Taylor Smith
WINK News
Naples, FL, United States
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Past articles by Taylor:
NCH doctor says staff 'doing the best they can' during COVID-19 surge
Health care workers are exhausted and stretched thin, as coronavirus patients fill up intensive care units. A local doctor we spoke to told us a lot of hospitals are experiencing long wait times because of the number of people who need to see a doctor or get tested. After a year and a half to … → Read More
Nonprofit wants more oversight on fishing at Naples Pier, safety for pelicans
New restrictions are proposed for a popular pier in Southwest Florida. You can find people fishing on Naples Pier pretty much any time of the day. It’s one of the few piers open 24/7 in the region. But that’s the problem, says Conservancy of Southwest Florida, and it’s trying to find a way to monitor … → Read More
FAA wants crackdown on airport alcohol being taken onto planes
The FAA says unruly, alcohol-related behavior is taking place on flights, and it wants to stop passengers from bringing alcohol from airport restaurants onto planes. The FAA prohibits alcohol to-go, and it wants airports to put up signs to stop it. MORE: FAA letter to airport leaders about crackdown on alcohol The FAA says, even … → Read More
Person found dead inside submerged car near Lover's Key
One person was found dead Wednesday inside a car in the Town of Fort Myers Beach near Lover’s Key. The Fort Myers Beach Fire administrative chief said the department got a call just after 4:15 p.m. saying a vehicle was in the water in Big Carlos Pass, near 280 Estrellita Drive. The chief said a … → Read More
Children battling COVID-19 in SWFL hospitals
COVID-19 cases in Florida continuing to skyrocket means more children are at risk of contracting the virus. Currently, there are eight children at Golisano Children’s Hospital battling COVID-19. One mother says she has been through the experience of a child ending up in the hospital because of COVID-19. Her son was one of the youngest … → Read More
Eyes fall on Florida as COVID-19 hospitalizations soar
More than 10,000 people are currently fighting COVID-19 in hospitals across the state of Florida. Doctors are worried that if things get worse, non-COVID-19 patients may need to go to different emergency rooms. Those same doctors and nurses have been on the frontlines of this pandemic for 17 months now. And, COVID-19 survivors say you … → Read More
Collier County students have performed well under pandemic circumstances
The 2020-21 school year was unlike any other thanks to the coronavirus. Some students learned from home, and others were learning in person. During the pandemic, there has been a slight drop in scores in certain areas of the state assessment exams, and there is a plan to help fix the learning loss in that … → Read More
Bullying a topic as SWFL schools get ready to have a mask-optional school year
Students won’t need to wear masks next school year in Southwest Florida, but the CDC is strongly encouraging them. This issue is starting to cause other concerns among school leaders. Educators are discussing how the possibility of bullying could come into play in connection to optional mask wearing for the upcoming school year. There will … → Read More
Woman searches for owner of vintage photo she found at RSW
A woman in Southwest Florida discovered someone’s lost possession on the floor at the airport, and she decided to share to what she found on social media with the hope she will find the rightful owner. Carrie Kerskie in Collier County was at South Florida International Airport recently when she discovered a vintage photograph on … → Read More
A look at whether rising COVID-19 cases will change habits
Our coronavirus cases are up almost seven-fold since a month ago in Florida. Meanwhile, we learned Friday RSW broke a travel record for June. That’s before the delta began to spread at a high rate. We looked to see if people are changing their habits and what they think should happen next. “We are seeing … → Read More
Lightning in SWFL: House fire caused by possible strike; a teen struck on vacation; a mom advocates for safety
A family got out of their home in Golden Gate Estates Monday after a fire ripped through their roof, and investigators are checking to see if lightning sparked it. This comes just days after a Georgia teen vacationing on Marco Island was struck by lightning. A family we spoke to knows all too well about … → Read More
Report shows high-rent prices making it hard to live in SWFL, much of the state
High-rent prices are making it harder for many people to make ends meet in Florida, and that includes Southwest Florida – one of the most expensive areas to rent in the state. According to the 2021 Out of Reach report, an individual would have to make more than $26 an hour to afford housing in … → Read More
Proposal opens up more Florida Panther land to the public in Collier County
There is a plan that could give people further access to wildlife in Southwest Florida. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service wants to add new trails and allow for fishing and hunting for wild turkeys at Florida Panther National Wildlife Refuge in Collier County. But this is not a unanimously accepted idea. Some say there is … → Read More
Thieves steal $50K in Garmin GPS devices from private boats at East Naples marina
Ahead of impacts from Elsa, crooks decided to make off with some pricy equipment from private boats at a marina in Southwest Florida. Collier County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a recent grand theft at Viage Marina on Bayshore in East Naples, where the owner reported an estimated $50,000 in GPS equipment stolen from 25 private … → Read More
18-year-old reels in nurse shark while visiting Vanderbilt Beach
An 18-year-old on vacation in Southwest Florida had a memorable catch in our waters during his stay. The excitement from Ryan Swanson can be heard when he reeled in an 8-foot nurse shark in Collier County recently. Swanson says he and he family, who were visiting from Georgia, made the big catch July 1. No … → Read More
Naples police: Unknown suspect lit fireworks inside park bathroom, damaged urinal
It was a mad dash after an unknown person ignited fireworks in a men’s restroom. A recording captured the explosion moments after they ran out the door. Naples Police Department is searching for the culprit who is accused lighting fireworks that damaged to a public bathroom at Seagate Park in Naples recently. Police say, when … → Read More
You can save cash while spending during 'Freedom Week' in Florida July 1-7
Your chance to save cash is right around the corner. Beginning Thursday, you will not have to pay sales tax in the state on a wide range of items that will get you outdoors. It’s the first “Freedom Week” part of a tax package signed by Gov. Ron DeSantis in May. You can buy kayaks, … → Read More
Collier County: Nuisance home in Naples Manor to be boarded up for a year
A problematic house known for drugs and loud music has been shuttered much to the relief of nearby neighbors. For more than a year and a half, Collier County Sheriff’s Office received 92 calls for service at the home a nuisance home in Naples Manor, where investigators found guns and drugs, The home is along … → Read More
North Collier Fire Rescue stressing firework safety ahead of July 4th
With the Fourth of July less than a week away, it’s almost guaranteed that you’ll be hearing lots of fireworks very soon. But, fire officials want to stress the importance of not only a happy but safe Fourth of July. In Collier County, there are new fireworks guidelines to follow this year. There are only … → Read More
SWFL biologists track Burmese pythons to help control the population
A large reptile species in the state is putting other Florida animals at risk, so Southwest Florida scientists are working to capture as many as they can. According to a new report, tracking the invasive Burmese python is helping scientists control the population. Conservancy of Southwest Florida in Collier County is catching the pythons, bringing … → Read More