WGCU Staff

Sarasota County’s Resilient SRQ program has released its draft action plan for public review, outlining proposed uses for $210 million in Community Development Block Grant-Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR) funds. These funds will support long-term recovery efforts following Tropical Storm Debby and Hurricanes Helene and Milton.

This week is the U.S. Postal Inspection Service's National Consumer Protection Week and comes with a warning about the dangers of imposter scams.Imposters are scammers who work very hard to convince consumers they are a friend or relative, or that they are from a legitimate source, such as a bank or government agency. These fraudsters then take personally identifiable information (PII) and use it to steal victims’ money.

The public parking lot at the Alison Hagerup Beach on Captiva Island reopened Saturday.A partial reopening was also Saturday at North Jetty Park in Sarasota County

The Florida Fish and Wildlife's Research Bulletin for February reports that 2024 nesting numbers for sea turtles were no surprise, recording lower numbers for some species but also posting solid and record-breaking counts for other species.The counts are the result of the Florida Index Nesting Beach Survey which records sea turtle nest counts on a standardized set of index beaches. Researchers use the annual survey to determine nesting trends.

A proposal for new rates submitted by Florida Power & Light Company today reflects a nearly $20 rise in bills for most of the state over the plan's tenure.The FPL comprehensive four-year request was submitted to the Florida Public Service Commission and would set new rates once its current base rate agreement concludes at the end of this year.

The South Florida Water Management District plans to conduct a 40-acre prescribed burn in the Corkscrew Regional Ecosystem Watershed (CREW) Management Area in Lee County today. The burn unit is in the CREW Management Area and is approximately 5 miles south of SR 82 and 1.5 miles east of Corkscrew Road.

Here in Southwest Florida about 30% of the population is 60 and older. That translates to about 1.3 million people, and this population and percentage is growing. Demographic trends show an expected 38% increase in adults over 60 by 2040 and a 62% increase in adults over 70 by that same year. While southwest Florida has been a destination for older people when they retire for decades, this area’s aging population is chronically underserved. We learn about the work being done to address the need at Florida Gulf Coast University’s still relatively new Shady Rest Institute on Positive Aging.

Hurricane Milton cause widespread flooding and destruction five months ago; Deadline for waterway debris removal approaching.

Delays expected at Laishley Marina Boat launch due to public works crews removing finger piers.