WGCU Staff

Sanibel's Natural Resources Department has been busy preparing for the final phase of the Lighthouse Beach renourishment project by preparing to plant nearly 30,000 pieces of dune vegetation. Yesterday, a team was out sorting, measuring, and preparing the area for plantings made on Thursday.

The need for food assistance remained vital for many in Southwest Florida in 2024 as evidenced by a more than 10 percent increase in food distribution — more than 4 million pounds — reported by the Harry Chapin Food Bank.Additionally, Chapin reported large upticks in several children-focused food distribution programs.Chapin's distribution of 39.5 million pounds of food through its Feeding Network in 2024 equates to an additional 3 million meals served to neighbors across Southwest Florida.

Monday, Feb. 3, is the deadline for City of Sanibel residents to register for the March 4 election for three council member positions and a Charter Amendment Referendum concerning council member vacancies.To participate in the upcoming election, individuals must be registered Florida voters and reside in the City of Sanibel.

Two scammers from out-of-county were intercepted by a Charlotte County Sheriff's Office detective in a Punta Gorda Publix parking lot after they tried to sell items from their trunk while parked in a handicapped parking space.A report from the Sheriff's Office indicated that on Monday, a detective in an unmarked vehicle observed suspicious activity in the Publix parking lot at 2310 Tamiami Trail in Punta Gorda while he was picking up his lunch.

Due to temperatures in Collier County over the next 24 hours predicted at 40 degrees or less, several sites will serve as warming shelters for those in need.

In the heart of Pine Island, Florida, mangoes reign supreme. Discover how mangoes thrive in Florida's climate. Indulge in the vibrant MangoMania Festival, a celebration of this king of fruits. Savor a world where every bite unveils a story of legacy, culture, and mouthwatering bliss.

The Lee County Supervisor of Elections Office says that the March 4 regular election in the village of Estero is canceled.

Due to the National Weather Service forecasting cold temperatures Tuesday night, cold weather shelters will be available in Charlotte and Sarasota counties.

The Lee Board of County Commissioners Tuesday voted to award a $1.8 million contract for a a Regional Alternative Source Water Study in east Lee County and Lehigh Acres and a $174,334 proposal to develop a countywide wildfire protection plan.In other action, the Lee Board of County Commissioners also voted Tuesday to approve an agreement with Collaboratory to allow the county to address a series of objectives included in the $19.3 million Community Change Grant through the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to tackle environmental challenges related to disaster preparedness.