Pam James

Manatee County reports that 300 residents and visitors were safely rescued and evacuated from Anna Marie Island, Palmetto and unincorporated areas of the county.

Experiments on FGCUs Kimberly’s Reef range from looking for red tide, gauging the temperature and chemical composition of the water, measuring aspects of the currents in the Gulf of Mexico, and even counting the many fish attracted to the artificial structures. Some of this research is often done by boat. For many scientists, though, the best way to study the reef is below the surface.

In the Gulf of Mexico, seven and a half miles due west of Bonita Beach and 30 feet below the surface grows an artificial reef and living classroom laboratory created by The Water School at Florida Gulf Coast University. This Dispatch from Kimberly’s Reef focuses on the fish who live in this new ecosystem and the scientists who are counting them.

Ever since since the FGCU Water School began deploying their underwater classroom and laboratory, scientific research has been underway at Kimberly’s Reef. Professors and students are studying the entire water column surrounding the villages. Already changes are being made by wildlife inhabiting the reef, starting at the bottom or benthic zone.

Avoid the headaches and upset stomachs with healthier alternatives to alcohol - mocktails featuring Florida's plethora of sippable options.

In the Gulf of Mexico, seven and a half miles due west of Bonita Beach and 30 feet below the surface grows an artificial reef complex created by The Water School at Florida Gulf Coast University. This is the latest dispatch from Kimberly’s Reef. Six months after its deployment, the scientific studies have begun.

Businesses and homeowners have until the extended deadline of December 14, 2023, for physical disaster loans through the United States Small Business Administration. Economic Injury Disaster Loans are still available through May 31, 2024.

Boating enthusiasts seeking to obtain the state boating safety certificate are encouraged to enroll in a one-day responsible boating class on the third Saturday of the month, from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The course is held at the Pine Ridge Community Center, located at 15699 Pine Ridge Rd. in the Iona area of Fort Myers, next to the Iona McGregor Fire Station and across from the tax collector’s office. Completion of the course will make participants eligible for the state boating certificate.

Dave Gammon, director of the Charlotte County Economic Development Office, spoke to a group of business professionals about the surge in growth of commercial development throughout the county.

Fort Myers Beach community members and strategic partners attended a planning meeting held by town officials and the FEMA Community Assistance Team.