Shortly after 9/11, the U.S. experienced several anthrax attacks using the U.S. mail to convey the deadly agent. The postal service then invested millions in screening technology. But local postal and health workers—along with law enforcement—realize equipment isn’t enough. There also has to be training. Amy Tardif takes us to an anthrax simulation - conducted Thursday at the Lee Civic Center in North Fort Myers. (AUDIO)

Researchers exploring hydrothermal vents at the bottom of the Atlantic are using communications technology to share their underwater adventures with students in southwest Florida and around the world. Doctor Bob Ballard – the scientist who discovered the wreck of the Titanic in 1985 - is leading the expedition. He’s studying the “Lost City” – a series of hydrothermal vents more than 2-thousand feet under the ocean. The giant, chimney-like vents release warm water from beneath the earth’s surface – forming a unique habitat for sea life.

Through a series of live webcasts, Dr. Ballard and his team are bringing students with them.

Speaking from aboard a research vessel in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean – Dr. Ballard says he’s realizing a decades-old dream.

“This is the first time we’ve ever tried to do what we’re doing. 24 years ago I sat down and created a dream with the National Geographic Society that’s coming true on this expedition…so I’m thrilled that it’s all working. That concept is a concept of true exploration.”

Along with their research - Dr. Ballard and his colleagues are hosting 4 daily webcasts to Boys & Girls Clubs, museums, science centers and aquariums…including Mote Marine Laboratory in Sarasota. Mote will air the webcasts live - at noon, 2 o’clock, and 4 o’clock - until August 3rd. The shows are free with the price of admission. For a look at the video feed…go to
www.immersionpresents.com.

The real estate developer now under contract to buy the Babcock Ranch continues to meet with parties interested in preserving the 91,000- acre property. CEO Syd Kitson was unavailable for comment today/Thursday. But a Kitson & Partners spokeswoman says Kitson has contacted Lee and Charlotte County commissioners and environmental groups—including The Babcock Preservation Partnership & the Conservancy of Southwest Florida. Spokeswoman April Herrle says Kitson also spoke briefly with Department of Environmental Protection secretary, Colleen Castille… about selling a portion of the land to the state.

“We know that this property is extremely important to the local community and the state as a whole… and that the state has a great interest in purchasing the property. So we are moving forward with those initial discussions to let the state know that, yes, we are interested in selling a large portion of that land to the state.”

Herrle wouldn’t elaborate on exactly what “a large portion” means. The state isn’t the only party interested in buying the land for preservation. Lee and Charlotte Counties as well as the non-profit Babcock Preservation Partnership might also chip in.

Goodwill Industries of Southwest Florida opens a charter school this fall for youth with developmental disabilities. Life Institute for Education or LIFE Academy says it will provide individualized programs that encourage economic independence to successfully transition young adults between the ages of 14 and 22 with development disabilities into the outside world. Carolyn Johnson is with Goodwill Industries of Southwest Florida.

“We help people with disabilities with employment and to learn how to become independent and live full and functional lives out there in society so this is one step further. We’re going to take it a little sooner – catch the students before they actually graduate high school and help them go into post educational learning.”

Life Academy will focus on three goals: vocational and workforce skills, functional academic skills and daily life skills. It’s accepting applications for enrollment now… and has room for 44 students. The school is on Tarpon Street in Fort Myers. The principal for the Goodwill charter school comes from 30 years with the Lee county School district. Lynn Pottorf also ran the district’s charter school program. www.goodwilllifeacademy.org

Wildlife officials arrested a Charlotte County couple for deliberately feeding an alligator. James Jones and Jackie O’Neil of Punta Gorda were caught Friday along a portion of the Peace River known as “Jim Long Lake.” The arrests came just days after a 12-foot, 1200-pound alligator killed a man—swimming in a Port Charlotte canal. Wildlife spokesman Gary Morse says feeding gators is a second degree misdemeanor, which carries up to a $500 fine and/or 60 days in jail.

“The penalties are much less severe than the possible consequences. When alligators are fed, they start to associate people with feeding opportunities. And that can lead to attacks—and even fatal attacks—on human beings.”

Investigators say the alligator that recently killed a North Port man had been fed by humans. Anyone who witnesses people feeding alligators should contact The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission… or, at least, local law enforcement.

Southwest Floridians can now learn their HIV status in minutes instead of days or weeks. That’s thanks to a test available from the Collier County Health Department. “Oraquick” requires just a drop of blood, and produces results in 20 minutes. The health department’s Scott Tims hopes this will encourage people who’ve avoided an HIV test.

“ A lot of people won’t get tested… because they won’t wait two weeks to know their status.”

The rapid test costs $20. But, there is a catch. The test confidential… but not anonymous. Traditionally, people getting tested have the option of using a number to identify themselves. “Oraquick” requires the use of a name.

Lee County today completed the purchase of 104 acres along the Estero River in Bonita Springs called “The Boomer Estate.” The county split the $15 million price tag with the state. The county’s half came from Conservation 20-20 dollars…the state’s with Florida Forever funds.

Both programs purchase land for conservation, and light recreation. The Boomer Estate – which sits next to the Koreshan Historical Site – has about a half-mile of shoreline along the Estero River. It was settled more than a hundred years ago by one of the original Koreshan Families.

Lee County Commissioner - Bob Janes - says it took years of negotiations – but was worth the effort.

“We had a deal and it fell through…or we were about to get one…it just took a lot of negotiation and a lot of work, but it finally came to fruition. I was chatting with Mrs. Boomer today and she said that her late husband would be extremely pleased that it went for conservation purposes. It’s a great deal for people not only in and around Bonita, but for Lee County and southwest Florida.”

Nothing will be built on the land. Janes says it will be accessible for recreation…like hiking and canoeing. The Boomer Estate is now considered part of the 10,000-acre Estero Bay Buffer Preserve.

Collier County Firefighters are learning how to save people from cars that are safer for the occupants, but more dangerous for the rescuers. Jonathan Kleinow has this report. (AUDIO)

Increasing demand combined with low interest rates mean skyrocketing property values in southwest Florida. That’s according to the Florida Association of Realtors. Mike Kiniry reports. (AUDIO)

Nineteen Cubans came ashore on a Sanibel Island beach Tuesday morning. Wendy Humphrey reports. (AUDIO)