For the first time since the late 90s motorcycle deaths are down nationwide – and significantly down in the sunshine state.  WGCU’s Luis Hernandez reports.

A Sarasota-based company is offering its oil-eating microbes to help clean up oil spilled in the Gulf.  WGCU’s Luis Hernandez reports.

The first two sea turtle nests of the year on the gulf coast were found this week on beaches in Sarasota County.  Sea turtle nesting season runs from the first of May to the end of October.  WGCU’s Mike Kiniry reports.

With the official start of the Atlantic Hurricane season just weeks away, Animal Service workers are reminding people to include pets in their hurricane plans.  WGCU’s John Davis reports.

The Army Corps of Engineers holds a public meeting in Fort Myers on Tuesday to advise about water levels in Lake Okeechobee and continued efforts to shore up the Herbert Hoover Dike.  WGCU’s John Davis reports.

A key player in the arts in southwest Florida passed away Saturday morning. Dick Westlake directed more than 100 productions during 24 years as the head of Edison Community College’s Theater Department.  Once he retired he maintained his stage presence in front of and behind the curtain. WGCU’s Amy Tardif has this remembrance.

The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service has published new rules for dealing with Muscovy ducks.  The species is native only to extreme Southwest Texas but has been introduced elsewhere.  The large ducks can be found in urban centers from Washington State to New York – but they’re flourishing in Florida.  And the new federal regulations for controlling them are igniting passions of supporters and detractors.  WGCU’s Valerie Alker reports.

Do you have some cans or jars of gourmet gift foods you know you’ll never eat taking up cupboard space?  Why not donate them to this year’s National Association of Letter Carriers ”Stamp Out Hunger” Food Drive.  WGCU’s Valerie Alker has more. 

Yesterday, reporter Katie Pankow brought you the story of a unique Amish settlement in Sarasota.  Her story “The Amish of Pinecraft” continues today…it’s part of her series called “Florida: Heaven on Earth?”

Page Field Airport in Fort Myers is about to undergo a major transformation expected to provide jobs and an economic boost to the area.  WGCU’s Luis Hernandez reports.