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March 11, 2009

News

BIPOLAR HOUSING
What the pros say about our roller coaster real estate market

If Lee County were human, it would be diagnosed as bipolar, in this case an economic malady caused by a deranged real estate market. The condition has also reared its ugly head in its closest Sunshine State sibling, Collier County, not to mention many other places. Full Story

Habitat for Humanity at full speed
Lee group reaches national milestone with 1,000th home

The housing crisis has not slowed at least one home builder and financier: Habitat for Humanity of Lee County. The nonprofit, which aims to eliminate substandard housing, reaches a global milestone Saturday when volunteers put the finishing touches on its 1,000th home. Full Story

Report: Environment gives Florida big economic boost

The tremendous financial benefits Florida receives from its natural habitats and protected conservation lands are documented and compiled in a new report released by The Nature Conservancy. Full Story

United Way reaches goal

United Way of Lee, Hendry, and Glades was recently scheduled to conclude the 2008-2009 Campaign; however, the campaign was more than $90,000 short. The agency extended the campaign one extra week, and through a last push effort by volunteers, the goal was met. Full Story

Low rainfall numbers spell drought in Southwest Fla.

With February's end, the 2008-2009 South Florida dry season became the third driest on record dating back to 1932. Water levels in the 16-county South Florida Water Management District are declining, and the stage is set for drought conditions to worsen if adequate rain does not fall. Full Story

This week on WGCU-TV

. Sweet Soul: Stax/Volt Revue - Live in Norway 1967 - Thursday, March 12, at 9:30 p.m. This premiere special captures venerated soul icons, including Otis Redding, Sam and Dave, and Booker T. and the MG's, in concert, in their prime. Full Story

Hotel Indigo opens in downtown Fort Myers

Hotel Indigo, located in the heart of the Fort Myers historic River District, greeted its first guests on March 6. Developed and managed by Development Opportunity Corp. Full Story

Cape Coral's Sun Splash opens for season March 21

Splash into spring at Sun Splash Family Waterpark when the Cape Coral attraction opens its gates for the 2009 season on Saturday, March 21 at 10 a.m. Sun Splash is home to more than 14 acres of wet and dry attractions for visitors of all ages including the Main Stream River Tube Ride, Electric Slide, Power Surge, Cape Fear and a tot spot for small children. Full Story

Food Pantry supplies running low
Donations needed to keep up with growing demand

With an unemployment rate that has jumped to 10 percent in recent months, and foreclosure rates the highest in the nation, Lee County is on the front lines of feeding the "new hungry." The new hungry are folks who have never had to ask for help before, said Sarah Owen, CEO of Community Cooperative Ministries, Inc. Full Story

Belleek, a perfect teapot for Saint Patrick's Day

Belleek china is one of the bestknown products of Ireland. Visitors and collectors have carried Belleek teapots and vases home from Ireland since the 1850s. Irish Belleek is easy to identify. The porcelain is thin and covered with a creamy yellow glaze that looks wet. Many say it resembles mother-of-pearl. Full Story

Derby Casino Night benefits Canterbury School students

Canterbury School's Derby Casino Night will be held at the Hyatt Coconut Point Resort & Spa on Saturday, April 4. Tickets are $150 per person. Sponsorships are available. Come out for an evening of fun with proceeds from the event benefiting Canterbury's student financial aid program. (About 20 percent of Canterbury students receive financial aid. Full Story

FGCU Collegiate High School taking applications for fall classes

The Florida Gulf Coast University Collegiate High School is now accepting applications for its fall 2009 class. The Collegiate High School is a unique early admissions program limited to approximately 35 students from Southwest Florida. Full Story

Shroud of Turin photographer to speak at Shell Point

The final presentation in the Shell Point Retirement Community 2009 Inaugural Speaker Series will feature Barrie Schwortz, known as the Shroud of Turin Photographer, on Thursday March 19. The program will begin at 7 p.m. in the Village Church Auditorium on the Island at Shell Point. Full Story