WGCU Site Search | WGCU News | PBS & NPR for Southwest Florida

KC-135 flyover by the 6th Air Refueling Wing. At the age of 21, William “Bill” R. Gaines, Jr., of Charlotte County was one of 22 Floridians and one of 241 members of the U.S. Peacekeeping troops that died in a suicide bombing of Marine barracks in Beirut, Lebanon, almost 40 years ago. A groundbreaking was held, Wednesday morning, March 15, 2023, for the Beirut Peacekeepers Memorial Tower. The structure will be erected at William R. Gaines, Jr., Veterans Memorial Park, and will memorialize the Americans who died that day and honor all the Peacekeepers who served in Beirut in 1982-1984.

Charlotte County to host Veteran Services Resource Fair one-stop event March 27

Charlotte County is hosting a Veteran Services Resource Fair one-stop event March 27 to provide information on more than 30 local organizations offering support, resources, and guidance.

Florida Supreme Court Won't Rehear Counties' Case Against Online-Travel Companies

Nassau, St. Johns and 15 other Florida counties will not be able to squeeze more tax money from online-travel companies. The state Supreme Court has...

This is the sewage leak off Fisher Island, recorded by a Miami Waterkeeper diver.

Miami-Dade County Promises To Repair Sewage Leak After Miami Waterkeeper Threatens To Sue

The environmental advocacy group Miami Waterkeeper is suing Miami-Dade County for allegedly violating the Clean Water Act after finding a sewage pipe...

There were 99 new COVID-19 cases reported in the Tampa Bay area Tuesday. Almost half of them were in Manatee County. Statewide, there was a daily increase of 72 deaths; the second highest increase since the coronavirus outbreak began.

Florida's Second Deadliest Day For COVID-19; Manatee County Sees Large Increase In Cases

There were 99 new cases of COVID-19 reported in the Tampa Bay area Tuesday - 48 in Manatee County. It's the second largest daily increase for Manatee,...

A nurse prepares the measles, mumps and rubella vaccine at the Rockland County Health Department in Haverstraw, N.Y., earlier this month.

Amid New York Measles Outbreaks, 1 County Orders Exclusions From Public Spaces

It's the latest measure officials in the region have taken to combat the disease. Between Rockland County and New York City, more than 500 cases have been confirmed since the start of the year.

Lee County school bus drivers stage 'sick-out' stranding east zone students

The Lee County School District faced yet another hiccup in transportation this week. Eighty three drivers called in sick Monday morning, leaving parents in a lurch.

Cots cover the floor of Hertz Arena, an ice hockey venue that has been transformed into a massive relief shelter, in Estero, Fla., on Saturday, Oct. 8, 2022. More than 500 people were still housed at the arena more than a week after Hurricane Ian struck the Southwest Florida coast.

Lee County consolidates shelters, moves remaining residents to former Publix in North Fort Myers

The move to consolidate shelters in Lee County is part of an effort to work with the Florida Department of Emergency Management on a longer-term solution to Hurricane Ian sheltering operations.

Candlelight vigil for 16 who died homeless planned Wednesday at the Old Lee County Courthouse

Affordable housing is an issue that has only been exacerbated since Hurricane Ian. To bring awareness to the alarming situation, the Lee County Homeless Coalition is hosting its 26th annual Candlelight Vigil this Wednesday evening in Downton Fort Myers.

Crime scene tape surrounds Utah Valley University after Turning Point USA CEO and co-founder Charlie Kirk was shot and killed, Sept. 13, 2025, in Orem, Utah.

Lee County teacher investigations over Charlie Kirk social media posts amounted to 10

Ten Lee County teachers were sanctioned for social media posts about the death of Charlie Kirk.

Buckingham Exceptional Student Center students celebrate Dr. Seuss week in one of the school’s classrooms.

Buckingham to Royal Palm school move put on hold for now, Lee County District says

The School District of Lee County is pausing the transition of Buckingham Exceptional Student Center to the Royal Palm Exceptional Campus until further notice. A notice from the district late Wednesday said the School District and School Board of Lee County have heard from the Buckingham community and acknowledge their strong feelings and concerns.

Search results for