WGCU Staff

One of the most well-known and popular retail fireworks companies in the United States has put fireworks production on pause. Phantom Fireworks, which has permanent outlets across Southwest Florida and other parts of the state, and erects temporary tents during the Fourth of July season, is getting blasted by the 145 percent tariff placed on Chinese goods by President Trump.

The South Florida Water Management District plans to conduct a 900-acre prescribed burn in the Corkscrew Regional Ecosystem Watershed Management Area in Collier County today. (Friday, April 11).

Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office, FL, K9 Zoe has received a bullet and stab protective vest thanks to a charitable donation from non-profit organization Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. K9 Zoe’s vest was sponsored by Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. and embroidered with the sentiment “In memory of K9 Copper, Charlotte County, EOW 8/13/23”.

Sections of the boardwalk at Lakes Park in Fort Myers will be temporarily closed for maintenance May 1 through mid-September.

Southwest Florida segments of a nationwide protest that raged on Saturday drew significant numbers with more than 1,000 attending a rally in Fort Myers.There were multiple organizers for the Saturday protests including the Women's March, Hands Off, and 50501. Whatever the inspiration, it drew a lot of interest.

After months of navigating single-lane traffic, motorists traveling to and from Pine Island again can use two lanes on the Little Pine Island Bridge.The use of the two-lanes marking a major milestone in the recovery and reconstruction efforts following extensive damage caused by Hurricane Ian in 2022. This change is expected to reduce congestion; however, drivers should still anticipate possible delays.

Motorists can expect lane closures during nighttime/overnight hours on northbound and southbound I-75 over the Peace River Bridge.Work will be conducted from 9 p.m. through 5 a.m. Sunday, April 6 through Friday, April 11.

Assistant coach for the University of Iowa Hawkeyes women's basketball Raina Harmon has been named as the FGCU Eagles' new women's head basketball coach.During her eight years with Iowa serving as assistant coach, Harmon cultivated a culture of excellence with a 208-63 record and a combined five BIG10 conference titles, solidifying the team's winning pedigree and cementing the Hawkeyes' reputation as a women's basketball powerhouse. Her other achievements include coaching and developing several WNBA draft picks and the 2024 AP & Naismith Player of the Year, eight berths into the NCAA tournament and back-to-back national championship appearances.

The South Florida Water Management District and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission plan to conduct a prescribed burn of up to 12,000 acres in Glades County on Monday weather conditions permitting.

The Naples Zoo today announced the birth of two endangered ring-tailed lemurs, born on March 25. Parents, PJ and Julien, were genetically matched by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums cooperatively managed Species Survival Plan Program.