WGCU News

People in Naples are feeling a lot of civic pride about Opera Naples Festival Under the Stars. This major cultural event in the heart of Naples during the peak of tourist season is also a boon to local restaurants and shops.

Cynthia Mason is one of three artists being featured by The Baker Museum of Art in its 12th Annual Florida Contemporary exhibition. Mason’s three-dimensional wall constructions evolved organically from her early training as an architect.

There were 64 photos entered in the Youth category — age 17 and younger — by 42 photographers in the 2025 Six Mile Cypress Slough’s photo contest honoring Carolyn Babb. A total of 270 photos were submitted in all categories combined by 113 different people. Twenty-nine photos received honors. The contest is limited to amateur photographers.

From April 22 through May 6, Sarasota County Public Utilities will temporarily modify its drinking (potable) water disinfection process as part of routine maintenance. The water will remain safe to drink.

The Salvation Army of Naples will close its thrift store permanently on April 30.

Lipman Family Farms wanted to mitigate flood risk associated with heavy rain on their 2,000-acre farm in Naples.As general manager, Lucas Conran helps oversee seven farming operations for Lipman in Florida and other states along the East Coast. So, he asked for help from his longtime friend, Sanjay Shukla, a University of Florida hydrologist, who had just developed his “compact-bed geometry,” with state and federal funding, including the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

The Florida House will dive into issues about college athletes getting paid for use of their names, images and likenesses, or what is known as NIL.

Across Southwest Florida, citizens took to the streets on Monday in what was called the "March 4th democracy" protest. From Naples to Sarasota to Punta Gorda, residents voiced concerns about the current administration.

Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe in Sarasota is letting the good time roll with the rhythm and blues musical, “Five Guys Named Moe.” The show is a vivacious journey through music, dance, and the joyous camaraderie of five charismatic characters.

The Southwest Florida Fencing Academy in Fort Myers is celebrating its 50th anniversary this week with free lessons for anyone interested in learning how to swordfight.