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Coastal Clean Up still on track for Sept. 20
Sunday, Sept. 7, 2008
Coastal Clean Up may be a real chore in Bonita Springs this year, if Hurricane Ike keeps its course. But that isn’t stopping the annual event from being scheduled. Nelson Marine Construction will join Keep Lee County Beautiful and several other sponsors in hosting an event filled with food, fun and trash cleanup. Full story »
Sanibel, others already weary of Lake O releases
Thursday, Sept. 4, 2008
The floodgates were opened Thursday morning and water started coming out of Lake Okeechobee, into the Caloosahatchee and down the river toward Southwest Florida’s coastal estuaries. The Corps of Engineers began pulse releases that will average 4,000 cubic feet per second daily for the next 11 days. That assumes none of the tropical weather now in the Atlantic dumps rain in the Okeechobee basin. Full story »
Naples looks to make natural resources budget greener
Thursday, Sept. 4, 2008
The city of Naples might be short on money, but its budget could be getting greener. The Natural Resources Department’s operating budget is increasing by almost 83 percent, from roughly $74,000 in 2008 to more than $136,000 in 2009. Wages and benefits for the three-person department bring its total budget to almost $442,000, according to the budget the Naples City Council tentatively approved Wednesday. A final vote is set for Sept. 17.
Full story »
Full story »
South Florida Watershed Journal: August was 'Big Rain Month'
Thursday, Sept. 4, 2008
August rainfall numbers are in. More than 12 inches of rain fell across South Florida. Some areas got more. Full story »
Golden Gate Estates residents cry foul of county’s proposed solid waste park
Wednesday, Sept. 3, 2008
There are tough crowds. And then there are Golden Gate Estates residents. “We moved out there to the country for the peace and quiet,” said 11-year resident Marianne Longworth. “Now you’re going to put huge chippers and shredders and all kinds of things close to our homes.” Full story »
Corps of Engineers to start releasing Lake Okeechobee water
Wednesday, Sept. 3, 2008
At 7 a.m. Thursday, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers will start pulse releases averaging 4,000 cubic feet per second for the next 11 days. Lake Okeechobee’s water level reached 14.68 feet Wednesday. Water managers for the Corps said the releases will not lower the lake, but could slow its rise.
Full story »
Full story »
Florida Agriculture and Consumer Services Commissioner seeks federal disaster declarations for Florida counties
Wednesday, Sept. 3, 2008
Florida Agriculture and Consumer Services Commissioner Charles Bronson has asked Gov. Charlie Crist to seek federal disaster declarations for 36 Florida counties battered by high winds, excessive rainfall, flooding or tornados from Tropical Storm Fay. Full story »
Embattled tomato industry leaders gather in Naples for conference
Wednesday, Sept. 3, 2008
It’s time to forget about the past and look to the future in Florida’s tomato industry. So said Reggie Brown, manager of the Florida Tomato Committee, in a state of the industry address in Naples on Wednesday.
Full story »
Full story »
Panther crossing signs installed along Collier Boulevard
Wednesday, Sept. 3, 2008
Panther crossing signs have been installed along Collier Boulevard between Marco Island and U.S. 41 East, a sign of the endangered cats' widening travel habits. Full story »
Bonita proposes changing DR/GR to ‘East Bonita Springs’
Tuesday, Sept. 2, 2008
The term Density Reduction/Groundwater Recharge may eventually be stricken from the vocabularies of Bonita Springs residents. If a proposed change to the city’s comprehensive plan winds its way unscathed through an estimated 10-month approval process that will involve the state, Bonita residents will be calling the area east of Interstate 75 and north of Bonita Beach Road “East Bonita Springs.” Full story »
Collier animal services impounds pit bulls that attacked Golden Gate woman
Tuesday, Sept. 2, 2008
Collier County Domestic Animal Services impounded three pit bulls over the weekend after they say the dogs attacked a Golden Gate woman’s pet Chihuahuas on Friday afternoon, killing one, and bit the woman’s chest during the attack. Full story »
Lake Okeechobee release could happen any day
Tuesday, Sept. 2, 2008
Officials with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers decided Tuesday not to start releasing water from Lake Okeechobee to flow down the Caloosahatchee River. But Wednesday is another day. Full story »
Collier panel hears debate over development of agricultural areas
Tuesday, Sept. 2, 2008
Large landowners who preserve agriculture in eastern Collier County would get development credits to build new towns, according to a proposal that cleared an advisory committee hurdle Tuesday. The proposal is the most significant change so far to the county’s landmark 2002 rural growth plan that applies to almost 200,000 acres around Immokalee known as the Rural Land Stewardship Area or RLSA. Full story »
USGS survey raises concerns about mines polluting area drinking water
Monday, Sept. 1, 2008
A study by the United States Geological Survey says drinking water may be more at-risk from pollution from mine lakes than previously believed. Full story »
State tomato industry looks to rebound from rotten season
Monday, Sept. 1, 2008
Florida’s tomato growers fear this season could be downright rotten. Costs are up, while demand for their fruit is down. “It’s a really scary outlook, if you want to know the truth. Our costs of growing these crops are going up very significantly. Full story »
Love it, hate it, think the state should wait? Governor Charlie Crist has been getting an earful about the plan to lease Alligator Alley. Now's your turn. Tell the Governor how you feel! »
It’s with great pleasure that we introduce Swimsuit 2008, our third annual swimwear edition. We take pride in the fact that all models involved are from right here in our community. This is where they live, work and play. Check it out! »
Newspapers in Education provides newspapers, lessons, Web site activities and links for local schools and homes. Donate newspapers to kids and earn a chance at a four-night cruise for two in the Caribbean! »
- Naples Craft Festival -- 09/07/08 at Fifth Avenue South
- Butterflies & Dreams Workshop -- 09/07/08 at Unity Church of Bonita Springs
- Dog Day Sundays -- 09/07/08 at The Calusa Nature Center and Planetarium
- Southwest Florida Sci-Fi Club Meeting -- 09/07/08 at Contact for meeting details.
