Special to WGCU

For the fourth year, Saildrone and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) are sailing a fleet of uncrewed surface vehicles (USVs) into hurricanes to better understand how these dangerous storms form, track, and intensify.The mission officially started this week with 12 vehicles stationed in six operational areas identified by NOAA as having a high probability of intercepting a storm.

FGCU Softball bested the Florida Atlantic Owls 3-2 Saturday in a College World Series regional game in Gainesville but were eliminated later in the day by South Alabama 5-1.After a prolonged rain delay, FGCU took to the field at Pressley Stadium to face off against the Owls. Avery Viancos was a force at the plate going 3-for-4 in the first game and either scored or drove in every run scored by the Eagles on the night.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has agreed to decide by June 1, 2025, whether to protect the imperiled ghost orchid. A news release from The Center for Biological Diversity said the USFWS agreement follows a lawsuit filed by the Center, The Institute for Regional Conservation, and the National Parks Conservation Association.

A behind-the-scenes look of the new Mote Science Education Aquarium was provided recently as construction continues and the facility gets closer to its anticipated 2025 opening date. Mote SEA differs from other aquariums and attractions since science and education is in its name and is the focal point for all guest experiences.The new facility will embody Mote’s vision of Oceans for All, doubling the number of visitors exposed to marine science each year and providing no-cost opportunities for schools to utilize specialized STEM teaching labs to ensure that every child has hands-on marine science and technology experiential learning opportunities.

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission has issued a reminder that sea turtles are starting to nest on the state’s beaches. Residents and visitors can play a big part in helping to protect vulnerable nesting sea turtles this spring and summer while visiting Florida’s coastal habitats.

Following a court-ordered agreement, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has designated more than 1.1 million acres of critical habitat for the endangered Florida bonneted bat. The indigenous bat faces devastating habitat loss from sea-level rise and destructive development.

As Israel’s war with Hamas grinds toward the half-year mark, noted journalist and syndicated columnist J.J. Goldberg shared an overview of the conflict’s historic and geopolitical roots before an overflow local crowd at the Jewish Federation of Greater Naples’ annual Day of Learning.More than 250 attendees filled the Nina Iser Jewish Cultural Center’s Schiff Hall for the ninth annual event, which explores topical issues through a Jewish lens. The session on Monday, March 11 was co-hosted by the Federation’s Jewish Community Relations Council and its Israel and Overseas Committee.

Lee BIA Builders Care, Stevens Construction partner to rebuild a home for a Fort Myers family in need.Demolition marks launch of 60-day project to rebuild home at no cost to the family

An eclectic new addition adorns the grounds of ECHO, created due to the effects of Hurricane Ian. The 6-foot-tall sculpture depicting planet earth was made from scrap metal gathered after the storm slammed Southwest Florida in September 2022.

From veterans of World War II and Vietnam to those who fought 21st century wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, supporters of the nonprofit Warrior Homes of Collier gathered Wednesday in East Naples for a courtyard dedication ceremony at its recently opened Delta House. The 20-bed, 10-unit apartment complex is the first of the organization’s four local residences to serve both male and female veterans.