A small army of workers is busy in Bonita Springs this week at the Shangri-La Healing Waters Spa/Hotel….readying the historic landmark for a two day Holiday  open-house.   WGCU’s Valerie Alker took a stroll earlier this week has this report.

On a sweltering summer day in Fort Myers a group of about 20 people gather at a tennis court, not to play tennis…but bike polo.  That’s right, polo on bicycles.  The mainly ‘Do It Yourself’ sport has a growing, and enthusiastic following in Southwest Florida, and around the world.  WGCU’s Mike Kiniry has more…

Governor Charlie Crist says he wants more money for K-through-12 public education.  He’s proposing a 500-million dollar budget increase.  But, that may depend on lawmakers agreeing to the Seminole gambling pact, and the state winning a federal grant.  WGCU’s Luis Hernandez reports.

CNN-Money
recently released its list of top 25 places to retire in the United
States. The number one spot belongs to a southwest Florida community. 
WGCU’s Luis Hernandez reports.

Members
of the Big Cypress Sportsmen’s Alliance will hold a demonstration on
Sunday to protest a land use plan they say doesn’t provide enough
access for ATVs, swamp buggies and other off road vehicles in the Big
Cypress National Preserve.  WGCU’s John Davis reports.

There
is a growing buzz about the re-opening of the Naples Botanical
Gardens.  The anticipation is reaching across state lines and
international borders.  With the re-opening in November, designers and
gardeners are scrambling to meet the expectations.  One of the areas
getting a lot of attention right now is the Brazilian Garden.  WGCU’s
Luis Hernandez reports on a one-of-a-kind mural that is being prepped
for installation.

State
agencies are reminding visitors at Rookery Bay Research Reserve to hang
on to their fishing lines. The reminder is not aimed to protect fish,
but rather nesting birds. WGCU’s Farah Dosani reports.

Governor Charlie Crist recently signed a bill which allows for an increase in gambling at Florida’s horse and dog tracks.  WGCU’s Farah Dosani has more on what that will mean at the Naples-Fort Myers Greyhound Track.

The
massive USS Vandenberg opened to divers over the weekend as an
artificial reef – about 7 miles off Key West.  WGCU’s Mike Kiniry has
more.

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.