It’s
been 2 years since Florida Gulf Coast University bought an old 12 unit
resort that was once a commercial fish house on Estero Bay in south Lee
County.  Now it’s a Marine and Environmental Science Research Field
Station.  WGCU’s Mike Kiniry took a tour and has this report.

Federal
Fishery Management experts are considering a proposal to allow open
ocean aquaculture farms in the Gulf of Mexico.  Supporters tout the
benefits of increasing domestic seafood production, but some
environmental advocates are saying, “Not so fast.”  WGCU’s John Davis
reports.

When it comes to summers in southwest Florida, a few things are for sure: hot days, afternoon showers, and purple martins. Between June and August, thousands of these birds come to roost in downtown Fort Myers as well as other spots. People come each year to witness the evening spectacle before the birds migrate further down south. WGCU’s Farah Dosani has more.

Southwest
Florida’s on again off again rainy season has presented a challenge to
mosquito control efforts this year. Predictable patterns of where to
spray and when are not emerging. But there’s still plenty to do in
this land of salt water marshes and inland bogs – but dwindling
resources to do it. WGCU’s Valerie Alker prepared this report.

Hundreds
of Grouper fishermen in Florida are unable to work right now because of
concerns the fishermen’s methods may be killing too many Loggerhead Sea
Turtles.  WGCU’s Luis Hernandez reports.

A
huge algae bloom in Tampa Bay could soon start killing fish. 
Scientists say the bloom is not red tide and that it was likely fueled
by pollutants in runoff from recent rains following a lengthy drought. 
WGCU’s Valerie Alker reports.

Federal
and state wildlife officials are offering a reward for information in
their joint investigation into the shooting death of an endangered
Florida Panther in Hendry County.  WGCU’s John Davis reports.

The
Florida Home Builders Association wants woodstorks removed from the
endangered species list.  Environmentalists say the large birds still
need protection.  WGCU’s Valerie Alker reports.

A female wild dolphin followed for thirty-eight years by Sarasota’s Mote Marine Laboratory recently died of what appears to be natural causes. The animal was part of the world’s longest-running study of a wild dolphin population. WGCU’s Farah Dosani reports.

Summer
rainfall in southwest Florida mobilizes the Lee County Mosquito Control
District into action.  But as summer rains raise the water table,
Mosquito Control’s tax revenue is falling.  WGCU’s John Davis reports.