Gulf Coast Life

Julie DiCaro talks about her fascinating book SIDELINED: SPORTS, CULTURE, AND BEING A WOMAN IN AMERICA.

Wildlife biologist Dr. Jerry Jackson explains why the Ivory-Billed Woodpecker is now extinct.

The 2021 MacArthur Fellows were recently announced and the list of recipients of the so-called “Genius Grant” include Desmond Meade, President of the Florida Rights Restoration Coalition which spearheaded the 2018 Amendment 4 ballot initiative. Its successful passage led to the largest expansion of voting rights in the U.S. in 50 years. We’re revisiting a conversation we had with Mr. Meade about his book “Let My People Vote: My Battle to Restore the Civil Rights of Returning Citizens.”

Calusa Waterkeeper has announced a new Executive Director. Learn more about Trisha Botty and her plans to continue advocating for improved water quality in our region.

Explore famous examples of women who traveled the globe as botanical researchers, illustrators, writers, and educators.

Get the latest updates on some of the major Everglades restoration projects underway, and still on the drawing board, here in South Florida.

The long and winding history of the sugar industry in the United States is complicated to say the least. We talk with the author of the new book “On the Knife: A History of Sugar in Florida” which distills that story into a narrative of the experimentation and entrepreneurship, and the politics and money, that has led to the modern sugar industry as we know it today.

Bears begin eating more calories in the fall to pack on additional fat needed during the winter months. Bears will consume up to 20,000 calories per day and will snack on anything that’s convenient, including what's in your garbage.

According to the Centers for Disease Control, before the coronavirus pandemic began the prevalence of depression, anxiety, and behavioral problems among teens was already growing in the United States. This is now the third school year that’s been impacted by the pandemic, and this has only magnified the pressures brought by school and life. We learn about a local effort, called Normal is Overrated, that seeks to remove the stigma of talking about mental and behavioral health issues, particularly among teens.

Legendary hall of fame outfielder Roberto Clemente joined the Major Leagues in 1955. That was eight years after Jackie Robinson became the first Black player in the history of the league, and nine years before the Civil Rights Act of 1964 became law. For the first thirteen years of his career the Pirates spring trained at Terry Park in Fort Myers — this was during the time of Jim Crow. He died on December 31, 1972, in a plane crash while departing Puerto Rico to deliver help to earthquake devastated Nicaragua. We discuss his life and legacy, which continues to this day.