Local News

Juice Crop Estimate

2010-03-11T14:36:00Z

The U.S. Department of Agriculture has increased its orange crop forecast for Florida. Valerie Alker has more.

Super High Speed?

2010-03-11T14:31:00Z

A number of southwest Florida communities are clamoring to get on Google’s shortlist. WGCU’s Luis Hernandez explains.

State Lawmakers Run for Higher Office

2010-03-10T13:12:00Z

This year’s state legislative session has a twist. Dozens of lawmakers are running for a higher office. WGCU’s Luis Hernandez reports on how that could mean even less will be accomplished.

Coral Bleaching

2010-03-10T13:08:00Z

Marine biologists say damage to Florida’s coral reefs is severe after record low temperatures in January caused widespread coral bleaching and tissue death. WGCU’s John Davis has more.

Coastal Summit

2010-03-09T15:31:00Z

Environmental Activists are in Washington D.C. this week for a coastal summit. They’re urging congress to adopt new policies to manage America’s coastlines. WGCU’s Valerie Alker reports.

Slavery in Southwest Florida

2010-03-09T15:22:00Z

An Immokalee man is in federal custody on charges related to the enslavement of a teenage Guatemalan girl smuggled into the U.S. in 2007. Francisco Domingo faces ten years in prison without parole and a 250 thousand dollar fine with more charges pending. The Guatemalan teen alleges Domingo forced her into field labor and sexual servitude. Domingo’s federal detention hearing took place Monday. WGCU’s John Davis spoke with News-Press reporter Amy Bennett Williams who’s been investigating the story since Domingo’s arrest last week.

Hazelden

2010-03-08T13:28:00Z

Southwest Florida residents dealing with drug and alcohol addiction have a new option for treatment. WGCU’s Valerie Alker reports.

Spring Training Underway

2010-03-08T13:26:00Z

Spring Training has returned, and not a moment too soon for fans…but especially for businesses. WGCU’s Luis Hernandez reports on the return of the boys of summer.

2010 Census Underway

2010-03-05T13:28:00Z

One hundred and twenty million households across the country begin receiving their U.S. Census questionnaires this week. The mass mailing is the first phase of the country's ten year population count. Local census officials say the region's ethnic diversity and the down economy make Southwest Florida one of the most difficult regions to count. WGCU's John Davis reports.

EPA Extends Comment Period

2010-03-05T13:01:00Z

The U-S Environmental Protection Agency has extended the comment period on proposed new water rules. As WGCU’s Mike Kiniry reports, the decision came after EPA officials met with Florida lawmakers Thursday morning.

Lee Tourism

2010-03-05T12:57:00Z

Colder than average winter temperatures have not put a damper on tourism in Lee County this season. WGCU’s Valerie Alker reports.

Mullet Tossing Championship

2010-03-04T13:57:00Z

More than a hundred people, some from as far away as Ohio and Michigan, gathered in Matlacha last Saturday behind the Mulletville Restaurant for a 19 year old competition that has become a tradition for Pine Islanders. WGCU’s Luis Hernandez was at the mullet tossing championship and has this report.

Money Bus

2010-03-04T13:56:00Z

The Money Bus Tour, brainchild of Fort Myers resident Todd Macke, is making its only Florida stop in Fort Myers this week. WGCU’s Luis Hernandez reports on one man’s mission to teach financial literacy to the masses.

2010 Legislative Session Underway

2010-03-03T12:49:00Z

Florida lawmakers are in Tallahassee for the 2010 legislative session that kicked off Tuesday. WGCU’s Luis Hernandez reports.

CIW Slavery Museum

2010-03-02T14:59:00Z

The Coalition of Immokalee Workers is hosting a mobile slavery museum exhibit this week throughout Southwest Florida. WGCU’s John Davis reports.