The Harry Chapin food bank needs turkeys. WGCU’s Valerie Alker reports.

National Estuary Program scientists, managers and other experts are in Punta Gorda this week for their annual meeting. Nationwide there are 28 National Estuary Programs – keeping close watch on the health of 42 percent of this country’s shoreline. WGCU’s Valerie Alker has more.

The Lee County Extension Service is hosting its 10th annual Southwest Florida Butterfly Conference on Saturday, with a focus on what to plant to attract butterflies. WGCU’s Valerie Alker has more.

After years of steady declines the number of Americans who smoke cigarettes has recently bottomed out at about twenty percent. But there’s a new tobacco smoking trend that also has health officials concerned…hookah lounges are cropping up everywhere. WGCU’s Valerie Alker paid a visit to one and has this report.

The Naples Tea Party holds its last rally of the year on Saturday. WGCU’s Valerie Alker reports.

Students at 9 elementary schools in Collier County are enjoying fresh fruit and vegetable snacks this year. They’re benefiting from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Fresh and Vegetable Program. WGCU’s Valerie Alker has more.

Response to a four week Accent Reduction Class offered by Edison State College in Ft. Myers this summer was so positive the school is going to offer the non-credit course again later this fall. The Hispanic professionals enrolled in the class say in tight job market perfecting their American English improves their prospects. WGCU’s Valerie Alker recently sat in on a class and has this report.

Veterinarians from the University of Florida and SPCA are examining more than 600 chickens removed from two sites Tuesday in Lee County. Law enforcement officials say many of the birds were used for illegal cockfighting. WGCU’s Valerie Alker has more.

Work is underway at the Edison & Ford Winter Estates in Ft. Myers to restore the Botanic Research Laboratory. WGCU’s Valerie Alker reports.

The state legislature passed a bill this year moving inspection of cooking facilities at hospitals, day care centers and nursing homes away from the Health Department.  As of July 1st the inspections are being done by two other agencies – but they’ve hit some snags.  WGCU’s Valerie Alker reports.