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The hurricane forecast team at Colorado State University issued a slightly decreased storm forecast Wednesday, calling now for 16 named storms and 8 hurricanes -- one less in each case from initial forecasts -- and a slightly above-normal 2025 Atlantic basin hurricane season.Releasing the downgrade Wednesday morning, the CSU team’s report said the primary reason for the slight decrease is both observed and predicted high levels of Caribbean shear.

Testing of the City of Marco Island sewer collection system utilizing smoke to find and repair leaks is scheduled for Aug. 20 through Sept. 29.This test, which involves forcing smoke into the sanitary sewer lines, will check for leaks, breaks and defects in the system. The smoke is odorless, creates no fire hazard, and should not enter homes or businesses unless there is defective plumbing in need of repair.

Florida is one step closer to having a bear hunt during the 2025-2026 hunting season, despite protests and opposition to the hunt.At this week’s Commission meeting in Ocala on Wednesday, Commissioners of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) voted to approve proposed amendments to bear hunting rules for advertising in the Florida Administrative Register. The rule proposals are expected to be brought back before the commission at its August 2025 meeting for a final hearing and, if the final rules are approved, most changes would take effect during the 2025-26 hunting season.

The Florida Acquisition and Restoration Council approved the application by Trust for Public Land to secure a conservation designation for the Rail-Trail Corridor.

Collier County Domestic Animal Services will officially reopen for feline intake on July 31, following a temporary pause to stabilize shelter operations. However, though DAS is once again accepting animals, due to ongoing space limitations and medical concerns, DAS would like to continue prioritizing critical feline intakes, focusing on cats and kittens who are sick, injured, or in immediate danger.

Tens of thousands of cases of deodorant have been recalled by the manufacturer, a report from the Federal Food and Drug Administrations says.The recall by manufacturer A.P. Deauville affects more than 67,000 cases of 1.8 ounce versions of "power fresh"-scented Power Stick for Her Roll-On Antiperspirant Deodorant, "spring fresh"-scented Power Stick Invisible Protection Roll-On Antiperspirant Deodorant and Power Stick Original Nourishing Invisible Protection Roll-On Antiperspirant Deodorant.

The Lee County Board of Commissioners voted to approve grants Tuesday for Caloosahatchee-based water projects, gave the nod to a contract to design drainage improvements in Fort Myers Shores, Russell Park and Iona and approved an agreement to add turn lanes and a traffic signal at Lee Boulevard and Leonard Boulevard in Lehigh Acres.The two water-quality projects approved will allow the county to construct projects to improve water quality flowing to the Caloosahatchee.

The Lee Board of County Commissioners Tuesday addressed a number of issues including work on expanding the Cape Coral Bridge, repair of the Matlacha drawbridge, repair of boardwalks at several county park sites, and addressing illegal dumping in the county.

A young bobcat found injured in Bonita Springs is now back in the wild after a successful rescue and rehabilitation effort by the Conservancy of Southwest Florida, supportive community members, and key wildlife and veterinary partners. 

The Florida Department of Health in Collier County advises caution due to the presence of red tide near Vanderbilt Beach found in water samples taken this week.Meanwhile, a similar caution has been lifted at Bowman's Beach in Lee County.