The South Florida Water Management District is working to increase the population of snails in Florida’s lakes and marshes. The snails have been in decline due to drought conditions and that’s hurting rare birds. WGCU’s John Davis reports…

Hundreds of people turned out yesterday in Punta Gorda to see history in the making. It was the landing of the first commercial passenger airliner at Punta Gorda’s newly refurbished airport terminal. WGCU’s Valerie Alker has more.

The Arts and Humanities Council of Charlotte County is conducting an economic impact study to highlight the importance of local arts. WGCU’s John Davis reports…

In the 1930’s and 40’s Americans sat in movie theaters and watched film stars in top hats, tails, and evening gowns tapping across gilded sound stages. Since then there’s been a decline in the popularity in tap dancing. But the art is still alive and well in Naples. WGCU’s Andrea McCrary recently sat in on a rehearsal of the ReCreational Tappers of Southwest Florida and has this report.

There is a small body of water on Pine Island in Lee County known by those who wanted it preserved as Willow Lake. In the last couple of months it’s been at the center of controversy. This fall crews allegedly destroyed the lake while clearing land for a palm tree farm. The owner of the property admits they did cover up a restricted area though he claims there was no actual lake. While state and federal agencies investigate, he has offered up a restoration plan. WGCU’s Luis Hernandez has this report.

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission meets Wednesday in Key Largo…topping the agenda - a possible vote to reclassify Florida’s manatees from endangered to threatened. WGCU’s Valerie Alker reports.

A former president of the Florida Association of Counties says state officials need to do a better job of keeping local governments informed about investments. As James Call reports a state fund used by cities and counties is holding millions of dollars of junk bonds.

Governor Charlie Crist threw a holiday party at the mansion he calls “The Peoples’ House” Monday night. Tom Flanigan reports.

Violent crime is up in Southwest Florida. In response the state attorney has created a new specialized unit to try to reverse the current trend. WGCU’s Luis Hernandez reports.