WINK Listens celebrates one year of connecting with Southwest Florida communities

CAPE CORAL, Fla. (WINK) — WINK News marked one year of WINK Listens on Thursday by returning to the place where it all began.

More than 60 people attended the event at the German-American Social Club in Cape Coral, sharing the issues that matter most to them as WINK News marked one year of listening to communities across Southwest Florida.

Community members spoke with WINK News anchors and reporters about a wide range of concerns, including challenges with insurance companies, traffic, growth and development, and the direction of local government. Others shared personal stories and neighborhood issues they hope will lead to answers and action.

Since launching in July 2025, WINK Listens has traveled to communities across Southwest Florida each month, giving residents the opportunity to meet one-on-one with the WINK News team. Those conversations have led to over 300 stories highlighting local concerns, asking questions of leaders and agencies, and, in many cases, helping residents get results.

Thursday's anniversary event brought the program full circle, returning to the same Cape Coral venue that hosted the first WINK Listens event one year ago.

WINK News will continue visiting communities across Southwest Florida through WINK Listens, meeting directly with residents, sharing their stories and working to help find answers to the issues that matter most.