Mike Walcher

Drivers in Cape Coral could be on camera, and getting a speeding ticket, in the near future.The city has OK'd the installation of cameras around school speed zones, and possibly other places, to spot speeders and send them citations.

Hendry County is considering impact fees for new construction. Home builders and some residents oppose the fees, saying they will slow down growth in Hendry.But some county leaders and other residents want the fees to help pay for badly needed infrastructure improvements.

Bonita Springs has completed key steps to revitalize the Old US 41 corridor. But some people wonder: Can downtown keep up the progress, after failed attempts over the past 30 years?

Excitement and emotions are running high among people on the campus of Florida Gulf Coast University. FGCU begins its 27th academic year on Monday, August 19.

Turnout for the Primary election on August 20 is projected to be about 30 percent of eligible voters in Collier and Lee Counties. Charlotte is hoping for 30, but hasn't reached that number in a primary in more than a decade.

Ideological control of the Collier County public schools is at stake in a race for a seat on the board.A conservative Republican, endorsed by businessman Alfie Oakes and the Collier party executive committee, is challenging a board member running for re-election.

The school year begins with a major expansion of vouchers for parents to send their children to schools other than public ones. The Florida Policy Institute said the current state budget includes up to $3.9 billion for vouchers and the companies that manage the program. The candidates for Lee County School Superintendent said they believe vouchers make the public schools do better.

High costs for housing, food and other necessities are proving to be the Grinch of the holiday season for some in Southwest Florida.Mental health experts are sounding alarms about the rising number of people suffering a great deal of stress because of economic issues.

Lyrianne Gonzalez in New York is looking for Florida descendants of the federal program that brought foreign workers to farms here. The guest worker program dates back decades, and usually brought foreigners to American farms for set periods of time, and then the workers went back home. But some guest workers chose to pursue legal U.S. citizenship, and then settled in Florida and other farm states.

A woman who's getting her health back after nearly dying of West Nile virus. A woman who cherishes phone calls from her grandchildren. A man who had a broken leg, but is regaining strength to return to the dance floor. These three Southwest Floridians, ordinary citizens, are giving big thanks this year as the holiday approaches.