Governor Charlie Crist has officially designated July 31st as Florida Animal Disaster Preparedness Day. It comes on the same day Lee County opens its first Emergency Mandatory Evacuation Pet Shelter. WGCU’s Luis Hernandez reports.

U.S. Representative Tim Mahoney is back from a brief fact finding trip to Iraq. The Florida Democrat says he thinks change is crucial to success in the war. WGCU's Valerie Alker reports.

Florida is the nation's largest producer of watermelons. Now growers have a new variety to cultivate - one with all the health benefits, but only half the sugar. WGCU's Valerie Alker has more.

The South Florida Water Management District is hosting a Water Summit Monday at the agency's headquarters in West Palm Beach. WGCU's Valerie Alker reports.

Lack of funding for expanding the number of lanes on I-75 in Southwest Florida means challenges for motorists in the coming years. WGCU’s Luis Hernandez reports.

A thriving population of scallops has been discovered in Sarasota Bay. The mollusks used to flourish there but poor water quality, blamed on development, nearly wiped them out. WGCU’s Valerie Alker has more.

Recent figures show Fort Myers is one of the worst parts of the state when it comes to abuse of over the counter and prescription drugs. WGCU’s Luis Hernandez reports.

Balancing the rights of the institution against the rights of students with mental illness was the topic of a web based seminar yesterday at Florida Gulf Coast University. WGCU’s Valerie Alker reports.

State officials say there are not enough homeowners in southwest Florida taking advantage of its My Safe Florida Program. WGCU’s Luis Hernandez has more.

Congress is expected to pass a new farm bill this week. That’s good news for Florida growers. The 2007 Farm Bill earmarks substantially more money for specialty crops such as fruits and vegetables. WGCU’s Valerie Alker has more.