A local FTC robotics team called Java the Hutts is heading to Houston next week to compete in the FIRST World Championship. Java the Hutts has been a team for eight years, with students from across Southwest Florida moving through program as some age out. This is the team’s third qualification to Worlds — they brought home the World Champion title once before in 2022. We talk with three of the Java the Hutt team members to learn about their team, the FIRST competitions, and how engaging with robotics is helping them prepare for the world ahead.

Students, parents and friends alike recently helped cheer on athletes from the Life Skills program in celebration of the 15th annual Inclusion Basketball Game at Fort Myers High School.

Gardens are popping up all over Lee County, thanks to programs like farm-to-school. In February alone the Lee County School District expanded its garden program to 14 schools. Farm-to-school teaches students about healthy eating and also produces fresh food for school cafeterias.

Florida’s multi-million-dollar pet fish trade is skyrocketing.But in the Sunshine State, only 10% of that industry breeds salt-water fish. And yet, demand for real-life, ocean-dwelling Dorys and Nemos is greater than ever.

Governor Ron DeSantis has appointed Dr. Larry Antonucci and reappointed Robbie Roepstorff to the Florida Gulf Coast University Board of Trustees.

Behind FGCU’s Honors College book drive is a story of cultural ties and compassion. Students are donating books to support children in the Philippines— an effort inspired by the dean’s wife’s heritage.FGCU’s Honors College is made up of students who take an active role in their education and demonstrate leadership skills. According to FGCU’s website, students in the Honors College have access to exclusive course sections, advising, project funding and more.

The Florida International University Board of Trustees on Friday approved appointing Lt. Gov. Jeanette Nunez as the school’s interim president, setting the stage for Gov. Ron DeSantis to choose a new lieutenant governor.Nunez, a Miami Republican who received bachelor’s and master’s degrees at FIU, called the selection an honor.

The normal rumble and hiss of big yellow school buses has fallen silent in Glades County for a good and environmentally sound reason — a new fleet of zero-emission, electric vehicles has been pressed into service.On Thursday, the Glades County School District celebrated the arrival of 13 new electric school buses, which replaced over half of the district's aging diesel fleet. The state-of-the-art buses offer students a cleaner, healthier transportation option and, for the first time, provide air-conditioned rides to the majority of district students.