Florida is home to an impressive array of fish, wildlife and the habitats in which they live. The breakdown goes something like this, according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. The state is home to over 700 types of terrestrial animals, FWC says. It also is home to more than 500 species of our feathered friends, according to... READ MORE >
Least-competent criminal Convicted drug smuggler Mike Gielen, 24, hired a helicopter at Deurne airport near Antwerp, Belgium, on Sept. 25, then hijacked the aircraft in mid-flight and forced the pilot to fly to Berkendaal women’s prison south of Brussels to free his wife, Kristel Appelt, 27, who is being held there on suspicion of murdering an ex-boyfriend, The Guardian reported.... READ MORE >
Several recreational and commercial stone crab regulations will be in effect the season starts Oct. 15. Florida’s stone crab fishery has experienced a long-term decline in harvest and is likely undergoing overfishing. FWC staff worked with stakeholders on these changes that are intended to increase the stone crab population and build resiliency in the fishery. New regulations in effect this... READ MORE >
For a look at the here-and-now impacts of climate change, scientists note the rise in the number and frequency of destructive weather events. Here in Southwest Florida, a hyperactive hurricane season still has two months to go, but we’ve already run through the 21 storm names assigned for 2020 by the World Meteorological Organization. Trackers have pushed into the Greek... READ MORE >
Marilyn Santiago has joined Hodges University as a trustee. “We are pleased to welcome Marilyn to our Board of Trustees. Her experience in the entertainment and media industry, and in construction and manufacturing, is impressive,” said Dr. John Meyer, president of Hodges University. “She adds a new range of real world expertise that is especially valuable as we continue to... READ MORE >
Dr. Ryan Harlacher has joined Physicians’ Primary Care of Southwest Florida as a family medicine physician. Dr. Harlacher earned his medical degree from AUA College of Medicine in Antigua and served his residency in family medicine at Louisiana State University in Shreveport. Board-certified in family medicine, he belongs to the American College of Physicians and the American Academy of Family... READ MORE >
When the novel coronavirus pandemic resulted in many students choosing to take classes at home, with no opportunities for actual field trips, Audubon’s Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary found a way to take the swamp to the students through a virtual field trip. During a typical year, hundreds of Collier County Public School students enjoy an immersive experience in the swamp, learning... READ MORE >
From Sept. 15 to Oct. 15 each year, Americans observe National Hispanic Heritage Month by celebrating the histories, cultures and contributions of American citizens whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean, Central America and South America. The achievements of these Hispanic Americans touch every community and are found in every sector of our nation. According to newly released U.S.... READ MORE >
In 1945, out of fear for the wildlife and wetlands that claimed most of Sanibel Island, Jay Norwood “Ding” Darling succeeded in petitioning for the creation of the Sanibel National Wildlife Refuge. Seventy-five years later, J.N. “Ding” Darling NWR, which adopted its creator’s name in 1967 following his death, celebrates its rich history and legacy on Dec. 1. The “Ding”... READ MORE >
Coconut oil is widely promoted for weight loss. While the promises of coconut oil’s benefit sound great, the research is less clear. A few studies have looked at the benefit of coconut oil on weight loss, and results have been mixed. While some studies have reported a decrease in participants’ body mass index and waist size, others have not. All... READ MORE >
