It’s
easy to tell when spring arrives in Florida when baseball Spring
Training gets underway. And it’s likely that nowhere else is America’s
pastime being appreciated as much as it is in Port Charlotte, where
fans have gone without a major league team for more than seven years. 
Now the American League Champion Tampa Bay Rays are spring training in
their new home in Charlotte County. WGCU’s Luis Hernandez was at their
opening game and has this report.

The
Tampa Bay Rays lost their spring season opener Wednesday against the
Cincinnati Reds 7 to 0.  For Charlotte County having the Rays in place
at the Charlotte Sports Park is a win/win situation.  WGCU’s Valerie
Alker reports.

The
Boston Red Sox kicked off Spring Training Wednesday afternoon with an
exhibition game against Boston College at City of Palms Park in Fort
Myers.  WGCU’s Mike Kiniry was there and has this report.

The
revamped Charlotte Sports Park is ready and waiting for spring training
this year.  The American League Champion Tampa Bay Ray’s take up
residence later this month.  The return of pro-ball to the sports park,
seven years after the Texas Rangers moved out, is a financial and
morale boost for the county.  The local museum has even gotten in on
the act...  WGCU’s Valerie Alker reports.

Some people in Immokalee feel the town gets a bad rap too often. But for the past two weeks residents have enjoyed the attention. Their hometown hero, Arizona Cardinal running back Edgerrin James, is playing in the Super Bowl. WGCU’s Luis Hernandez has this report.

When added to gasoline, ethanol is supposed to help reduce toxic emissions, enhance performance and keep engines clean. But there are drawbacks, especially for boat owners. It can eat away at old components, clog fuel lines and eventually shut an engine down.  WGCU’s Luis Hernandez visited some marinas to see how people are dealing with this little known issue…

There's a special exhibit about Roberto Clemente at the North Collier Regional Park. The show runs through December 27th. WGUC's Luis Hernandez recently spoke with producer Bernardo Ruiz about his award winning documentary of Roberto Clemente. The film aired on PBS American Experience

Lee County stepped up to the plate Tuesday and asked the Boston Red Sox to stay for the next 30 years. The county says it will use 20 percent of its tourist development budget to build a new spring training stadium. WGCU’s Amy Tardif has more.

The pilot steroid testing program for Florida high school athletes has been discontinued after one year. Early test results showed there is no concern about teens using steroids. But some coaches say the testing needs to go further. WGCU’s Luis Hernandez has more.

Several hundred people showed up at City of Palms Park in Fort Myers yesterday for a rally in support of keeping the Boston Sox in town. WGCU’s Luis Hernandez reports.