Bonita Labor Shortage, Daylight Saving Time, and No-See-Um Protection

In this episode of Southwest Florida in Focus, we explore compelling local stories shaping our community:

Bonita Businesses Face Labor Shortage: A college study reports upticks in immigration arrests that have led to labor shortages, reduced customer spending, and financial struggles for businesses related to ICE immigration detainments. One way to build support within the community has come from the Blue Gator Initiative, an allied group for the Democratic Party of Lee County. WGCU Reporter Youn-Joo Park attended a recent gathering to learn more. For more on the impact immigration enforcement is having on businesses and communities, WGCU’s Jennifer Crawford sits down with Sui Chung, the executive director of Americans for Immigrant Justice.

Possible Elimination of Daylight Saving Time: In 2018, the Florida Legislature passed the Sunshine Protection Act, which was designed to keep Florida on a year-round daylight saving time schedule. Recently, the U.S. House of Representatives passed its own version of the bill. WGCU’s Jennifer Crawford talks with Dr. Karin Johnson, a professor of neurology at University of Massachusetts School of Medicine, about the potential switch to permanent daylight saving time.

Vaccine Research for Disease Spread by “No-See-Ums": Researchers at Ohio State University say a new vaccine offers hope against a tropical disease spread by sandflies, or what you may hear called no-see-ums. Florida's warm climate creates ideal conditions for the bugs to thrive and opens the door for the spread of a disease called leishmaniasis. WGCU’s Jennifer Crawford is joined by Dr. Abhay Satoskar, a professor in the department of pathology at OSU, for an update on how vaccine trials are progressing.

Feeding Your Brain: Finding ways to improve your cognitive function is good for folks of any age. Staying social, getting quality sleep, and incorporating consistent exercise is a good start. WGCU’s Teddy Byrne and the Cleveland Clinic share why a good way to get the most out of your brain might begin with what you decide to put in your stomach.