The
State Department of Transportation’s plan to lease Alligator Alley to a
private vendor is on the fast-track towards approval, but a
transportation bill passed by the senate this week could bring that
plan to a halt.  WGCU’s John Davis has more.

Developer
Syd Kitson’s plans for Babcock Ranch in Charlotte County always
contained an undercurrent of sustainability, but the world’s changed a
lot in the last 5 years.  Kiston says this leaves him perfectly
positioned to create a truly new kind of city - one he hopes will show
the entire world what ‘green’ can really mean.  WGCU’s Mike Kiniry has
more…

Developer
Syd Kitson updated locals about his new solar power plans Wednesday at
the Babcock Ranch Development in Charlotte County.  WGCU’s Mike Kiniry
was there and has this report…

The
Florida House and Senate remain split over the Seminole Gaming Pact.
But new estimates show the House plan could raise more money than
expected. WGCU’s Luis Hernandez reports.

It’s estimated defective drywall from China was used in the construction of 60 thousand homes in this country – houses that went up just before the building boom went bust. The drywall is said to be making homeowners ill. 36 thousand of the homes are in Florida. And Democratic U.S. Senator Bill Nelson is using part of his Easter Break from Congress to assure affected constituents he’s seeking answers, and remedies. Valerie Alker reports.

The state’s plan to buy out U-S Sugar is becoming foggy. WGCU’s Luis Hernandez reports.

State
health officials are still unsure if Chinese drywall used in some
Florida homes presents any health risks. So far all people know is that
it can be costly to homeowners. WGCU’s Luis Hernandez has this report.

State Road 80 east from Ft. Myers  in Lee County meanders through many older communities. There are the river towns  of Alva, Olga, and Ft. Denaud. (duh-no) And on the south side of roadway there’s Charleston Park. If you weren’t looking for it – you’d never know it was there.  But it has been since 1926, and many descendants of the original residents who worked in the surrounding fields and groves are still there.  WGCU’s Valerie Alker took a ride through Charleston Park this week with longtime community activist Alice Washington and recorded her story.

The Seminole Casino in Immokalee is ready to show off its new look today. The Seminole tribe added more than 33-thousand square feet of space to the original structure. It could mean more jobs for the region and more money for the state. WGCU’s Luis Hernandez reports.

Seminole
Hard Rock Casino officials in Immokalee are anticipating next week’s
grand opening of a multi-million dollar expansion.  Local officials and
residents are anticipating this will bring more jobs and visitors to
help the ailing economy. WGCU’s Luis Hernandez reports.