After nearly four years of leading a boycott against Taco Bell and its parent company – farmworker advocates have convinced the fast food chain to increase the piece rate earned by tomato pickers in Florida. Valerie Alker explains. (AUDIO)

Several Florida newspapers are suing two federal agencies—to obtain documents related to hurricane assistance. The Fort Myers News-Press, the Pensacola News Journal, and Florida Today are suing the Department of Homeland Security and the Federal Emergency Management Agency. The lawsuit—filed in federal court— would force the agencies to turn over records concerning the distribution of aid after last year’s four hurricanes. News-Press Executive Editor, Kate Marymont, says requests from her reporters have gone ignored.

“We’ve filed 6 different requests. And what we are greeted with is virtually silence. We aren’t given a reason that we aren’t given them. We are just given delays.”

Marymont says the newspapers want to know more about federal aid to local governments, to individuals, and FEMA’s own administrative costs.

The Terri Schiavo case is heading to Congress. U.S. Senator Mel Martinez, a Florida Republican, introduced a bill Wednesday that would give the severely brain-damaged woman access to a special federal court hearing. A state court recently ruled Schiavo’s husband could remove her feeding tube March 18th. But, that would change if the “Incapacitated Person’s Legal Protection Act of 2005” were passed before then. The Act would ensure Schiavo – and others in similar situations – were given a final federal hearing. Martinez says the bill would provide legal rights for disabled people… and federal review of state court decisions.

“This is not about Terry Schiavo’s right to die, or right to be kept alive. It’s about ensuring that her legal rights have been protected at all stages of the proceedings. That she has had the proper right to counsel and all of the other opportunities by a review of the federal courts.”

Congressman Dave Weldon – a Florida Republican – is sponsoring identical legislation in the U-S House. Both Representative Weldon – and Senator Martinez – say they hope to rush the bill through both chambers… then get it signed by President Bush before the March 18th deadline.
George Felos – attorney for Schiavo’s husband – told the South Florida Sun Sentinel "the bill would create a never-ending federal review of state court decisions.” And that it “would make it virtually impossible to carry out patients’ wishes if anyone in their family disagreed.”

Two Red Sox insiders come to Fort Myers this week and next for book signings. A Boston Herald sports columnist caught up with 50 former Red Sox players. And a former Red Sox Manager tells private stories about building the team during his decade as boss. Amy Tardif spoke with both authors and has this report. (AUDIO)

The American Automobile Association or AAA now offers a take-at-home test to help older drivers gauge their ability behind the wheel. Called AAA Roadwise Review – it comes on a cd-rom, and loads on most home computers. The program tests for vision, working memory, leg strength and mobility, head and neck flexibility, and reaction time. Director of Driver Improvement for AAA South - Yoli Buss – says it’s about raising awareness among older drivers of their own abilities…and what steps they need to take to drive safely.

“People are concerned about their driving…especially when we get older…you know there are always going to be one or two, but what this does is give you recommendations. If it says you’re eyesight isn’t as good as it should be, perhaps you shouldn’t drive at night or very early in the morning. There are all kinds of things that occupational therapists have now to keep us behind the wheel longer…but not only longer…but not only longer, safer.”

The test is confidential. Buss says healthcare professionals who work Parkinson’s patients are also using the test to monitor them. The software costs $10 for members, and $15 for non-members. It’s available at your local Triple-A office—or online.

The governor delivered his state of the state address Tuesday before a joint session of the House and Senate. The speech also marks the official start of Florida’s legislative session.
News-Press political reporter, Betty Parker, told WGCU’s Ryan Warner that the address offered few—if any— real surprises. (AUDIO)

Miami Dade County has agreed to help fund a new $420 million stadium for the Florida Marlins. Sarasota is looking at plans for a $40 million renovation of Ed Smith Stadium – where the Cincinnati Reds train. But a recent poll shows a majority of Florida voters oppose spending tax dollars on sports facilities. Janette Janero reports. (AUDIO)

Over the next two weeks, volunteers will fan out across Lee County—to help people who are still struggling with the aftermath of hurricanes. The Lee County Long Term Recovery Committee has teamed up with the Christian Reformed World Relief Committee to find people who are having trouble rebuilding. Long Term Disaster Recovery Coordinator, Patricia Howell, says they first have to determine which resident still need help.

“We used a scatter map first of all, and then we took all the property appraisers, all the information they had from the self-report after the hurricanes, and we’re taking that information and going out to the designated areas, and we’re trying to find, to target the uninsured people, the underinsured, that are having insurance short-falls. This includes the elderly and those with disabilities as well.”

Once they’ve gathered relevant data, they’ll prioritize which cases need to be handled first. Caseworkers will then visit homes in-person… and document needed repairs. Then—hopefully—the rebuilding can begin. Financial assistance to do so might come from non-profits, the federal government, and faith-based groups. This Friday and Saturday, the Long-Term Recovery Team will be at four locations in Lee County… to meet with residents who still need hurricane help. Those locations are: The Home Depot in North Fort Myers, The Shell Factory, The North Fort Myers Library, and the Suncoast Outreach Community Center.

Health officials around the world are keeping a close eye on an outbreak of avian flu in Asia…worrying it could turn into a human pandemic. At home, the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services is working to prevent the virus from entering the state.

There are different kinds of avian influenza. The most serious strains are a major concern for poultry producers in the state. Birds from countries with these strains aren’t allowed in Florida. All birds that do enter must have a permit—certifying they came from influenza-free stocks. The state’s Division of Animal Industry has 35 agents trained to test commercial flocks. State Veterinarian – Dr. Thomas Holt – says although there hasn’t been a reported case of bird flu in Florida since 2001…there are worries the virus could mutate.

“I think the biggest concern that all of us are worried about is that the poultry may directly infect people and that there may be a genetic shift that allows it to spread from people to people. That hasn’t really established itself, but any change in this virus could make it much more dangerous.”

So far in Asia, the disease has mostly affected chickens. But dozens of people have died from the virus. Veterinarians—and those working with birds in Florida—are required by law to report suspected cases of bird flu to the Department of Agriculture.

Florida is both blessed and plagued by growth. Accommodating growth while maintaining a sense of place is a challenge many communities now face. Fort Myers is a case in point. Last Thursday night more than 200 people turned out for a public hearing on how city planners want to direct growth. It seemed the majority were upset by what they heard. Valerie Alker reports. (AUDIO)