Gulf Coast Life

The United States has become increasingly polarized in recent years. New research published by the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace seeks to better understand what happens when democracies become ‘perniciously polarized’ — that’s when polarization has divided a society into two mutually antagonistic political camps, where each side sees the other as a threat to the country’s future. According to this research, polarization in the United States reached the level of pernicious in 2015 and remains so to this day.

Throughout the month of June Koreshan State Park in Estero is hosting four 'Citizen Science' informational programs to introduce people to the concept of citizen science and learn about four established research projects that they can become involved with. Citizen Science harnesses the interest and involvement of members of the public to help collect and interpret results for specifically focused scientific questions.

While multiple peer-reviewed studies have shown that cannabis can be effective in treating anxiety, much less is known about the specific ratios of cannabinoids that work best to alleviate anxiety symptoms. Now, a new study led by Florida Gulf Coast University, Releaf App, and CannaMD hopes to further clarify just what ratios of cannabinoids best reduce anxiety symptoms.

Tuesday’s mass shooting at an elementary school in Texas and the mass shooting at a supermarket in Buffalo, New York less than two weeks ago have reignited efforts among Florida Democratic lawmakers to push for tougher firearm laws in the sunshine state. We hear from representatives of Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America and Prevent Gun Violence Florida, Inc., about the current status of gun regulations in Florida and stalled efforts at the federal level to impose stricter background check requirements for gun purchases.

David Futch’s family has deep roots on Gasparilla Island — about as deep as they come. His family first came ashore in the 1880s to fish, and it was his great-grandfather Frank Futch who first figured out how to catch tarpon on a rod and reel and started the guide-fishing industry on the southwest Florida coast. In his new book, Historic Tales of Gasparilla Island, Futch shares stories about island life and its history that come from both his family’s tales, and historical records.

Florida's congressional redistricting process is again facing legal scrutiny. After lawmakers passed a congressional district map, governor Ron DeSantis vetoed their selection and in the end the legislature wound up approving a map submitted by the governor’s office during a special session. Civil and voting rights groups say the governor’s map violates the Fair Districts Amendments and diminishes the voting power of minorities. To get the latest on this ongoing process we spoke with Ellen Freidin, a Miami-based attorney and leader of the Fair Districts Coalition.

Lee county added about 23,000 more residents in 2021. This pace of growth like that isn’t unique to Southwest Florida. Just take Charlotte County: data shows there will soon be 200,000 residents there, and yes, many more cars too. But it also means more jobs and more economic opportunity. What are the up-and-coming industries and job opportunities for you and your family?

During NASA’s Apollo missions during the late 1960s and early 70s astronauts collected lunar rocks, core samples, pebbles, sand, and dust, and brought those materials back to earth. Those samples have been tested extensively over the decades, but now, for the first time ever, a team of researchers at University of Florida have demonstrated that terrestrial plants can be grown in lunar soil, which is called lunar regolith.

Spring beach-nesting season is in full swing for the birds of Southwest Florida. It can be a dangerous time for birds and their eggs when they come into contact with human beachgoers, so we discuss what you should be on the lookout for if you spend time at the beach. And we talk about what’s happening with bird migration as we move from spring into summer and the rainy season, as well as the 2022 Atlantic Hurricane Season, which begins on June 1.

While Florida is primarily known for producing agricultural products like oranges, tomatoes and other crops, a new first-of-its kind survey conducted by UF/IFAS has shown that tropical fish farmers in the state bring more than $172 million in sales annually to Florida’s economy. We learn more about the tropical fish industry, and the results of this new economic impact study.