WGCU Staff

An investigation into an auto theft ring started in Southwest Florida in 2022 culminated this week with the arrests of six people in TampaThe Florida Department of Law Enforcement and representatives from the Tampa International Airport Police Department (TPAPD), Florida Highway Patrol (FHP), and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) announced the arrests as part of an investigation into an auto theft ring.

Two judicial appointments have been made to the Twentieth Judicial Circuit Court.

Fakahatchee Strand Preserve State Park gains more than 60 newly conserved acres, further connecting the world’s largest subtropical strand swamp.

The Florida Panther Day Festival previously planned for Saturday at the Florida Panther National Wildlife Refuge on state route in South Immokalee had been canceled. Efforts were made successfully to get the event back in place.

Wood storks continue to be the primary focus in the Western Everglades due to their role as an indicator species and the region’s historic importance for this species.

The Florida Department of Emergency Management is providing information and assistance on “Elevate Florida” for Marco Island residents on March 19th.The program is designed to protect homes and communities by reducing damage caused by natural disasters and flooding.

After 12 years with the Southwest Florida Symphony, current CEO Amy Ginsburg has decided to leave the position effective June 30 to spend more time with her family as well as pursue other opportunities.The symphony, Lee County’s only fully professional orchestra and the fourth oldest in the state, announced the departure Monday.

The Florida Division of Emergency Management will host a series of application assistance sessions for Elevate Florida, a statewide residential mitigation program designed to protect homes and communities from natural disasters such as hurricanes and floods.Elevate Florida representatives will be available at Tringali Community Center, 3460 N. Access Road in Englewood, between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. March 19-21. Residents can learn about the program’s eligibility requirements, types of projects available, and receive assistance with their applications. Elevate Florida educational presentations will take place daily at noon and 5 p.m.

From April 22 through May 6, Sarasota County Public Utilities will temporarily modify its drinking (potable) water disinfection process as part of routine maintenance. The water will remain safe to drink.

Nearly 4,000 acres in Collier and Hendry counties are part of a nearly 35,000-acre package of what is labeled as critical conservation land approved for protection Wednesday.Additionally, approval of a permanent agricultural land conservation easement for a nearly 4,000-acre area in Charlotte County will help support Southwest Florida’s water resources.The approval came via Governor Ron DeSantis and the Florida Cabinet through the Florida Forever Program and legislative appropriations, marking a significant step in preserving the state’s natural heritage.