Celebrity Chefs:

Each Restaurant will be paired with a local Celebrity Chef.

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Gina Birch - Celebrity Chef Chair - Bistro 41

I've been on air at 96-9 Wink FM more years than I have fingers and making good progress on the toes! I spent most of those years keep you company on your way to work but now I get to actually go to work with you!!!

I get stupid over great food, delicious wine, hot shoes and traveling. I built a shoe wall in my closet, I have a modest wine cellar and we won’t even talk about the gourmet food! I have done lots of freelance writing on food & wine, on travel and am currently writing a shopping column for Gulf & Main Magazine. Look for a copy in Barnes and Noble. Also check out my blog at www.thebirchbeat.blogspot.com.

Sheriff Mike Scott - Mason's Bakery

When Mike Scott took charge of the Lee County Sheriff’s Office in 2004, he became just the 12th person to oversee the agency since 1887. Re-elected by large margins in the Primary and General Elections of 2008, Sheriff Scott continues to lead by example. You will find him in uniform nearly 100% of the time and his transportation of choice is the Crown Victoria like everyone else. Sheriff Scott makes regular visits to the correctional facilities and rolls as back-up when time permits…he believes in management by walking around and frequently reminds agency members that the top banana is supported by the bunch. His tireless involvement in community events is notable.

Scott’s efforts and integrity have earned him local admiration and statewide recognition. Florida’s Sheriffs elected Scott to the Florida Sheriff’s Association Board of Directors. He and two other Sheriffs will represent 17 South Florida counties. In addition, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement appointed Scott to co-chair the nine-county S.W. Florida Regional Domestic Security Task Force.

Sheriff Scott’s first experience with law enforcement came in 1986 as a probation officer. He joined the Lee County Sheriff’s Office in 1988 and resigned in 2003 to run for Sheriff, defeating the then incumbent in a landslide win.

The 1981 North Fort Myers High graduate and third generation native of Lee County has seen many changes over the years. His family’s local roots date back to 1910 and Scott, 46, still lives in North Fort Myers with his wife Krista (21 years married) and daughters Lindsay and Mackenzie.

Stacey Adams - Cru

Stacey Adams anchors WINK'S Live at 4pm, 10pm, and 11:00 pm. She joined WINK NEWS in 2003.

Stacey has strong Florida roots, having grown up in Winter Park and graduating from the University of South Florida in Tampa.

During her last two years at USF, Stacey worked at WFLA-TV, first as an intern, then as an Associate Producer.

After graduating, her career led her from border to border. Stacey started as the noon anchor/producer in Laredo, Texas. Then she moved to Cadillac, Michigan as the morning and then evening anchor. From there, she came back to her home state and anchored the evening newscast at the NBC start up WTWC in Tallahassee before moving across the country again, this time to Tucson, Arizona where she anchored mornings.

Stacey was on the air, anchoring in Tucson as the tragic events of September 11, 2001 unfolded. She then knew she wanted to move closer to her family in Orlando.

During her career Stacey has won several awards--including a special on breast cancer legislation. She was also honored for a gripping story about an Arizona man who died fighting an HMO which had turned its back.

Stacey loves being a part of the community in Southwest Florida where she volunteers for many charity events each year. In 2008, Stacey was named "Media Partner of the Year" by the Make-a-Wish Foundation of South Florida, an organization very close to her heart.

When she is not working, Stacey loves spending time with her husband Tony and their cat Zoe.

While Leoma Lovegrove is the product of a Middle America upbringing, her artistic reach extends worldwide. Because of her love for Florida she has been instrumental in encouraging tourism to the State with her colorful depictions of local wildlife and scenery. Her works are displayed in numerous galleries throughout the United States. In Georgia, her portrait of Jimmy Carter hangs in his Presidential Library in Atlanta. President George W. Bush was presented with a patriotic canvas on the second anniversary of 9-11 in Washington, DC and her art is also in private collection of the White House. She was also honored at an artist’s reception at the White House given by First Lady, Laura Bush. Lovegrove’s artwork has also graced the windows at Rockefeller Center in New York City. Her Painting Out Loud with Leoma Lovegrove performances started with her “Passion Paintings”, - powerful portraits of Christ that she paints in front of a congregation with sacred music of worship as her inspiration. These live painting performances now keep her busy traveling the country. Her billboard size canvas of “Remember 9-11” is now on exhibit at SW Florida International Airport (Concourse E).

Internationally, Lovegrove was commissioned to paint a portrait of Richard Branson for the Virgin Airlines Headquarters in London. Her Beatles Series drew the attention of the City of Liverpool. To commemorate the unification of East and West Germany, Lovegrove’s work “Focused” was presented to the Consul General of the Federal Republic of Germany, Eva Alexandra, Countess Kenderffy. She is constantly popping up in magazines and news publications everywhere. She is currently producing a live show, “Remember 9-11 Tenth Year” that will be performed at Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre on September 11, 2011 with pre-event community involvement which has received interest from PBS for a possible video production.  

A graduate of the Ringling School of Art in Sarasota, FL. Lovegrove recharges her artistic batteries each spring by painting in Europe. She currently lives in Southwest Florida with author husband, Michael J. Silberg, Solomon the demanding cranky parrot and Lois the feral cat.

Ernie Hartlieb - Latitude

A native of Warren, MI, Ernie Hartlieb has been playing hockey since he was 5 years old. His passion for the sport and strong work ethic made him a popular team player at the collegiate level in his 4 years playing for Miami of Ohio University. In his Senior year he was awarded the prestigious CCHA Terry Flanagan Award, for his courageous return to the sport after a life-threatening injury in the summer prior to his Freshman year. Ernie graduated in 2001, with a degree in Health and Science and a minor in Marketing.

After being signed by the St Louis Blues, Ernie’s professional hockey career has spanned 10 years and has offered him the opportunity to travel and make life-long connections with people in and outside of the industry. His AHL teams include the Worcester Ice Cats, Grand Rapids Griffens, Lowell Loch Monsters, and the Rochester Americans. He played overseas in the DEL, an elite hockey team in Germany until an injury sent him back to the States. He also played at the ECHL level in Dayton, OH, however it was his 7 year stint with the Florida Everblades that has made Ernie a notable celebrity here in SW Florida. Alongside being successful in the sport of ice hockey, Ernie is an accomplished Roller Hockey player and was a member of USA Hockey’s Gold Medal winning team for many years. His dedication to the sport of Roller Hockey is evident in that he continues to hold a seat on USA Hockey’s Board of Directors.

Ernie believes in giving back to the sport that has embraced him for over 2 decades. His dedication to the fans and the people in the local community can be seen through the many public relation events he participates in, from reading books to our local school children, visiting children in hospitals, attending many charity events, auctions and golf tournaments, and has always be a hands-down favorite of so many Florida Everblades fans.

Ernie now calls Estero his home, which is also where his company is located. Hartlieb Distributors provides SW Florida restaurants and hotels with the finest fruit puree cocktail mixes. Whenever possible, Ernie enjoys a round of golf, staying fit through exercise and jogging, and of course playing hockey.

Stephanie Davis - Twisted Vine

 Stephanie Davis, aka The Downtown Diva, has kept her finger on the pulse of the Southwest Florida social scene for the past 12 years, as her chatty column for The News-Press appears every Friday. Stephanie covers everything from downtown Happy Hours to sparkling black-tie fundraisers -- and the Downtown Diva online social galleries are consistently among the top-rated on news-press.com.

Commissioner Ray Judah - Sanibel Harbour

 Commissioner Ray Judah was born in the Cebu Islands, Philippines and he and his wife, Kristen, have a 21 year old son Kallen who is a Cadet at the US Air Force Academy in Colorado. Commissioner Judah graduated from the California State University of Humboldt with a Master of Science in Natural Resources and Bachelor of Arts in Zoology.

As a former environmental land planner with the Lee County Department of Community Development, he remains a strong advocate for providing a balance between management of growth and responsible stewardship of our precious natural resources. Commissioner Judah is also a proponent of providing sufficient infrastructure such as roads, parks, libraries, and utilities to accommodate our rapidly growing population.

Commissioner Judah has been a long term member on numerous committees, such as the West Coast Inland Navigation District and the Metropolitan Planning Organization. Additionally, he has served on the Lee County Chapter of Juvenile Justice Crime Prevention Council and the Local Coordinating Board/Transportation Disadvantaged Committee. The Commissioner’s commitment to enhance our quality of life is reflected in his effort to establish and support the highly successful Corkscrew Regional Ecosystem Watershed Land Trust and Conservation 2020 Program which are aggressively acquiring environmentally sensitive lands to protect our water supplies, open space and natural heritage. Commissioner Judah has spearheaded beach restoration on Fort Myers Beach and took the lead to construct a state of the art Waste to Energy Facility that was honored as the “Best Project in the World” by Power Engineering International in 1995. Because of his efforts to safeguard the environment, he has received numerous awards- 1984 & 1996– “Conservationist of the Year” from the Florida Audubon Society, 2003– “Champion of the Environment” by Gulfshore Life Magazine, 2003–“Pathfinder Award” from the Urban Land Institute and 2007 “Conservationist of the Year” from the Florida Wildlife Federation.

A strong proponent of volunteer service to our community, Commissioner Judah is a member of the Kiwanis Club of Downtown Fort Myers, Calusa Nature Center and Planetarium and served over the years as a judge of the Edison Regional Science Fair, Little League coach and Board of Directors of Bishop Verot High School. The Commissioner extends heartfelt thanks to the community for giving him the opportunity to serve in his job as a public servant for all Lee County citizens.

Bill Wood - Cafe Pignoli Gormet Deli & Bistro

Bill Wood is FOX 4's 11-Time Emmy Winning Features Reporter Seen on FOX 4 Rising Weekdays 5-9 AM

It all started for me in Chesterfield, South Carolina. It's a cozy little Carolina hamlet where people are mostly friendly, pecan trees are primarily full, and where I was undeniably born late on a chilly November night. After a true southern upbringing on my grandmother's grits and my grandfather's law-breaking adventures, I got my television start on a South Carolina children's show. I was not the star. But when the star went on vacation, I got to fill-in. Otherwise, I was in charge of a cast of furry and unruly puppet characters. I created them. I truly did. And I made them come to life.

My broadcast journalism career came to life after a Masters Degree from Northwestern University and a Phi Beta Kappa key from the University of South Carolina.

My first television job was at WIS-TV in Columbia, SC. Then came a mission covering Washington, DC for television and radio stations in Kansas. After that I worked as a reporter and anchor in West Texas at KOSA-TV in Midland-Odessa. And then I moved across the state line into New Mexico where I worked in Albuquerque at both KRQE-TV and KOAT-TV. I also spent some time as a correspondent for the Food Network covering cuisine across the country. As a television reporter, I covered Presidents and Popes. Earthquakes and Tornadoes. Protests and Parades. I've interviewed Cher and Elizabeth Taylor, Bill Clinton and Bob Barker, Colin Powell and Jared, the former fat guy from Subway. And one of those 11 Emmy Awards I somehow managed to win was even for doing the weather. That was back in New Mexico where I made my home and my living for a few years. I spent a lot of time on television.

I spent a little time in the classroom as a college professor. I managed to make it into a few movies made while I was there. But I excitedly traded the desert for the beach. And now I'm happy hanging out under a palm tree. And that's where you'll find me weekday mornings as I explore the backroads and side streets for FOX 4 Rising on Wild Bill's Florida Roadshow.

David Plazas - University Grill

David Plazas is the community conversation editor of The News-Press. He
chairs the editorial board, manages the opinion pages, coordinates community
engagement and assists in overseeing social media efforts. Plazas began
working at The News-Press in 2000, first as a reporter then as first editor
of Gaceta Tropical, the newspaper's Spanish-language publication. He has
held his current post since 2006. He has received numerous awards and
recognitions for writing, editing, managing and community engagement from
the Florida Society of News Editors, Society of Professional Journalists,
Gannett Co. (The News-Press' parent company), Lincoln University, Gulfshore
Business, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, and the Dunbar
Festival Committee. He has served as a recruiter for Gannett and as a mentor
for the National Association of Hispanic Journalists' student project since
2009. In May Plazas graduated with his M.B.A. from Florida Gulf Coast
University, he also has a master's in journalism and bachelor's degree, both
from Northwestern University. His passions are journalism, music, fitness
and connecting with the community.

Stacey Deffenbaugh - Hemingway's Island Grill

 Stacey anchors NBC-2 News at Noon and The Healthcast report at 5:30pm.  She also contributes court stories from state and federal court.

Before joining Waterman Broadcasting, Stacey worked at KVLY in Fargo, North Dakota. She was the co-anchor of the top rated morning newscast for more than four years. Prior to that, Stacey was a one man band (shooting video and reporting solo) in Grand Forks, North Dakota, and an assignment editor at WDTN in Dayton, Ohio.

Stacey is from Fremont, Ohio and enjoys spending time with her family in Estero. Stacey graduated from Wittenberg University in Springfield Ohio.

Stacey enjoys being involved in the community. She devotes a lot of her free time to the American Cancer Society - helping with Making Strides Against Breast Cancer and Relay for Life. She is also serves on the Board of Directors for The American Cancer Society and the  Children's Network of Southwest Florida.

Stacey enjoys traveling to see friends and family, working out, and shopping.

Jim McLaughlin - Cibo

 I got my first job in broadcasting at WCCF-FM radio in Punta Gorda in April 1976. I started at Wink-TV Labor Day weekend, 1977, as Charlotte County Bureau Chief and general assignment reporter. By March of ’78 I was weekend anchorman and became the six and eleven o’clock anchor in June of 1980. I remained as anchor and Managing Editor until Labor Day weekend 2005 when I retired from TV news.
During my tenure at Wink, I was privileged to cover a number of major stories including an interview with then-President George Bush on the back of a train rolling through the Wisconsin countryside(he lost the election three days later!); two Republican National Conventions; a flight into Hurricane David aboard a NOAA Hurricane Hunter plane, several trips to Central and South America including Colombia, Nicaragua and Honduras and, of course, the unforgettable experience of Hurricane Charley. During my career I earned a number of news reporting awards and in 2005 earned the Silver Circle Award for Outstanding Service by the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences.
Since leaving tv news behind, I have been a full-time freelance photographer, specializing in commercial/corporate photography. I am also a former photographer for the Florida Weekly newspapers.
For the past four years, I have hosted the “Connect!” weekly tv program for WGCU-TV on PBS at Florida Gulf Coast University. I have served on the Board of Directors of the Uncommon Friends Foundation, the Board of Directors of SWFAS, and the Advisory Board of the Dubin Alzheimer’s Center.

Drew Steele - Blue Pointe

Drew Steele has been a resident of Southwest Florida since 1986 where he has seen his share of growth and change. From the 2 lanes of the Cape Coral Bridge, to the movement of the Veteran's Memorial statue from it's original location in the Rose Garden; Drew knows this area as well as anyone. He has been a broadcaster in town for over 22 years and brings his knowledge and talent to WINK News Radio.
In his free time he loves to write and produce music and spend time with his wife of four years, his 2 year-old son, and his 5 year old Australian Shepherd.

Lindsay Logue - Pagelli's Italiano

Lindsay's journalism career began seven years ago at WFTV in Orlando were she was an assignment editor. It was at the ABC affiliate where Lindsay realized news isn't a 9 to 5 job.

During the 2004 hurricane season, she spent days and nights at the television station assisting in wall-to-wall storm coverage and it wasn't until Hurricane Frances that she finally learned to bring her sleeping bag to work!

Lindsay's first on air job was at KNBN in Rapid City, were she was the primetime anchor and executive producer.

She continued her career at 6News in Lawrence, Kansas as the evening anchor and executive producer before braving the chilling South Dakota winters once again, working for Black Hills FOX as the weekend anchor and weekday reporter.

Lindsay is thrilled to be "home" in sunny, warm Florida where her family and friends reside.

Lindsay is a graduate of The University of Central Florida with degrees in Broadcast Journalism and Spanish.

Larry Hart - Jack's River Bar

Larry Hart is the Assistant Tax Collector for Lee County.  He is responsible for the administration, coordination, and evaluation of daily operations for the Lee County Tax Collector’s office.  With over 200 employees and an annual revenue collection process that captures over 1.3 billion dollars, the Assistant Tax Collector participates in strategic development including responsibility for developing and recommending program goals.

He is a retired Chief of Police for the Fort Myers Police Department.  He served six years as Chief and twenty-two years as a professional law enforcement officer before retiring and accepting his current position.

He was appointed by the Governor to the Florida Gulf Coast University Board of Trustees and later appointed by the Speaker of the Florida House of Representatives to the Florida Substance Abuse and Mental Health Corporation.

He is a member of Florida Gulf Coast University Foundation; member of the Board of Directors for the Southwest Florida Addiction Serves; member of the Hope Hospice Board of Directors; member of the Children Advocacy Center of Southwest Florida; member of the FBI National Academy Association; member of the International Police Chiefs Association, Vice-Chair of the Florida Tax Collectors Public Information Coalition and a member of the Fort Myers Alumni Chapter Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc.

He has an Associates Degree from Edison College and a Bachelor’s Degree from Barry University.  He is a 1990 Graduate of the 161th session of the FBI National Academy and has served his country in the United States Armed Services.

He is President and CEO of Platinum Investment of Southwest Florida and L.D.H. Management Consultant, Inc.

Robert Van Winkle ~ Sunshine Seafood Cafe

Robert has been with the Waterman Broadcasting family for over 24 years and moved to Fort Myers in 2003.

The move came after working for 16 years with the NBC2 sister-station in Charlottesville, Virginia where he headed up the Marketing and Promotions department and was Chief Meteorologist at WVIR-TV.

Since 2003 Robert has been at WBBH in Fort Myers as Director of Weather Services and Chief Meteorologist.

Robert's has recently moved to the morning shift at NBC2 and now starts his broadcast day with the rest of the morning crew at 4:30 a.m.

Since moving to Fort Myers, Robert has been forecasting and reporting some of Southwest Florida's most dramatic and life-changing weather.

In August, 2004 Robert and the NBC2 Storm Team were the first meteorologists in the area to detect a shift in the track of Hurricane Charley. Southwest Florida residents were given a few hours of extra warning time before Charley made landfall on Friday the 13th, 2004.

Then in October, 2005 Robert was back on the front line for 24 hours non-stop as hurricane Wilma made landfall south of Marco Island.

Robert has won numerous awards in his nearly two-decade career as a TV meteorologist. His recognitions come from the American Red Cross, Salvation Army, The Children's Hospital at the University of Virginia, the Jaycees, Rotary Clubs in Virginia and Fort Myers, Southwest Florida College, the Associated Press, and the Florida Association of Broadcasters for Best TV Weathercaster in the state in 2005.

Robert is a U.S. Navy Veteran and served as an aviation and at-sea weather forecaster on the U.S.S. Nimitz from 1978 to 1980. Robert was awarded one of the top five medals of honor from the U.S. Navy for excellence in weather forecasting during 1979 -1980 Iranian Hostage Crisis in the Persian Gulf.

Robert is single and lives in Fort Myers. His hobby is painting cigar boxes, birdhouses and anything else he can get his hands on. Some of his art is for sale in Fort Myers. You can e-mail him to find out where!

At the end of the newscasts, he uses an American Sign Language gesture meaning "see you later" to sign off.

"DC" Chris Delozier ~ Parrot Key

DC ( Chris Delozier) came from the beautiful and luxurious streets of North East Philadelphia and Trenton New Jersey down to southwest florida a little over 6 years ago. Immediately the microphone at 99x began to call his name. Moving from overnights to Program Director and Afternoons, he’s held every position in radio. He enjoys playing guitar, reading aldous Huxley and riding his couch.

Kennedy ~ Extreme Cake Sugar Shop

I’m Kennedy and the new chick on 99X! Coming from a small Midwest town to the hot and humid south is quite the change but I dig the atmosphere and the people! Having been in radio for 7 years I’ve pretty much seen it all…hosted a morning show, worked in the traffic department, promotions, and production. I absolutely love meeting new people—probably why this career is perfect for me. J You can catch me on 99X, keeping you awake at work, Monday thru Friday from 10a-2p. Sunday nights I host the Local X playing the best local music SWF has to offer. Make sure you come out to our appearances so I can have a drink with ya and you can teach me what this area is all about ;)