Category: WINK News

Here’s a look at some of the stories I’m producing here in SW Florida

“Who’s policing the police?” investigation wins Florida Association of Broadcast Journalists award for best investigative series.

Holding people in power accountable for their actions and exposing the impact those actions have on the public is among the most demanding tasks for investigative journalists.

When faced with an elected leader who avoids media inquiries or dismisses community concerns regarding a crucial public safety matter, simply moving on to another story is not an option.

In Southwest Florida, as well as across the nation, apprehensions about police brutality and misuse of authority loom large. In my series, “Who’s policing the police?” I dug into a use-of-force case where three deputies were fired, and four others were disciplined. The man arrested says he was beaten during the arrest, and high-level law enforcement experts agree that the surveillance video from the scene supports his story.

The public deserved to know what happened, why it happened, how the case was handled, and what was being done—if anything—to prevent it from happening again.

Upon encountering a video featuring the local sheriff seemingly condoning violence with the phrase, “Jumpsuits are red, justice is sweet, commit a crime in Lee County, and your ass will get beat,” I delved deeper. Does such rhetoric reflect a culture within the law enforcement agency that tolerates violence?

That question will be addressed in federal court. The man at the heart of this use-of-force case is suing the deputy who struck him and the sheriff.

This story isn’t over.

Thank you, Florida Association of Broadcast Journalists, for recognizing this work.

Time-tested technology: Why most Southwest Florida law enforcement trust it for tracking people with cognitive issues.

For caregivers of loved ones with memory or learning challenges, the constant worry of them wandering off and getting hurt can be agonizing.

It happens too often to people of all ages.

Research shows around half of all children between the ages of four and ten years old with autism will wander and as many as 60% of people with dementia will walk away from a safe location, and may do so repeatedly.

There are a lot of tracking devices on the market you can use to help protect your loved ones, including the Apple AirTags, but I shine a light on a solution praised as the ‘gold standard’ by local law enforcement for search and rescue.

Since that’s the case, why did one local sheriff’s office abandon the program?

EXCLUSIVE: Florida CFO responds to my property insurance investigation: ‘This is why I fight for people to get their claims closed.’

Florida’s Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis is responding to my investigation into a Cape Coral couple’s ongoing struggle, not only with their property insurance company but also with their public adjuster and attorney!

496 days after Hurricane Ian, Elaine and Michael Damiano have not received the money they believe they are entitled to—under their policy—for repairing their home. To make matters worse, there seems to be no resolution in sight. So, I brought their story to Tallahassee to get answers and action from the people in power.

EXCLUSIVE: Cape Coral couple’s cry for justice 16 months after Hurricane Ian, still no insurance money, and fears of withheld information

A Cape Coral couple is demanding answers and accountability. It’s been 16 months since Hurricane Ian made landfall and they say they still haven’t received the insurance money they need to fully restore their home. Elaine and Michael Damiano are in their late seventies and say they’re draining their retirement savings to make their home livable. To make matters worse, they fear the people who should be working for them are withholding key information that may shed light on why their insurance claim is still open and unresolved. I’ve been investigating this case for nearly a year. Here’s where we are now.




Flamingo Flourish: How long will Southwest Florida’s pink guests stay post-Hurricane Idalia?

Are pink flamingos considering a comeback in Florida?

Researchers are trying to determine if the once-native shorebirds blown in by Hurricane Idalia are here to stay.

In the meantime, the birds are creating excitement on social, and serving as a boost for local business.

Let’s take a ride to see the birds in the wild!

Céline McArthur Investigates: Who’s policing the police?

The story begins with a social media post. A Southwest Florida sheriff announced he fired three deputies and disciplined four others in a use-of-force case. Straying from his typical approach, the media-savvy sheriff opted out of a press conference, keeping the case details scarce. With tensions high and trust low between police and some members of the public, I went digging to uncover details the sheriff’s office wasn’t telling us. During this investigation, I discovered a controversial eight-second video of the sheriff that begged the question: Who’s policing the police?

Thank you for the promo!

Thank you WINK NEWS for the promo!

I was asked to discuss this investigation in two journalism classes at Florida Gulf Coast University last week. Two great conversations with engaged students!

This series serves as a valuable lesson—or reminder—that journalists need to verify information they receive and challenge the established narrative to get the truth and force transparency and accountability.

Is Hurricane Ian ‘benefit concert’ at Hertz Arena the real deal?
https://lnkd.in/eBBQJVda

EXCLUSIVE: Hurricane Ian ‘benefit concert’ at Hertz Arena under investigation; national charity backs out
https://lnkd.in/e4mj_zWv

Hurricane Ian ‘benefit concert’ at Hertz Arena postponed following WINK News investigation
https://lnkd.in/efqNFFwA

WINK News Investigates ticket refunds for Hertz Arena concert
https://lnkd.in/e8CUE95j

EXCLUSIVE: U.S. Senator Rick Scott supports Hurricane Ian ‘benefit concert’ investigation: “You guys are asking the right questions.”

Viewers asked me to keep digging into the Hurricane Ian ‘benefit concert’ scheduled for September 21st, one week before the one-year anniversary of the monster storm in Southwest Florida. Event organizer Joe Knopp admitted to me—on camera—that donations and proceeds of the event would go into his for-profit production company’s bank account.

My investigation prompted Florida’s Attorney General and local law enforcement to investigate, but I’m still digging.

I spoke to a local attorney, born and raised in Southwest Florida, and United States Senator Rick Scott about the case.

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Céline McArthur EXCLUSIVE: Hurricane Ian ‘benefit concert’ at Hertz Arena under investigation; national charity backs out

Following my investigation into a ‘benefit concert’ scheduled for September 21st—one week before the one-year anniversary of Hurricane Ian—Florida’s attorney general and local sheriff’s office’s Economic Crimes Unit are investigating the event.

AG Ashley Moody asked for all of my notes and investigative materials, so we’ll have to see how in-depth her team will go.

This is the story where event organizer Joe Knopp admitted to me in our one-on-one interview, that the proceeds of the concert are going into his for-profit production company’s bank account, not the victims of Hurricane Ian, as promised on his website.

Also, the National Christian Foundation, the 501(C)(3) partnering with Knopp to collect and distribute the collected concert funds, backed out of the event after my investigation.

There’s more to come.

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Céline McArthur Investigates EXCLUSIVE: Is Hurricane Ian ‘benefit concert’ at Hertz Arena the real deal?

Facts versus fiction How do you tell the difference?

Start by asking for proof. You can’t take everything you read at face value, especially when you’re a journalist.

I was approached by the promoter and organizer from Ohio of a Hurricane Ian ‘benefit concert’ that will take place one week before the one-year anniversary of the monster storm in Southwest Florida. Joe Knopp’s promotional materials claim the money will benefit the victims struggling to rebuild.

Joe Knopp reached out to me about the MercyMe and Matthew West concert on LinkedIn, MULTIPLE times, eager to get on WINK News to talk about the event.

To be clear, he searched me out. My title—right under my picture—says I’m an award-winning investigative journalist, so what did he expect would happen?

Watch to see what happens in our on-on-one interview.

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Céline McArthur Investigates EXCLUSIVE: Sunseeker Resort won’t share fine print of $100k retention bonus

Marketing gimmick? Deceptive business practice? Sunseeker Resort Charlotte Harbor, owned by Allegiant, is offering a $100,000 retention bonus for select new hires, but won’t share the fine print! I even got kicked out of a Sunseeker job fair after I started asking questions.

Not sure why no one else asked for that information before putting that “deal” on the news.

What are Sunseeker and Allegiant hiding? Do they think prospective employees don’t deserve transparency?

Man with a plan: The future of Fort Myers Beach after Hurricane Ian

Hurricane Ian devastated Fort Myers Beach.

Decisions made now and in the near future about how to rebuild will impact everyone with a stake on the island.

Shortly after the storm, I toured the seven-mile barrier island with local luxury builder Joe Orlandini. He offered some valuable insight into the challenges ahead for this beach community, and showed he’s helping some families rebuild their homes.

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Céline McArthur Investigates: Felony vs. Free Speech, the Daniel Marquez story

“This is Alice in Wonderland justice—verdict first, trial after. The trial comes last of all. This sheriff had made his conclusion without regard to weighing the credibility of the evidence and its weight and its seriousness, and jumped to a conclusion far too quickly to satisfy due process.”

Alan Dershowitz, Civil Rights attorney and Harvard Professor Emeritus

That is why I embarked on a 15-month, 21-part investigation—and counting—into the arrest, perp walk, lockup, trial, conviction and unprecedented sentencing of a 10-year-old boy.

I also took on the story because no one else would. It challenges the law and order system in one county in Southwest Florida where the leaders retaliate when challenged.

I’m posting the stories in reverse order, since each one gives you enough backstory to catch up quickly. If you want to binge watch from the start, scroll to the bottom.

Part 20: Court finds Cape Coral boy made school threat via text

Part 19: How hidden data on your kids’ smartphones can get them in trouble at school

Part 18: Did Lee County Schools fail to investigate possible threat before 10-year-old’s arrest?

Part 16: SCOTUS increasing ‘true threat’ burden of proof to convict could impact Lee County 10-year-old’s trial

Part 15: U.S. Supreme Court decision impact on case against Lee County 10-year-old accused of violent threat

Part 14: 10-year-old Cape Coral boy accused of making school threat headed to trial

Part 13: Lee County Sheriff’s Office deputy explains arrest of Cape Coral 10-year-old under oath

Part 12: Inappropriate vs. Threat: New twist in battle over Florida law following 10-year-old’s arrest by Lee County Sheriff’s Office

Part 11: Could Sheriff Carmine Marceno be charged under Florida Statute used to arrest Daniel Marquez

Part 10: ‘An attempt to go viral’ Daniel Marquez’s attorney questions Lee County sheriff’s motive

Part 9: More twists: Lawyer quits Daniel Marquez case, new text messages revealed

Part 8: Police recordings released for 10-year-old Daniel Marquez, accused of school shooting threat

Part 7: Family of 10-year-old charged with mass shooting threat requests DOJ investigation into LCSO

Part 6: ‘She should be euthanized’; Experts weigh in on Lee County sheriff’s commentary on suspects

Part 5: Law enforcement weighs in on 10-year-old accused of threatening mass shooting

Part 4: Alan Dershowitz gives case analysis of SWFL 10-year-old accused of threatening mass shooting

Part 3: 10-year-old accused of mass shooting threat declines plea deal, says not guilty

Part 2: Cape Coral 10-year-old accused of threatening a mass shooting officially charged

Part 1: 10-year-old arrested, accused of threatening mass school shooting speaks out

Where’s the money? Local bank closes homeless man’s account. He reached out to us to get answers.

If you received stimulus or tax return checks, you probably deposited them into your bank account. That’s what a homeless man in Fort Myers did, but when he tried to make a withdrawal, he says his bank told him the checks were bad and closed his account. 


He tried for a year to get an explanation and his checks back, with no success. That’s when I got involved.

Where’s my security deposit? An 84-year-old Veteran’s battle for his money sheds light on a potentially costly issue.

How often have you battled—or prepared to battle—for your security deposit on a rental apartment or home? If you’ve been through it, you know the process can be lengthy, stressful and costly.

An 84-year-old Veteran in Fort Myers tried to retrieve his $3200 dollar deposit for nearly two months, with no luck. His family reached out to us for help.

As you’re about to see, we helped Eugene Strickland get his money back, but my investigation begs the questions:

Should it take this much effort?

Do property managers who have your money—often thousands of dollars—have too much power to keep some or all of it?

Should there be more effective consumer protections in place to help you retrieve what’s yours?

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