New Punta Rassa boat ramp opens to the public at noon on Thursday.

Southwest Florida’s growing population and rapid development means there’s always a construction project happening. But due to our coastal location, we’re also one of the hurricane capitals of the world.

This Thursday, June 12 WGCU’s Documentary Unit will premiere the new film “Rising: Surviving the Surge.” It features dramatic storm footage, powerful stories of resilience, and insights from scientists, first responders, and community leaders to provide a wake-up call to the reality of storm surge that we all now know is possible on a very personal level. And it offers a vital reminder to be prepared for when it matters most. We discuss the making of Rising and some of the lessons we've learned from the storm that forever changed Southwest Florida.

Generators and gas. Mops, buckets and tarps. Food and water. These are Just some of the items being stockpiled and placed in strategic places around Pine Island. A non-profit group that has helped hundreds of people since Hurricane Ian is preparing for this hurricane season.

As new buildings go up along the flood-prone Gulf coast at 15 to 20 feet off the ground, the future of Florida's infrastructure "looks high."

A meeting Wednesday morning delved into the status of storm-ravaged Fort Myers Beach Elementary School. WGCU’s Cary Barbor was there.

Punta Gorda on the south side of Charlotte Harbor is preparing for hurricane season. Some residents still are dealing with homes that were flooded by Hurricanes Helene and Milton last fall. A few owners are elevating homes, while others are tearing them down to build back newer and higher.

Noticeably absent from the 39th annual hurricane conference for emergency management leaders are federal workers

The Florida Hurricane Catastrophe Fund, a crucial reinsurance program, will have an estimated $6.72 billion in cash to pay claims during the 2025 storm season, according to a report approved Monday by a panel that helps oversee the program. The so-called Cat Fund also would have access to about $3.25 billion in borrowed money through what are known as “pre-event” bonds.

There is some relief for the many Southwest Florida business owners still navigating hurricane insurance claims and facing urgent rebuilding needs.Just in time for Small Business Week (May 4-10), the Small Business Administration has extended a critical 60-day grace period for Hurricane Helene and Milton survivors to apply for disaster recovery assistance.