© 2026 WGCU News
PBS and NPR for Southwest Florida
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations
Young beach dunes at Lighthouse Beach Park on Sanibel Island are blocked off by thin rope to prevent the fragile habitat from being disturbed by beachgoers.
Samuel Brucker
/
Lighthouse Beach Park
Beach dunes may look like sand covered in weeds, but there’s more to these mounds than meets the eye. It’s illegal to interfere or drive on them under Chapter 161 of the Florida Statutes. But some travelers and Southwest Florida residents are unaware of this fact, according to Jeannine Richards, Ph.D. and assistant professor of ecology and environmental studies at Florida Gulf Coast University. Richards said that when people violate this rule, the repercussions are far greater than just leaving a footprint.

On Air Now

TV Schedules
Trusted by over 30,000 local subscribers

Local News, Right Sized for Your Morning

Quick briefs when you are busy, deeper explainers when it matters, delivered early morning and curated by WGCU editors.

  • Environment
  • Local politics
  • Health
  • And more

Free and local. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.

WGCU Local Productions
PBS TV Shows
How the aftermath of Jan. 6 still challenges the Capitol
How the aftermath of Jan. 6 still challenges the Capitol
Fight over how Jan. 6 is remembered continues 5 years later
5 years later, the fight over how Jan. 6 is remembered continues
Pardoned Jan. 6 rioters return to Capitol on 5th anniversary
Pardoned Jan. 6 rioters return to Capitol on 5th anniversary of insurrection
News Wrap: Trump says he'll be impeached if GOP loses
News Wrap: Trump tells Republicans he'll be impeached if they lose in midterms
Trump's push to access Venezuela's oil faces major barriers
Trump's push to access Venezuela's oil reserves faces major barriers
European leaders reject Trump's demands for Greenland
After Trump's removal of Maduro, European leaders reject his demands for Greenland
A Brief But Spectacular take on questions of belonging
A Brief But Spectacular take on questions of belonging
Latin America analyst, ex-ambassador split on Trump Doctrine
Latin America analyst, ex-ambassador offer views on 'Trump Doctrine'
January 6, 2026 - PBS News Hour full episode
January 6, 2026 - PBS News Hour full episode
Post-Maduro leadership remains uncertain in Venezuela
Maduro appears in U.S. court as future of Venezuela's leadership remains uncertain

Environment

Latest from NPR