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New Weather Tools Aim to Help Florida Growers

Florida agriculture faces mounting pressure from extreme weather conditions, including freezes, tropical systems and intense heat. A new monitoring system is designed to provide growers with real time data to better anticipate and respond to changing conditions.

WGCU’s Emma Rodriguez reports on how the system could strengthen crop protection and long term resilience.

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The Florida Constitution only requires one thing from lawmakers during the legislative session, to pass a fiscal year budget.
In November of 2008, Pulitzer Prize winning journalist David Rohde was kidnapped by the Taliban while working a book.
Last month, former President Barack Obama made headlines, when he said on a podcast that there were aliens, despite not having actual proof of their existence.
Every year, roughly 45 million Americans will attempt a diet.
Every year in Naples, The Imagine Solutions Conference brings together some of the brightest minds from across the country to share groundbreaking breakthroughs.
It’s quick action, an intense workout and a whole lot of fun.
Before you know it, Tax Day will be here and if you’re one of the people who waits until the last minute to file, you’re not alone.
Have you gotten your alarm clocks ready?
Already this year, over 60 manatees have died in Lee County due to cold stress due to unusual frigid temperatures.
Collier County is the richest county in the entire Sunshine State according to Tax-Watch.
Full Episodes
Could the Drought Lead to More Wildfires?: A collective of firefighters has made progress on a massive wildfire that scorched tens of thousands of acres of land in Collier County. More than 35,000 acres were charred as of Friday morning. The consistent drought conditions have turned Southwest Florida into a perfect breeding ground for blazes and as WGCU Senior Environmental Reporter Tom Bayles explains, even the smallest spark could trigger a disastrous inferno.Youth Haven Helps to Fight Collier Homelessness: Collier County is the richest county in the entire Sunshine State according to Tax-Watch. However, another troubling statistic plagues the area. Collier is home to more than 1,200 homeless children. WGCU’s Kate Cronin shares how one group is targeting this problem, by providing kids with the tools and shelter to find the right path.Manatees Facing Plethora of Ecological Dangers: Already this year, over 60 manatees have died in Lee County due to cold stress due to unusual frigid temperatures. That includes the deaths of over 30 “seacows” at Manatee Park after a scheduled shutdown at an FPL power plant, left the manatees trapped in freezing water. Patrick Rose, Executive Director of Save the Manatees, joins us to talk about the recent ecological struggles manatees face and the important role they play in Florida’s waters.Maintaining Sleep Through Daylight Savings: Have you gotten your alarm clocks ready? Daylight Savings begins on March 8th, meaning come Monday, you’re going to lose an hour of sleep. But what impact does a change to a sleep schedule have on the human body? To find out, we talked with Dr. Jose Colon, a Sleep Medicine Specialist with Lee Health to learn how you can ensure a good night’s sleep can lead to a productive life.
Global tensions are rattling markets and raising questions at home.
Florida’s citrus industry is showing signs of stability after years of setbacks. At the same time, doctors are raising awareness about rare and rising cancers, and Southwest Florida’s housing market is delivering unexpected surprises.
Spring training brings big crowds to Southwest Florida, but questionsremainabout the future of one historic ballpark. In this episode of Southwest Florida in Focus, we examine the potential demolition of City of Palms Park, the business of baseball tourism and the broader community issues shaping the region.
In this episode of Southwest Florida in Focus, WGCU News examines hurricane forecasting ahead of the 2026 season, conservation efforts to protect monarch butterflies and a look at Florida’s historic cattle drive tradition.
In this episode of Southwest Florida in Focus, WGCU News examines the ongoing debate over property taxes in Florida, highlights a lasting legacy during Black History Month and explores efforts to preserve a unique cultural tradition in Southwest Florida.
It is estimated that 37 million Americans have kidney disease. Making matters worse, 90% of people are unaware they even have it.