In the late 1800s, Estero, Florida was home to a thriving and revolutionary community of people who believed they lived inside the earth.  These were the Koreshans.  Katie Pankow has more about this unique chapter in Southwest Florida history, in the first in a series of reports called “Florida: Heaven on Earth?”

Floridians acted quickly to take advantage of a recent appliance rebate program to provide a 20-percent discount on energy star appliances. The program’s funds were exhausted in just one day.  But, there are still a number of ways to make a home more green. WGCU’s Luis Hernandez reports.

April is Donate Life Month. And it appears more people are becoming organ donors. But, as WGCU’s Luis Hernandez reports, many people still have concerns about the process.

If you buy a potato anywhere in the United States during this time of year it’s a pretty safe bet it’s either been in storage since the fall, or was grown in Southwest Florida.  Don Troyer has farmed potatoes in Lee & Collier Counties since 1983. WGCU’s Mike Kiniry took a tour of his operation and has this report…

A bill moving through the Florida legislature would reduce taxes paid on the purchase of luxury boats.  WGCU’s Valerie Alker reports.

The Sarasota County Sheriff’s Department is partnering with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Agents to more quickly identify illegal aliens involved in criminal activity. WGCU’s John Davis reports.

Charlotte County’s been awarded a 1.68 million dollar federal grant to provide habitat for the threatened Florida Scrub Jay. WGCU’s John Davis reports.

Elected officials from Lee County, along with architects, planners and other interested parties will attend a symposium on Friday aimed at “reconnecting” the community.  The aim is to curb urban sprawl and promote transit oriented development and walkable communities.  The symposium was organized by Bruce Spikowski – a planner who’s worked in the public and private sectors in Lee County since the mid 1970s.  He spoke to WGCU’s Valerie Alker.

Governor Charlie Crist has until Friday to approve or veto senate bill 6 - the teacher merit pay bill.  The governor says he’s receiving thousands of emails and calls daily from supporters and critics of the measure.  WGCU’s Luis Hernandez reports.

Southwest Florida International Airport has a new layer of security. WGCU’s Luis Hernandez reports.