Some may think this year’s warm winter in Florida means a greater hurricane threat this summer. But hurricane forecasters say that not how it works.

Local health officials have issued as safety warning as record setting temperatures - including a triple digit heat index - is expected to settle over southwest Florida in the next few days.

This time last week, temperatures in Fort Myers broke a near decades long high of 96 degrees, stopping just shy at 95. 

That's promoted a word of caution from local health officials who worry because the warning signs of overexposure to heat and humidity are often brushed aside.

"Some of the early symptoms --- nausea, weakness, vomiting --- these are often mistaken for other general illness types of symptoms.  And, ignoring the symptoms of course can be very deadly. We know from the CDC that nationwide, nearly 700 people each year die from heat related injuries," says Susan Lindenmuth with the Estero Fire Rescue Department.

Jeff Welle is a registered nurse and health educator with the Collier County Health Department.

He's calling on neighbors to keep an eye on one another as high temps can quickly turn heat exhaustion into the more deadly heat stroke, requiring immediate hospitalization.

"If you see someone who is hot, and dry, their skin would be extremely warm, upwards of 104 to 105, and if they are showing signs of confusion, weakness, you wanna stop by and help them out", says Welle.

More than a dozen people have died nationwide this summer from heat related illness.

None here in southwest Florida.

Experts advise drinking water throughout the day, avoid overexertion and seek out air condition spaces during the hottest parts of the day.

Need help paying FPL bills this summer?

For older residents who may have trouble paying their utility bill this summer there is financial help available.

Seniors can choose from two options according to Eric Flusche, with Senior Friendship Centers of Lee County.

The first is a local program called E-HEAP or the Elderly Home Energy Assistance Program.

"Basically what that program is, is if they are at risk of being disconnected and they meet certain income requirements, then they can qualify for assistance on paying their bill to prevent the disconnect," says Flusche.

Lee County Human Services runs a similar energy assistance payment program for low income residents.

Residents can find more information by calling the Elder Help Line at 652-6901.

Freezing temperatures Monday night caused further damage to Florida’s vegetable and citrus industries.  As WGCU’s John Davis reports, growers are out in their fields assessing the impact.

Marine biologists say damage to Florida’s coral reefs is severe after record low temperatures in January caused widespread coral bleaching and tissue death.  WGCU’s John Davis has more.

Colder than average winter temperatures have not put a damper on tourism in Lee County this season. WGCU’s Valerie Alker reports.

It’s been a tough winter for Florida’s tomato crop. A devastating freeze last month wiped out production by 70-percent. The state provides almost all of the tomatoes consumed in the U.S. during this time of year. Farmers are struggling and soon consumers will notice it too. WGCU’s Luis Hernandez reports.

Thousands of people in Immokalee are struggling to eat, pay rent and keep the power on. Ever since the January freeze thousands of farm workers have had their hours in the fields cut to a fraction of what they used to be. For many there is NO work. And since they are unable to work they’re also unable to purchase and businesses are hurting. One, however, is seeing a slight increase. WGCU’s Luis Hernandez reports.

Last month’s bout of cold weather dealt a hard blow to wildlife killing more than 200 manatees and cold-stunning thousands of sea turtles.  As biologists worked to save Florida’s indigenous creatures, volunteers with the Octagon Wildlife Sanctuary in Punta Gorda were helping an array of rare and exotic animals stay warm.  Forecasters are predicting low temperatures in the 30s and 40s in the coming days.  That means folks at Octagon are gearing up for another busy week.  WGCU’s John Davis reports.

Travelers arriving or departing from Southwest Florida International Airport are going to need to watch the weather this weekend. WGCU’s Luis Hernandez reports.

Record breaking cold temperatures in Florida last month are generating record breaking electric bills.  WGCU’s Valerie Alker reports.