIGATION: Former Beattie customers are upset that materials they bought for their homes with hard-earned money was on sale without their consent. I have been investigating Beattie Development for collecting money and never finishing the work. Former Beattie customers found out their materials were for sale through Facebook posts saying “Out of Business Sale” at a sale at a Beattie Development warehouse.
I am live at the warehouse
WINK News - August 12, 2024
INVESTIGATION: More people are coming forward and sharing their experiences with Beattie Development. I have been digging into the construction company for months, investigating allegations that owner Paul Beattie, was getting paid for work he never finished. I spoke with a former Beattie Development employee and four former Beattie Development customers.
I am live in the studio
WINK News - August 9, 2024
INVESTIGATION: A former project manager for Beattie Development is speaking out about working for the company accused of taking money from customers and not finishing promised work. I spoke exclusively with the former employee who started working there in 2021. The former employee, who wished to remain anonymous, said he was fired for insubordination, which he denies. WINK News verified his employment with his W-2.
I am live at one of the unfinished homes
WINK News - August 9, 2024
INVESTIGATION: As we have reported, some people have unfinished homes. Some just have a vacant lot. The owner of the vacant lot told me he paid $100,000 to Beattie Development, and they never broke ground. I also spoke to a realtor. Steven LaBoeuf, owner of Florida Gulf Home Realty, said he quickly regretted his recommendation to send three of his clients to work with Beattie Development. He said, “I decided I wasn’t going to recommend anybody again.”
I am live in one of the unfinished homes
WINK News - August 8, 2024
INVESTIGATION: Dozens have reached out to WINK News before and after the recent raid of the Beattie Development office in downtown Cape Coral. Homeowners say Beattie Development was building their homes. On Thursday, I got an inside look at several of the unfinished homes that homeowners accuse Beattie left.
I am live in one of the unfinished homes
WINK News - August 7, 2024
INVESTIGATION: Beattie Development has been the single most complained about company in our newsroom for the last several months, which is why WINK News has been investigating Paul Beattie for weeks. Beattie Devlopment's office was raided today. Several dozens of former Beattie customers have reached out to WINK News, sharing their stories.
I am live at the raid location
WINK News - August 6, 2024
The people dealing with flooding in Punta Gorda are telling us they want leaders to take their issues seriously. In unincorporated Charlotte County, as of Monday, 15 homes had water inside. Riverside Drive and Darst Park are areas WINK News saw were flooded. In Punta Gorda, two drivers were rescued as their cars got stuck in flood water.
I am live in Punta Gorda
WINK News - August 5, 2024
Punta Gorda is a city where water always finds a way into the streets. On Sunday and Monday, the city of Punta Gorda closed down several roads as the flooding worked its way into neighborhoods. Flooding is an issue many deal with in Punta Gorda, especially if you live right near the Peace River, where the water has nowhere else to go.
I am live at the prone flooding zone in Punta Gorda
WINK News - August 3, 2024
Tropical Storm Debby has entered the Gulf of Mexico and Southwest Florida residents are preparing for landfall. I went to the Sanibel Lighthouse on Saturday afternoon to monitor the situation. It was not raining at Sanibel at the time but it was windy.
I am live at the Sanibel Lighthouse Beach
WINK News - August 2, 2024
A building in downtown Fort Myers that some people believe is a piece of history but others believe is standing in the way of our future. A rumor has been going around that the Hall of 50 States has been sold. That is not true. After gaining access to public records, WINK News found out there are four proposals, but the bids are in the very beginning stages.
I live at the Hall of 50 States