1. I-75 WIDENING PROJECT: Battle brewing
There is both anticipation and concern when it comes to a historic I-75 widening project expected to begin later this year.
The anticipation would be for an announcement by the Florida Department of Transportation about a start date, which was approved in December 2024 by Gov. Ron DeSantis. The concern comes from residents who live along the I-75 corridor − in both Lee and Collier County.
At a recent Engage Estero meeting, more than 100 people attended and had an opportunity to ask questions and make statements about the project. There are fears that FDOT isn’t being transparent about its noise mitigation efforts.
The project will encompass widening I-75 from Golden Gate Parkway (Collier County) to Corkscrew Road in Estero (Lee County) to relieve congestion. – Mark H. Bickel/USA TODAY Network-Florida
2. SNAP: Cuts impact nearly 300,000 Floridians so far
New data shows nearly 300,000 Floridians have lost SNAP benefits, commonly called food stamps, stemming from cuts made by the federal government last year.
The impacted are needy seniors, veterans and others who lost assistance because of tougher eligibility and are hard pressed to put food on the table during prolonged inflation and rising gas price hits.
Nationally 3 million people nationwide lost SNAP benefits in six months from July 2025 to January 2026 for an 8% decline, according to the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities.
The 8% enrollment drop nationwide represents the sharpest decline in decades, according to the budget policy center, a progressive think tank in Washington, D.C. Florida’s enrollment dropped 9.78%. – Liz Freeman/USA TODAY Network-Florida
3. READ MORE: Online now at marconews.com
If you missed Friday’s Marco Eagle, you can read those stories online now at marconews.com or click on the eNewspaper and read it and other past issues online, just as they appear in print.
Friday’s articles include:
Also, when you click on 3 To Know or 3 To Do, we have helpful links that expand on the topics discussed. The SWFLA To Do List has events listed far in advance of those in print, so that you can plan ahead. There are also stories of interest from around the region and around the state. And no subscription is required.
Read more at marconews.com.
This article originally appeared on Marco Eagle: 3 To Know: Battle brewing over widening project; STEM cuts and more
Reporting by Marco Eagle / Marco Eagle
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
