THIS IS SOUTH WEST, FLORIDA, IN FOCUS.

COMING UP, GETTING A BETTER UNDERSTANDING OF WHAT YOUR CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS R FOLLOWING A MESSY U.S.

SENATE HEARING QUESTIONS ARISE OVER DR FAUCI IS REPEATED USE OF THE 5TH AMENDMENT.

BUILDING A BETTER TOMORROW FOR ADULTS LIVING WITH INTELLECTUAL AND DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES.

THE ORGANIZATION THAT IS TRAINING BOTH PEOPLE AND EMPLOYERS TO CREATE MORE INCLUSIVE WORK SPACES.

AND NEARLY 4 YEARS AFTER HURRICANE IAN CARVED A PATH THROUGH FORT MYERS BEACH, THE TOWN IS CELEBRATING A REBUILDING MILESTONE.

ONE THAT IT HOPES WILL PAVE THE WAY AS HE RETURNS TO THE TOURIST DESTINATION BEFORE THE DEVASTATING STORM.

HELLO, I'M JENNIFER CRAWFORD.

THANK YOU FOR JOINING US.

WHEN THE BILL OF RIGHTS WAS RATIFIED IN 17, 91, ONE OF THE MOST NOTABLE PROTECTIONS CREATED FOR AMERICAN CITIZENS WAS THE 5TH AMENDMENT.

IT WAS ENACTED TO SHIELD CITIZENS FROM UNFAIR GOVERNMENT, PROSECUTION AND ABUSE MORE THAN 2 CENTURIES LATER, THE 5TH AMENDMENT HAS THRUST.

THE MAN NOTICED THE COVID STAR INTO THE NATIONAL SPOTLIGHT.

THE SENATE HOMELAND SECURITY COMMITTEE SUBPOENAED DOCTOR ANTHONY FAUCI TO TESTIFY ABOUT HIS HANDLING OF THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC DURING THE HEARING.

THE 85 YEAR-OLD INVOKED HIS CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHT AGAINST SELF-INCRIMINATION KNOWN AS THE 5TH AMENDMENT 111 TIMES FOR HIS REFUSAL TO ANSWER QUESTIONS.

THE SENATE COMMITTEE VOTED TO HOLD HIM IN CONTEMPT OF CONGRESS.

NOW THE ENTIRE U.S.

SENATE WILL VOTE IF THEY WISH TO PROCEED WITH THOSE CHARGES.

FOR MORE ON THE IMPORTANCE OF THE 5TH AMENDMENT.

I AM NOW JOINED BY DOCTOR DON DYER, A CIVICS PROFESSOR WITH FGCU.

THANK YOU FOR JOINING US TODAY.

>> THANK YOU FOR HAVING EXCITING TO TALK ABOUT SOMETHING I'M SO PASSIONATE ABOUT.

>> CAN YOU FIRST EXPLAIN THE 5 CORNERSTONES OF THE 5TH AMENDMENT?

>> SURE.

ABSOLUTELY IS.

OF COURSE THE 5TH AMENDMENT BEING PART OF THE BILL OF RIGHTS WHICH IS PASSED IN 17.

91 AND YOU'RE CURRENTLY IDENTIFIED THE 5 MAIN PARTS.

THE FIRST PART IS THE GRAND JURY PROTECTION.

AND SO THAT'S REALLY IMPORTANT.

IT BASICALLY SAYS.

THAT TO BRING A CHARGE AND THAT THERE HAS TO BE A TRIAL.

JURY DETERMINES GUILT OR INNOCENCE.

SO THE INDICTMENT CANNOT MOVE FORWARD IN SECRECY.

THE SECOND ONE IS DOUBLE JEOPARDY.

THIS IS THE GOVERNMENT GENERALLY CANNOT PROSECUTE SOMEONE TWICE FOR THE SAME OFFENSE.

SO IF SOMEONE IS ACQUITTED.

THEY CANNOT BE BROUGHT UP AGAIN IN THE SAME COURT.

THE 3RD LINE IS THE ONE AGAINST SELF INCRIMINATION AND NOW IN SAYS THE GOVERNMENT CANNOT COMPEL A PERSON TO PROVIDE TESTIMONY OR EVIDENCE THAT CAN INCRIMINATE THAT PERSON.

THE 4TH ONE IS OUR PROTECTION FOR DUE PROCESS.

WE'RE SIMPLY SAYS THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT CANNOT DEPRIVE SOMEONE OF LIFE.

LIBERTY OR PROPERTY WITHOUT DUE PROCESS.

AND THEN THE 5TH ONE.

SIMPLY ARTICULATE.

IT'S CALLED THE TAKINGS CLAUSE.

AND IT SAYS THE GOVERNMENT MUST PROVIDE JUST COMPENSATION WHEN IT TAKES PRIVATE PROPERTY FOR PUBLIC USE.

>> NOW WHEN SOMEONE TAKES THE 5TH DURING A LEGAL PROCEEDING, WHAT DOES THAT MEAN?

>> SURE.

SO IT'S VERY IMPORTANT TO FIRST OF ALL STATE THAT THAT IS NOT A DETERMINATION THAT THEY ARE GUILTY IN ANY WAY.

AND SO TAKING THE 5TH SIMPLY MEANS THAT THE BURDEN OF PROOF IS ON THE GOVERNMENT.

THE GOVERNMENT HAS TO PROVE IT.

WHETHER OR NOT THE PERSON IS INNOCENT OR GUILTY.

AND SO IT SETS UP THIS ADVERSARIAL TYPE A SYSTEM THAT OUR FRAMERS, OUR FOUNDING FATHERS WANTED TO PROTECT SO YOU HAVE A PROSECUTION.

FIRST IS THE DEFENDANT AND THEN WE SHOULD HAVE A NEUTRAL JUDGE.

AND THAT WAS VERY IMPORTANT.

SO TAKING THE 5TH WAS BASICALLY SAYING YOU CAN'T FORCE ME TO TAKE AN OATH AND FORCED ME TO GIVE SOME TYPE INCRIMINATION IN OTHER WORDS, YOU NEED TO DO THE WORK.

THE PROSECUTION HAS TO DO THE WORK.

>> CAN YOU HELP US UNDERSTAND WHY DOCTOR ANTHONY FAUCI IS BEING HELD IN CONTEMPT FOR PLEADING THE 5TH IN THE U.S.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON HIS HANDLING OF THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC.

>> SO THAT ONE TO SIMPLIFY IT REALLY HINGES ON.

THERE'S 2 COURT CASES.

SO IN ESSENCE, WE HAVE A 5TH AMENDMENT AND IMPORTANT THING TO REMEMBER IS THAT AS IT WAS ORIGINALLY WRITTEN, JAMES MADISON SAID I'M GONNA I'M GONNA GIVE THEM IN A QUOTE FROM THE TAX THAT YOU SHOULD NOT BE COMPELLED TO BE A WITNESS AGAINST YOURSELF.

NOW, THE FASHION CASE IS ESPECIALLY INTERESTING BECAUSE YOU HAVE CONGRESS AND THEY HAVE A RIGHT TO HAVE HEARINGS.

YOU HAVE ANTHONY FAUCI WHO HAS INDIVIDUAL RIGHTS AS A CITIZEN IN THE UNITED STATES IN TRYING BY THE 5TH AMENDMENT AND THEN INTO THE MIX TO KEEP A COMPLICATED AND INTERESTING.

YOU HAVE THE PRESIDENTIAL PARDON.

>> WHY DO YOU THINK THIS CASE HAS CAPTURED SO MUCH OF OUR ATTENTION?

>> SURE, THAT'S THAT'S A GREAT QUESTION.

I THINK THIS CASE IS SO INTERESTING TO ON SO MANY DIFFERENT LEVELS, ONE BECAUSE IT'S APPLICABLE TO EVERYONE.

SO FROM THE ONE PERSPECTIVE APPLICABLE BECAUSE WE ALL LIVED THROUGH THE COVID PANDEMIC.

SO PEOPLE ARE INTERESTED BECAUSE IT RELATES TO THEM IN SOME MEASURE.

AND 2, I THINK BECAUSE IT DOES RAISE A CIVICS QUESTION AND IT BRINGS TOGETHER ELEMENTS THAT BEFORE MAYBE WAS JUST AGAINST SELF INCRIMINATION.

MAYBE WAS JUST THE WITNESS CLAIMING THE 5TH.

BUT THIS ONE ALSO BRINGS IN THAT ISSUE OF A PRESIDENTIAL PARDON.

AND SO IT BRINGS IN IS FASCINATING BECAUSE IT BRINGS IN THROUGH REALLY 3 DIFFERENT LEVELS.

AND SO FOR AM IS WATCHING IT.

AND THEN EVEN THINKING ABOUT IT.

AND THEN SO MANY IS A TWIST IN THE TURNS THE GOOD THING IS THAT IT'S GOTTEN PEOPLE TALKING ABOUT THE 5TH AMENDMENT.

AND ASKING WHY WE HAVE IT.

WHY IT IS IMPORTANT.

HOW CAN BE APPLIED TO ME.

AND IT'S JUST A FUNDAMENTAL RIGHT FOR FOR A SAYS, AMERICAN CITIZEN.

SO I THINK IT IT'S A CAPTIVATING TOPIC FOR >> ALL RIGHT.

WELL, THANK YOU FOR SHARING YOUR EXPERTISE TODAY.

MS DYER.

>> OH, YOU'RE WELCOME.

THANK YOU FOR ASKING.

LIKE I SAID, IT'S IS SUCH AN IMPORTANT ISSUE IN ANY CAN TALK ABOUT HISTORY AND CIVICS.

IT'S A WIN-WIN.

WE'LL HAVE YOU BACK ON FOR SURE.

THANK YOU.

THANK YOU SO MUCH.

>> YOU CAN FIND MORE STORIES ON POLITICS AND CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS BY VISITING OUR WEBSITE WGCU DOT ORG.

COMING UP, A MASSIVE SHORTAGE OF BLOOD DONATIONS LEADS TO A GROWING HEALTH EMERGENCY.

NOW LOCAL GROUPS ARE TURNING TO A PUBLIC PLEA TO KEEP HOSPITALS AND FOR MANY FLORIDIANS.

THE ROUTINE OF DAILY LIVING MEANS COMING FACE-TO-FACE WITH UNSEEN OBSTACLES.

ACCORDING TO A RECENT REPORT FROM THE ABLE TRUST, MORE THAN 13% OF THE STATE'S POPULATION LIVES WITH SOME FORM OF INTELLECTUAL OR DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITY AND OVER ONE AND A QUARTER MILLION WORKING AGE ADULTS LIVE WITH A DISABILITY TO ASSIST THOSE INDIVIDUALS.

GROUPS SUCH AS THE LEAD ASSOCIATION FOR REMARKABLE CITIZENS OR LARK OFFER A VARIETY OF PROGRAMS LARKS AS THEY NOT ONLY EQUIP PEOPLE WITH JOB SKILLS.

THEY HELP BUSINESS OWNERS UNDERSTAND THE BENEFIT OF HIRING WORKERS WITH UNIQUE ABILITIES >> FOR MORE ON THE EFFORTS TO HELP PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES.

I'M JOINED BY ANGELA CATS, THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF LARK.

>> AND THANK YOU FOR JOINING US IN STUDIO TODAY.

YOU'RE WELCOME.

MY PLEASURE.

CAN YOU FIRST GIVE US A BIT OF HISTORY ABOUT THIS NONPROFIT?

ABSOLUTELY.

>> LARK WAS ACTUALLY FOUNDED IN 1954, BY A GROUP OF FAMILIES WHO REALLY DIDN'T FELT THAT THEIR CHILDREN DESERVED IN EDUCATION DESERVE TO BE TREATED AND INCLUDE YOU TREATED JUST LIKE EVERYONE ELSE INCLUDED IN SOCIETY AT THAT TIME, CHILDREN WITH DISABILITIES WERE NOT AFFORDED PUBLIC EDUCATION.

SO THEY WERE EITHER FAMILIES RE THEY'RE ENCOURAGED TO INC, BE INSTITUTIONALIZED THEIR CHILDREN OR TO KEEP THEM AT HOME.

AND WE HAD ONE YOUNG MOM THAT CHANGED ALL OF THAT FOR OUR COMMUNITY AND REALLY PAVED THE WAY FOR MANY OTHER AGENCIES.

WE ONE OF THE VERY FIRST AGENCIES IN THE STATE IN THE NATION TO DO THIS TYPE OF WORK.

SO 72 YEARS LATER, WE'RE STILL DOING IT.

>> AND HOW DO YOU PROVIDE THIS HELP SO THAT THEY CAN BECOME READY TO ENTER THE WORKFORCE?

WE HAVE SEVERAL PROGRAMS ARE ADULT DAY TRAINING PROGRAM.

>> WHICH IS MONDAY THROUGH FRIDAY FROM 9 TO 3, SOME INDIVIDUALS WOULD COME 5 DAYS THEM JUST A COUPLE JUST DEPENDING ON THEIR GOALS OR THEIR LIFESTYLE.

WHAT ELSE, WHATEVER ELSE THEY DO IN THEIR SPARE TIME AND EVERYTHING WE DO, IT'S REALLY DESIGNED TO HELP MAXIMIZE A PERSON'S INDEPENDENCE.

UNEMPLOYMENT SUCCESS.

SO THEY ATTEND CLASSES AND THEY CAN BE EDUCATIONAL.

THEY CAN BE RECREATIONAL LEISURE, VOCATIONAL BASED.

BUT AGAIN, EVERY ANYTHING THAT WE CAN DO TO HELP THEM MAXIMIZE THEIR INDEPENDENCE.

AND THEN OFF CAMPUS, WE HAVE OUR COMMUNITIES FOR SERVICES PROGRAM WHICH HELP INDIVIDUALS LIVE INDEPENDENTLY IN THE COMMUNITY AND ALSO WORK IN THE COMMUNITY.

AND THEN WE ALSO HAVE RESIDENTIAL SERVICES WHERE WE PROVIDE RESIDENTIAL HOMES AND HOUSE INDIVIDUALS.

>> I WOULD IMAGINE THAT THESE JOBS ARE MUCH MORE THAN A PAYCHECK OH, ABSOLUTELY.

>> THE INDIVIDUALS THAT WE ASSIST REALLY WANT TO LIVE THEIR BEST LIFE AND WORK PLAY AND LIVE IN THEIR COMMUNITY.

JUST LIKE EVERYBODY ELSE.

AND SO WHEN IT COMES TO EMPLOYMENT IN.

YOU THINK ABOUT THE PRIDE THAT YOU HAVE IN YOUR WORK IN PROVIDING FOR YOURSELF OR FOR YOUR FAMILY ARE BEING A PART OF THAT.

EVERYBODY WANTS TO DO THAT.

AND SO IT'S WE REALLY HAVE A STRONG COMMITMENT TO NOT JUST HELPING THE INDIVIDUALS GAIN THE SKILLS THEY NEED TO BE SUCCESSFUL, BUT ALSO HOW DO WE EDUCATE OUR BUSINESS COMMUNITY AND THE VALUE OF THAT.

>> ARE THERE ARE MISCONCEPTIONS AND IF SO, WHAT ARE SOME OF THOSE MISCONCEPTIONS OR CONCERNS THAT A COMPANY MIGHT HAVE WHEN THEY'RE TRYING TO HIRE SOMEONE WITH IT WITH A DISABILITY.

>> BUSINESS MAY NOT REALIZE THE POTENTIAL THE INDIVIDUAL ACTUALLY HAS.

SO IN THE INDIVIDUAL WHEN THEY COME THROUGH OUR PROGRAM, NOT ONLY DOES A BUSINESS GET A VALUED EMPLOYEE, THEY ALSO GET A TEAM THAT WORKS ALONGSIDE BOTH OF THEM IS THAT WE HAVE OUR JOB COACHES AND THE SUPPORT SYSTEM IN PLACE.

AND SO THOSE JOB COACHES CAN GO TO A BUSINESS IN SAY, YOU KNOW, THESE ARE ANGELA'S, YOU KNOW, SUPERPOWERS, RIGHT?

SO THESE ARE ALL THE THINGS THAT SHE REALLY EXCELS AT.

AND THERE MIGHT BE ONE THING THAT ANGELA DOESN'T DO REALLY WELL BUT IT'S NOT THAT THE BUSINESS SHOULD MAYBE WE SHOULD DO THIS BECAUSE IT'S A GOOD THING TO DO, BUT THAT THEY JUST ARE GETTING AN AMAZING.

EMPLOYEE FROM IT, TOO.

SO THE MISCONCEPTION IS THAT THAT MAY BE THE INDIVIDUAL ISN'T GOING TO WORK AS HARD.

THEY'RE NOT GOING TO BE ABLE TO DO THE JOB.

THEY'RE NOT GOING TO BE LOYAL, ENTHUSIASTIC OR ALL THE THINGS THEY ACTUALLY ARE.

AND SOMETIMES OFTEN BETTER THAN SOMEONE WITHOUT DISABILITIES.

>> AND WHAT KINDS OF ROLES DO YOU FEEL?

>> WE WORK WITH RIGHT NOW.

83 DIFFERENT BUSINESSES HERE IN SOUTHWEST FLORIDA.

IN A BROAD RANGE OF PROFESSIONS.

SO SOMETHING THAT MAYBE YOU WOULD SEE AT THE GROCERY STORE.

SO MAYBE YOU'D SEE SOMEONE WHO IS ASSISTING BAGGING GROCERIES OR COLLECTING CARTS ON UP TO VERY TECHNICAL WHERE THESE INDIVIDUALS HAVE GRADUATED FROM COLLEGE.

THEY'RE TEACHING PRESCHOOL CLASSES OR THEY ARE WORKING ON TECHNOLOGY AND BUILDING EQUIPMENT OR IN YOUR CHANGE IN YOUR TIRES THAT THE TIRE STORE.

>> WHAT DIFFERENCE DOES THIS MAKING IN THE LIVES OF THOSE THAT YOU'RE SERVING?

>> THE DIFFERENCE THAT IT MAKES IS THAT THEY ARE LIVING THERE ME AT THEIR BEST LIFE, A MEANINGFUL LIFE OF PURPOSE AND DIGNITY.

JUST LIKE EVERYBODY ELSE.

THEY DESERVE THAT SAME OPPORTUNITY AND THEY DESERVE TO BE VALUED.

THEY ARE THE MOST WONDERFUL GIVING THOUGHTFUL, GENUINE PEOPLE.

AND AGAIN, WITH THE RIGHT RESOURCES, SUPPORT AND TRAINING, THEY CAN BE JUST A SUCCESSFUL WITH THEIR SUPERPOWER.

IS ANYBODY ELSE?

AND SO THE VALUE THAT THEY BRING TO THIS COMMUNITY IS AMAZING.

THE OTHER THING THAT WE HAVE REALLY HEARD FROM OF FROM EMPLOYERS, ONE OF THE THINGS THAT WE HAVE HEARD FROM HIM PLAYERS IS THAT SHIFT IN CULTURE OF THE WORKPLACE WHEN THEY HIRE PEOPLE WITH UNIQUE ABILITIES AND THEY BRING THEM INTO THEIR WORKFORCE, THEIR CUSTOMERS NOTICE IT.

THEIR STAFF NOTICED IT AND CREATE A COMPLETELY DIFFERENT AND THAT'S DEFINITELY A BENEFIT TO.

ALL RIGHT.

ANGELA KATZ, THANK YOU FOR JOINING US TODAY.

THANK YOU.

IT'S BEEN A PLEASURE.

THANK YOU.

YOU CAN LEARN MORE ABOUT THE WORK BEING DONE.

>> TO HELP PEOPLE LIVING WITH INTELLECTUAL AND DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES BY VISITING LARK LEE COUNTY DOT ORG.

THE AMERICAN RED CROSS HAS DECLARED AN EMERGENCY BLOOD SHORTAGE AFTER THE NATIONAL BLOOD SUPPLY.

I FELL BY NEARLY 25% OVER THE SUMMER.

THE IMPACT IS FELT PARTICULARLY HARD HERE IN FLORIDA WHERE SUMMER TRAVEL HAS SEVERELY DECREASED BLOOD DONATIONS.

THOUSANDS OF DONATIONS OF BLOOD AND PLATELETS ARE NEEDED EVERY WEEK TO SUPPORT HEALTH PROGRAMS, INCLUDING SURGERIES, CANCER CARE AND TRAUMA PATIENTS.

WGCUS CARY BARBOR SPOKE WITH LAURA ROSEN, THE COMMUNITY RELATIONS MANAGER FOR THE NAPLES, COMPREHENSIVE HEALTH COMMUNITY BLOOD CENTER TO LEARN MORE.

>> OKAY.

SO TELL ME THE STATUS OF THE BLOOD SHORTAGE IN THE PLATELET SHORTAGE IN COLLIER COUNTY.

WE ARE CRITICALLY LOW ON PLATELETS AND EVERY BLOOD TYPE AND PARTICULARLY O NEGATIVE THE MOST.

AND THAT IS IT AS A RESULT OF THE.

DECLINE IN DONORS AND THE SIGNIFICANT INCREASE IN USAGE.

UNPRECEDENTED INCREASES THAT WE'VE SEEN FOR PATIENT NEED.

SO WE TRADITIONALLY SEE THIS.

EVERY SUMMER.

BUT IT'S IT'S REALLY BEEN DIFFICULT.

YOU MAY HAVE SEEN REPORTS ABOUT BUT CENTERS ACROSS THE COUNTRY BEING SHORT AND RED CROSS IS REPORTING UNPRECEDENTED.

LEVELS OF DECLINE IN DONATIONS BY 25%.

SO WE'RE WE'RE NO DIFFERENT THAN REALLY EVERY OTHER PART OF THE COUNTRY RIGHT NOW.

>> AND TELL ME JUST A LITTLE BIT IF SOMEONE HAS NEVER GIVEN BEFORE, WHAT WHAT ARE THE ELIGIBILITY IS AND WHAT YOU KNOW, WHAT DO THEY NEED TO DO TO GIVE?

>> WELL, THEY HAVE TO BE AT LEAST 16 WITH PARENT CONSENT.

SO IF YOU BRING A PARENT WITH US ON THE CONSENT, IT MAKES IT EASIER.

THERE IS NO UPPER AGE LIMIT TO DONATE.

OKAY.

AND MOST MEDICATIONS ARE FINE.

WE DO HAVE A SPECIFIC LIST THAT PEOPLE CAN READ AND SEE IF THEY ARE TAKING THOSE IN THE TIME FRAMES ALLOTTED THAT WE'RE LOOKING AT THOSE ARE THE BIG THINGS.

MOST PEOPLE DON'T REALIZE THAT THEY'RE ABLE TO GIVE IF THEY'VE IF THEY'RE ON A CERTAIN MEDICATION, A LOT OF THE COMMON ONES LIKE BLOOD PRESSURE, CHOLESTEROL, ASPIRIN, THOSE ARE ALL FINE AN REPLACEMENT IS FINE ITS WE JUST HAVE A SPECIFIC LIST FOR THAT.

>> AND IS THERE SOME SOME PLACE THAT PEOPLE CAN FIND THAT LIST?

>> YES, WE HAVE A COMPLETE SECTION AND ARE FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ON OUR WEBSITE AT WWW DOT.

GIVE BLOOD C D C DOT ORG.

OKAY.

AND HE'S LIKE ME.

>> IT'S IT'S A IT'S NOT PAINFUL.

PUBLIC CAN SEE IS THAT IT'S NOT A YES, I DON'T KNOW IF PEOPLE HAVE MISCONCEPTIONS ABOUT IT, BUT >> YOU GET COOKIES AFTER >> IT'S IT'S REALLY WONDERFUL.

I MEAN, I LIKE IT BECAUSE YOU GET YOU CAN SPEND 5 TO 7 MINUTES PUMPING OUT OF BAGHDAD AND JUST REST.

I KNOW THAT I AM BUSY ALL THE TIME AND MOVING ALL THE TIME.

SO IT'S IT'S KIND OF NICE.

IT'S LIKE MY LITTLE CHILL AREA FOR A WHILE.

AND IT DOESN'T.

IT'S A QUICK PENSION, THEN THAT IT DOESN'T HURT THE REST OF THE TIME.

AND YOU GET A REALLY NICE.

THANK YOU.

GIFT IN THOSE VERY DEPENDING ON WHEN AND WHERE PEOPLE DONATE.

BUT I THINK THE BIGGEST REWARD FOR ME IS.

NO.

AND I'M HELPING 3 PEOPLE.

AND BECAUSE I'M ON THE PORTAL, I GET NOTICES WHEN MY BLOOD IS BEING SENT TO THE HOSPITAL FOR A PATIENT, WHICH IS I THINK IS AMAZING.

AND ALSO IT'S IT'S JUST AN AMAZING THING THAT YOU THAT YOUR BODY WILL JUST REPLENISH ITSELF.

IT'S NOT.

>> IT'S REALLY LIKE NO SKIN OFF OUR NOSE, SO TO SPEAK, TO GIVE BLOOD BECAUSE MY BODY WILL JUST RECREATE IT.

IT'S IT'S IF YOU CONSIDER IT LIKE AN OIL CHANGE FOR YOUR BODY, THEY'RE GETTING RID OF RED CELLS, THEN YOUR BODY IS GOING TO GENERATE NEW ONES AND THEY'RE GOING TO HAVE MORE OXYGEN AND IT'S IT.

IT'S JUST REALLY GOOD FOR YOU.

WE HAVE A LOT OF PEOPLE THAT ARE IN TESTOSTERONE THERAPY AND THEIR DOCTORS WANT THEM TO DONATE ANYWAY.

AND SO THAT'S REALLY BENEFICIAL FOR YOU.

CERTAIN SEGMENTS OF THE POPULATION AS WELL.

SO IT'S IT'S KIND OF A WIN-WIN.

YOU YOU KNOW, THAT BLOOD WILL BE THERE WHEN YOU GO TO THE HOSPITAL, YOU KNOW, IT'S GOOD FOR YOUR BODY.

AND YOU ALSO KNOW THAT YOU'RE HELPING SOMEBODY IN THAT JUST.

IT AMAZES ME THE FEELING THAT YOU GET FOR 4.

WHEN YOU DONATE.

>> YEAH, THAT'S GREAT.

ALL RIGHT.

LAURA ROSEN, THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR YOUR TIME.

I REALLY APPRECIATE IT.

THANK YOU FOR YOUR HEALTH AND THANK YOU.

>> HERE'S ANOTHER HEALTH RELATED FACT FROM THE WGCU NEWSROOM.

ONE REASON BLOOD DONATIONS ARE CONSTANTLY NEEDED IS DUE TO A SHORT SHELF LIFE.

ACCORDING TO ONEBLOOD WHOLE BLOOD AS THE AND WHEN YOU DONATE, A PINT OF BLOOD LASTS ABOUT 42 DAYS.

BLOOD PLATELETS, HOWEVER, EXPIRE IN JUST 5 DAYS TO LEARN HOW YOU CAN HELP DONATE BLOOD.

PLEASE VISIT, GIVE BLOOD CBC DOT ORG.

AND COMING UP AFTER THE BREAK, IT'S BEEN NEARLY 4 YEARS SINCE HURRICANE IAN ALMOST DESTROYED FORT MYERS BEACH.

WHAT THE TOWN HIT A MAJOR MILESTONE AS IT MOVES TOWARD REVIVING ITS DOWNTOWN AREA.

AS PART OF CONTINUING RESTORATION EFFORTS FROM HURRICANE IAN, THE TOWN OF FORT MYERS BEACH REACHED A MAJOR REBUILDING MILESTONE WITH THE REOPENING OF THE CRESCENT BEACH FAMILY PARK JUST 2 WEEKS AGO, THE OUTDOOR SPACE COMPLETED A 1.3 MILLION DOLLAR MODERNIZATION AND RESTORATION PROJECT SITUATED JUST OFF OF TIMES SQUARE CRESCENT BEACH.

FAMILY PARKE IS OFFERING OUTDOOR SEATING AND BEACH ACCESS FOR VISITORS AND HIS WGCUS CULTURE AND CONNECTIONS.

REPORTER ELIZABETH ANDARGE LEARNED THE RELAUNCH IS JUST THE BEGINNING FOR THE AREA.

>> I'M JOINED BY ABIGAIL EBERHART, THE PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER FOR THE TOWN OF FORT MYERS FEET.

THANK YOU FOR JOINING ME TODAY.

SO HAPPY TO BE HERE.

THANK YOU FOR HAVING ME.

4 YEARS IS A LONG TIME DOES TODAY FEEL MORE LIKE A CELEBRATION OR A RELIEF?

>> A LITTLE BIT OF BOTH.

BUT I THINK MORE OF A CELEBRATION THAN A RELIEF BECAUSE >> THIS IS ONE OF MANY, MANY PROJECTS OPENINGS STARTING REALLY SHOWCASING THAT FORT MYERS BEACH IS BACK.

>> WHAT HAS THE REACTION BEEN FROM THE LOCAL COMMUNITY?

PEOPLE ARE POSITIVE.

THEY'RE EXCITED.

SO WHILE WE MAY BE FEELING REALLY FUN TO BE ON THE GOVERNMENT SIDE BECAUSE WE'VE SEEN THE PROCESSES AND PROCEDURES.

>> THE PUBLIC IS JUST A STATIC.

YOU KNOW, THEY'RE SUPPORTIVE THEIR KIND.

THEY COME TO RIBBON CUTTINGS.

YOU KNOW, THEY COME TO OPENINGS AND FOR THE PARK.

IT'S BEEN OVERWHELMINGLY POSITIVELY RECEIVED.

TAKING US BACK TO HURRICANE IAN THIS TIME AROUND WHEN IT WAS REBUILT.

WHAT WENT INTO IT TO MAKE SURE IT DOESN'T HAPPEN AGAIN.

>> WELL, THERE WAS CERTAINLY THE MENTALITY OF NEEDING TO BE BUILT TO FEMA SPECIFICATIONS.

SO IT OBVIOUSLY MEET ALL THOSE PARAMETERS.

>> BUT THERE WAS ALSO AN ADDED FOCUS ON IT BEING 88 COMPLIANT AS WELL AS THE TOWN OF FORT MYERS BEACH.

WE ARE TRYING TO MAKE THE BEACH MORE ACCESSIBLE FOR ALL PEOPLE.

SO THERE'S ACTUALLY A BEACH ACCESS POINT THAT IS SPECIFICALLY DESIGNED FOR ADA COMPLIANCE AND THE TOWN OF FORT MYERS BEACH ACTUALLY OFFERS BEACH WHEELCHAIRS.

SO TOGETHER, WE'RE JUST MAKING A SPEECH, A HAPPIER, MORE WELCOMING PLACE FOR ALL.

>> AND IN TERMS OF THE COST, I HEARD THAT THIS PROJECT WAS AROUND 1.3 MILLION.

>> I THINK IT WAS AROUND ONE.

YES, 1.3 MILLION.

I THINK IT WENT A LITTLE BIT OVER THAT.

BUT IT CAME IN, YOU KNOW, UNDER WHAT THE SOME OF THE PROJECTED COSTS WITHOUT THEY WERE GOING TO BE WOULD BE AND OVERALL, WE'RE REALLY HAPPY WITH THE COMPLETION TIME.

>> WHAT DO YOU WANT THE COMMUNITY TO KNOW ABOUT HOW THEIR TAXPAYER MONEY WAS SPENT.

>> WELL, IT WAS SPENT VERY WELL AND EFFICIENTLY.

THE THE PARK IS IMPORTANT TO THE COMMUNITY.

TIMES SQUARE IS IMPORTANT TO THE COMMUNITY.

THAT WHOLE AREA IS REALLY A SYMBOL OF THE ISLAND BUILDING BACK AND COMING BACK.

AND, YOU KNOW, WE KNOW PEOPLE THINK 4 YEARS TAKES A LONG TIME, BUT WE WANT THINGS TO BE BILL RIGHT.

WE WANT THEM TO WEATHER THE NEXT 100 YEAR STORM AND BE AROUND FOR A VERY LONG TIME.

CAN YOU SELL ME ON IT?

>> YOU KNOW, I HAVE MY BEAT HOT.

I HAVE MY TOWEL.

MY SUNGLASSES.

WHY SHOULD I HEAD OUT THERE THIS WEEKEND?

WELL, I THINK THE FLORIDA WEATHER WILL SELL YOU ON.

AND SOMETIMES WE GET IN UPWARDS OF 97 TO 100 DEGREES.

>> THE PARK HAS WONDERFUL OVERHANGS THAT HAS SHADED HAD PLACES FOR YOU AND YOUR FAMILY TO RELAX ON THE GRASS.

SO THERE'S A LOT OF FEATURES THAT MAKE IT COMFORTABLE.

I DON'T KNOW ABOUT YOU, BUT WINDS FAN GETS IN BETWEEN MY HANDS.

I WANT A LITTLE BIT OF A BREAK FROM THE BEACH FOR A FEW MOMENTS.

>> THAT'S TRUE AT THIS PARK IS REALLY A PLACE TO GIVE FAMILY MEMBERS NEW MEMORIES AGAIN.

RETURN OLD MEMORIES.

CAN YOU TELL ME A LITTLE BIT ABOUT WHAT IT MEANS TO GIVE THAT SPACE BACK TO THE COMMUNITY?

I MEAN, IT'S WHY WE'RE HERE.

IT'S WHY WE WORK IN GOVERNMENT.

IT'S TO GIVE PEOPLE BACK THE SERVICES THAT THEY WANT, YOU KNOW, AND DESERVE.

I THINK THERE'S A LARGE CONVERSATION RIGHT NOW IN MUNICIPALITIES BECAUSE OF THIS NEW TAX REFERENDUM THAT PUBLIC SPACES AND PUBLIC PARKS ARE NEEDED.

WE NEED TO CUT THEM.

WE NEED TO LIMIT THEM.

AND I THINK THIS IS A SYMBOL THAT NO 3RD SPACES ARE NECESSARY.

PUBLIC SPACES OR NEXUS NECESSARY TO BRING A COMMUNITY TOGETHER AND TO REALLY SOLIDIFY THAT COHESION.

THAT MAKES A COMMUNITY STRONG.

>> THE TIMES SQUARE AREA IS SEEING A MAJOR REBUILD.

>> CAN WE TALK A LITTLE BIT ABOUT HOW IMPORTANT IT IS TO GET THIS PART OF FORT MYERS BEACH BACK UP AND RUNNING.

I MEAN, THE PIER IS A SYMBOL OF THE ISLAND.

I'M RELATIVELY NEW TO MY POSITION THAT WHEN I CAME IN A COUPLE OF MONTHS AGO.

>> I HAD A LOT OF PEOPLE TELLING ME REMOVE THE PIER FROM THE WEBSITE.

WE HAVE THIS BEAUTIFUL PHOTO OF THE PAIR ON THE WEBSITE.

IT'S MAKING A SENSE THAT IT'S BRINGING BACK BAD MEMORIES BECAUSE WE DON'T HAVE APPEARED YET.

AND WHEN YOU HEAR THAT, YOUR YOUR HEART GOES OUT TO PEOPLE BECAUSE YOU WANT TO GIVE THEM BACK THIS COMMUNITY THAT THEY REMEMBER AND YOU WANT TO BE EVEN BETTER THAN IT WAS BEFORE A MORE FORMIDABLE.

THAT WAS BEFORE.

SO I THINK WE'RE ALL JUST SO EXCITED.

YOU KNOW, THE TOWN AND THE COUNTY TO BE ABLE TO BRING THIS PAIR BACK SO PEOPLE CAN ENJOY IT AND FEEL LIKE FORT MYERS BEACH IS REALLY BACK.

>> CAN WE GET ANY SNEAK?

PEEK PREVIEWS ON UPDATES ON THE PIER.

>> I AM COMFORTABLE SAYING AND OF COURSE, I CAN'T SPEAK FOR THE COUNTY BUT I'M COMFORTABLE SAYING THAT IN THE NEXT 2 AND A HALF TO 3 WEEKS, WE WILL SEE AN OFFICIAL GROUNDBREAKING.

I THINK ALSO IN THAT RIBBON CUTTING, WE WILL ALSO BE CELEBRATING CRESCENT BEACH PARK.

I THINK IT WAS SUPPOSED TO BE COMBINED TO SO JUST AN OVERALL CELEBRATION OF THE COMMUNITY RETURNING TO WHAT IT ONCE WAS.

THAT'S FROM A WORRY.

>> IS THERE ANYTHING ELSE THAT YOU'D LIKE TO SHARE WITH US ABOUT THE?

>> FORT MYERS BEACH ABOUT FORT MYERS BEACH, JUST THAT WE'RE CURRENTLY SEEING SOMETHING COMEBACK BEING REBUILT OR OPENING ALMOST EVERY MONTH.

AND SO WE'RE REALLY HITTING STRIDE RIGHT NOW WITH THINGS COMING BACK >> SO JUST LOOK OUT FOR MORE RIBBON CUTTINGS AND WE'RE GROUND BREAKINGS.

>> THANK YOU SO MUCH.

IT.

>> ON OUR NEXT PROGRAM, THE SCHOOL BUSES ARE READY.

BAGS ARE PACKED AND PENCILS ARE SHARPENED.

WE'RE BRINGING YOU EVERYTHING THAT YOU NEED TO DO TO GET YOUR STUDENTS READY FOR THE FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL.

THANK YOU FOR JOINING US.

MAKE SURE YOU VISIT W G C DOT ORG WHERE YOU'LL FIND ALL OF OUR STORIES AND WE LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING YOU AGAIN RIGHT HERE ON SOUTHWEST FLORIDA IN FOCUS.