Lauren Petrelli

Nov 2, 2023 | fox4now.com | Lauren Petrelli

CAPE CORAL, Fla. — A teen in Cape Coral has been recognized as one of the top female divers around the world for her ocean conversation efforts. The Professional Association of Diving Instructors also known as Padi named Maddy Molina as one of the Top 11 Female Divers Around the World Cultivating Hope in 2023. Molina started snorkeling in the Caribbean at 3 years old and became a certified scuba diver at just 10 years old.

Oct 23, 2023 | fox4now.com | Lauren Petrelli

Posted at 7:30 PM, Oct 23, 2023 and last updated CAPE CORAL, Fla. — FOX4's Lauren Petelli talks with a coral biologist about an issue that has surfaced in recent years. The dying coral reef in our warmer ocean and gulf water. In July, a thermometer in Manatee Key measured a record-breaking temperature of 101.1 degrees Fahrenheit, a point where the coral starts to bleach.

Oct 18, 2023 | fox4now.com | Lauren Petrelli

Crews have been at the Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum building and painting for months in order to help get the facility back open after Hurricane Ian ripped through the area. “Where we are standing now is what was and will be our welcome lobby," said Executive Director Sam Ankerson. Ankerson pointed out whole displays on the first floor that needed to be replaced due to damage saying not much was untouched by the storm.

Oct 9, 2023 | fox4now.com | Lauren Petrelli

CAPE CORAL, Fla. — You may be keeping our waterways cleaner the next time you order oysters at dinner. The Calusa Waterkeepers, a non-profit organization, has been creating vertical oyster gardens made from recycled shells from local restaurants. They're also known as VOGS. "The shells sit here for four to five months and they naturally disinfect," explained Waterkeeper Codty Pierce as he pointed at shells on the ground at Florida Gulf Coast University.

Sep 27, 2023 | fox4now.com | Lauren Petrelli

It's peak rattlesnake season which means you are more likely to run into one while enjoying the outdoors. Wildlife Expert Adam Pottruck said there are multiple reasons this is considered peak rattlesnake season explaining it's mating season, there is more sunshine, and also more food for them this time of the year. As the owner of Adam's Animal Encounters, Pottruck explained how rattlesnakes are native to Florida but they do have a favored environment.