Andrea Melendez

They came by the thousands in Southwest Florida, by the tens of thousands across the state and by the millions across the U.S. — for a variety of reasons both political and philosophical but bonded by fear and hope.Saturday was both a protest and a rally called No Kings Day, a reference to claims that President Donald Trump wanted to be a monarch over what has been a republic.

A conference in Fort Myers helped to break down barriers for teens seeking help with mental health.

5/3 Bank presented babies born May 3 with a goodie bag that included $1,053.

The Sarasota County Croquet Club is the largest public croquet club in the U.S. Back in November 2024 it held the Shark Tooth Invitational. Participants played two-player golf croquet. Competitors came from all over the U.S. and were made up of all ages competing in Venice, Florida.

Across Southwest Florida, citizens took to the streets on Monday in what was called the "March 4th democracy" protest. From Naples to Sarasota to Punta Gorda, residents voiced concerns about the current administration.

In alignment with its mission of saving lives, the Sarasota County Fire Department (SCFD) has partnered with SunCoast Blood Centers to implement a groundbreaking prehospital whole blood transfusion program. This initiative aims to provide life-saving blood transfusions to patients suffering from severe bleeding or traumatic injuries before they arrive at the hospital.

The Peace River Wildlife Center in Punta Gorda is moving forward and officials are hopeful that the facility's education center will soon be back open. They have removed buildings at the education center and will use temporary structures so they can bring the wildlife residents home and reopen. PRWC has resumed medical care at their hospital facility.

In Naples, My Dog's Mobile Gym makes the rounds to help dogs get plenty of exercise. Its most important stop may be the Humane Society of Naples.

Southwest Floridians go to the polls: a photo gallery

WGCU's videographers visited Englewood and Manasota Key to explore the damage and to talk with residents as they recover from Hurricane Milton.