Accessible Education in Harlem Heights, School Grades, and Python Challenge | 7-8-2026 | WGCU News

In this episode of Southwest Florida in Focus, we explore compelling local stories shaping our community: Bringing Accessible Education to Harlem Heights: A three-year effort is about to bloom on Pine Ridge Road in Fort Myers, less than a mile from Harlem Heights, where the seed was first planted. At first, it was envisioned just for that neighborhood, but the Harlem Heights Career Tech Institute will serve the entire Southwest Florida region beginning August 5th. WGCU Reporter Dayna Harpster and videographer Amanda Inscore Whittamore recently toured the building to check out the progress. Schools Receive Grades: Children aren't the only ones who receive grades when the school year winds down. School districts recently received their report cards from the state, and perhaps none are happier than the staff in Glades County. WGCU Reporters Eileen Kelley and Dayna Harpster tell us why. Return of The Florida Python Challenge: Hundreds of amateur Burmese python hunters, and even a few professionals, are getting ready for the annual Florida Python Challenge. WGCU’s Senior Environmental Reporter Tom Bayles sits down with Kate Cronin to explain why hunts like the Python Challenge are necessary. Lawsuit Over Egg Prices: The U.S. Justice Department and 17 states reached settlement agreements with three major egg producers to resolve allegations that the companies illegally colluded for years to raise prices, including when the cost soared to record highs last year. Marissa Duhaney of the Associated Press looks at how the investigation started, and what it means for you the next time you go buy a carton of eggs. A Dispatch from Kimberly’s Reef: Ceramic students at Florida Gulf Coast University took part in a unique way to show their art 30-foot deep off the coast of Florida. As part of our documentary on Kimberly's Reef, Pam James and the WGCU documentary team bring the story of students building an artificial reef by hand. Art From China Plates: WGCU’s Jennifer Crawford talked with WGCU Arts Reporter Tom Hall earlier this week for the story on how an art exhibit spanning two stories came to be. Amalgam is featured at the Sarasota Art Museum and uses a rather unique material; china plates.