The Money Bus Tour, brainchild of Fort Myers resident Todd Macke, is making its only Florida stop in Fort Myers this week. WGCU’s Luis Hernandez reports on one man’s mission to teach financial literacy to the masses.

U.S Representative Connie Mack returned to his roots yesterday – to the business in his hometown of Cape Coral that gave him his first job in high school.  The Republican lawmaker says Marine Concepts is a perfect example of a small business struggling to stay afloat under the policies of the Obama Administration.  WGCU’s Valerie Alker prepared this report.

Many United Way Chapters around the country are adjusting their fundraising goals this year to reflect the downturn in the economy.  But not the United Way of Lee Hendry and Glades Counties.  With just two weeks left in the campaign it’s pushing toward its 8 million dollar goal – dollars it says provide a crucial safety net in an area hard hit by the recession.  WGCU’s Valerie Alker reports.

The prolonged January cold snap has put untold thousands of Florida farm workers out of work and in danger of becoming homeless.  Agencies and advocates are trying to help. WGCU’s Luis Hernandez was in Immokalee and has this report on a town where many of the inhabitants are becoming desperate.

Florida Congressmen Mario Diaz Balart & Adam Putnam toured crop damage in Collier County Monday, calling it the worst they’ve seen anywhere in the state.  WGCU’s Mike Kiniry reports.

Lee
County is getting more than 3 million dollars in federal stimulus
dollars for renewable and clean energy projects.  WGCU’s John Davis
reports.

The 2010 U.S. Census will bring thousands of temporary jobs to Southwest Florida.   Although the bulk of the work won’t begin until next spring, Census officials say the time for job seekers to act is now.  WGCU’s John Davis reports.

Pink Grapefruit from Florida goes on sale next month in London.  And
strawberries from Florida are on sale now in Dublin.  WGCU’s Valerie
Alker reports.

The
Naples Council on World Affairs heard from the American Petroleum
Institute’s Chief Economist on Tuesday.  It’s the country’s main trade
organization for the oil and natural gas industry.  Doctor John Felmy
spoke about where oil and gas comes from, how it’s used and its role in
the future.  His speech was titled “The Impact of International Forces
and Global Demand for Energy on the United States and Florida.”  He
spoke to WGCU’s Valerie Alker…

While the economic downturn is cutting into sales at many department stores and boutiques - business is brisk at Goodwill stores across the state. Goodwill Industries opened two new retail stores in Southwest Florida this year – one in Bonita Springs and another in Clewiston.  Retail store sales provide 85 percent of the revenue Goodwill uses to fulfill its primary mission – to help people with barriers to employment find jobs.  WGCU’s Valerie Alker has more in this report.