Sanibel Coyotes, Meteor Showers & Stormy Weather

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

Heat Advisories Impacting SWFL: As we enter peak Hurricane Season, the third named storm of the season has formed in the Atlantic Ocean. Tropical Storm Cristobal isn’t expected to become a weather threat, but it also won’t be providing any wind or water relief from the extensive heat advisories. AMS Certified Meteorologist Irene Sans joins to break down all the weather activity surrounding Southwest Florida.

School Supplies for ICE Impacted Families: Across Southwest Florida, citizens are volunteering their time to work as “legal observers” and monitor activity from Immigration and Custom’s Enforcement. They are also carving out time to assist immigrant families who have been impacted by ICE raids. WGCU’s Youn-Joo Park learned that meant handing out school supplies to children as the new school year begins.

Coyotes Invading Sanibel Sea Turtle Nests: The beaches of Sanibel and Captiva Island are under siege from a growing population of coyotes. The predators are wreaking havoc on this year’s sea turtles nesting season. WGCU Senior Environmental Reporter Tom Bayles breaks down the situation and what local groups are trying to do to keep baby sea turtles safe.

Another Dispatch from Kimberly’s Reef: This fall, WGCU is premiering a new documentary, “Kimberly’s Reef: An Underwater Living Laboratory”. In preparation, here is another dispatch from the artificial reef that details the operations from the site’s first six months of research.

Catching the Perseid Meteor Shower: Keep your eyes to the sky as one of the highly anticipated astronomical events on the calendar year arrives. The Perseid Meteor Shower will bring the chance to see dozens of fireballs across the Florida, with the peak of activity happening early Tuesday and Wednesday morning. WGCU’s Teddy Byrne sat with Robert Lunsford from the American Meteor Society to learn more about this year’s event.