Florida’s efforts to prevent tobacco use received poor marks in a report released Thursday by the American Lung Association. WGCU’s John Davis reports.

Where we live matters to our health – according to a new report released today/Wednesday. The 2011 County Health Rankings analyzes the health of nearly every county in the nation. It ranks Collier County as the healthiest county in Florida for the second year in a row. For Healthy State dot org, WGCU’s Farah Dosani reports.

A two day a conference on the Science of Phosphate Mining and the Environment wrapped up yesterday afternoon in Punta Gorda.    Phosphate giant Mosaic wants to mine land it owns in DeSoto County.  At issue is whether that practice is compatible next door to the fragile Charlotte Harbor Estuary System.  WGCU’s Valerie Alker reports.

Some old warbirds will be flying over Punta Gorda this weekend – taking part in the 31st Annual International Air Show. And also at this year’s airshow, 3 men who flew those planes right after they came off the assembly line. WGCU’s Valerie Alker remembers the Doolittle Raiders.

The Lee County Attorney’s office plans to file a claim against BP for economic losses related to the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico nearly a year ago. WGCU’s John Davis reports.

A 54 ton 35 foot high marble sculpture of the Annunciation – the announcement to the Virgin Mary by the Archangel Gabriel that she would become the mother of Jesus Christ - will be unveiled tomorrow on the campus of Ave Maria University. The bas relief sculpture will grace the façade of the campus oratory. It is the work of Marton Varo. The artist spent two years on the project – working both in Collier County and in Tuscany – where the marble for the project comes from. Varo, who was born in what is now Romania, has spent a lifetime sculpting.Valarie Alker has more.

Bad weather up north and great weather in Southwest Florida are bringing lots of tourists to the area. Tourism is the chief economic driver in Southwest Florida. Over the past few years visitation numbers have been stagnant or in decline. But this year more people appear to be coming. General Manager of the La Playa Beach and Golf Resort in Naples Ron Vigh says they’re off to a great start this season. WGCU’s Valerie Alker reports.

The Estuary Conservation Association in Naples is hosting a sea turtle conservation and biology forum this week. WGCU’s Valerie Alker has more.

Construction of the exterior of Punta Gorda Airport’s air traffic control is now complete. At 135 feet, it’s now the tallest structure in Charlotte County. WGCU’s Valerie Alker has more.

Florida Gulf Coast University’s Women’s Basketball team advances in the Women’s National Invitational Tournament – or WNIT - hosting the University of Florida tonight at Alico Arena. The Eagles defeated Drexel 73 to 67 Friday night. WGCU’s Amy Tardif was there.