© 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
Post-Maduro leadership remains uncertain in Venezuela
Maduro appears in U.S. court as future of Venezuela's leadership remains uncertain
Tamara Keith and Amy Walter on military action in Venezuela
Tamara Keith and Amy Walter on the political fallout from military action in Venezuela
What the vaccine guidance overhaul means for public health
What the overhaul of U.S. vaccine guidance means for public health
News Wrap: Hegseth censures Sen. Kelly
News Wrap: Hegseth censures Sen. Kelly for video urging troops to resist unlawful orders
Maduro’s VP ‘not trustworthy’ to lead, Machado aide says
Maduro’s VP ‘not trustworthy’ to lead Venezuela, top Machado aide says
Colombia’s president pushes back as U.S. tensions rise
Colombia’s president pushes back against Trump's threats as tensions rise
Venezuelans prepare for new era after Maduro's removal
Venezuelans prepare for new political era after Maduro's removal
January 5, 2026 - PBS News Hour full episode
January 5, 2026 - PBS News Hour full episode
Venezuelans face uncertainty while awaiting next U.S. moves
Venezuelans face uncertainty while awaiting Trump’s next moves with the country
How culinary medicine fights diseases through better food
Emerging field of culinary medicine helps fight diseases through better food

Environment

Latest from NPR