Florida's ‘shark maternity ward’ may have been forever changed after direct hit by Hurricane Ian

Research from the longest-running study of shark mating behavior in the world is highlighting the importance of protecting a critical habitat for sharks and rays in Florida after the vulnerable location took a direct hit from Hurricane Ian at the end of September.

Red tide detected at multiple Sarasota County beaches following Hurricane Ian

The water Hurricane Ian dumped on the state three weeks ago drained into the Gulf with the ingredients to trigger a harmful algal bloom. Now, signs are posted at multiple beaches in Sarasota County warning beach goers red tide is present.

Sanibel Causeway reopens to residents ahead of schedule after emergency repairs following Hurricane Ian

The 3-mile causeway was severely damaged by Hurricane Ian, with some parts washed away entirely. It was initially predicted that repairs could take months. Instead, the span reopened just three weeks after the storm made landfall.

Florida sees rise in flesh-eating bacteria after Hurricane Ian

Florida has seen an increase in cases of flesh-eating bacteria this year, driven largely by a surge in Lee County, which was hit hardest by Hurricane Ian. There have been nearly double the number of cases so far this year compared to all of 2021.

Full repairs to Sarasota County schools could take months

Sarasota County school leaders said they’ve come a long way to get all schools open this week after Hurricane Ian, but full repairs could take months.

Hurricane Ian causes up to $1.56 billion in estimated losses to Florida agriculture industry

With its combination of punishing wind and widespread flooding, Hurricane Ian caused up to $1.56 billion in estimated losses for the state’s agriculture industry, according to a University of Florida preliminary assessment.

Volunteers help clean up Wimauma historic cemetery after Hurricane Ian

Volunteers were at Fellowship Primitive Baptist Church Cemetery in Wimauma on Monday, chopping up trees that fell on top of gravestones and other storm debris caused by Hurricane Ian. 

Sarasota County schools fully reopen after Hurricane Ian

Students in southern Sarasota County are returning to school on Monday after being out for nearly three weeks because of Hurricane Ian.

St. Pete Instagram account auctions off date with local for SWFL Hurricane Ian relief

It all started with a cup of coffee and a picture. People bid for a date with one bachelor to help with Hurricane Ian relief. It's a creative fundraiser that began with an Instagram account as the Southwest Florida community works to rebuild. 

Southwest Florida communities in need of baby supplies after Hurricane Ian

The executive director for the Healthy Start Coalition of Southwest Florida said they delivered resources to about 900 families before the storm. That number has tripled in the last three weeks as stores are too damaged to reopen and the ones that are open have minimal baby supplies or people don't have a way to get to one.

Thousands of meals handed out at The Salvation Army's North Port campus despite damages from Hurricane Ian

Since Hurricane Ian passed through Florida, 525,000 meals and snacks have been handed out through The Salvation Army. They've worked to help more than 12,000 people with emotional and spiritual care. 

Small business emergency loan program launched for businesses impacted by Hurricane Ian

The Florida Department of Economic Opportunity is launching the “small business emergency bridge loan program,” where businesses impacted by Hurricane Ian can apply for a one-term, 0% interest loan of up to $50,000.

Wauchula great ape sanctuary hunkered down as Hurricane Ian barreled across Florida

When Hurricane Ian barreled through Florida a couple of weeks ago, it wasn't just people and their pets hunkering down for dear life. Sixty-nine great apes and nearly two dozen caretakers rode out the storm at their sanctuary in Wauchula. 

North Port schools prepare to reopen after Hurricane Ian

Crews are working hard to ensure North Port schools that were hit hard by Hurricane Ian are ready for students to return to class on Monday.

It could take 6 months to identify people killed by Hurricane Ian

It's been two weeks since Hurricane Ian slammed into Southwest Florida and officials are still trying to get in contact with hundreds of missing people. 

Non-profit flies Manatee County animals out of state as shelters reach max capacity

After Hurricane Ian passed, Manatee County Animal Welfare saw an increase in animals coming through their doors. Like many shelters across the state, they were already at max capacity.