Manatee carcasses strewn across islands in Indian River Lagoon
Rotting carcasses are spread across a handful of islands near Manatee Cove Park in the Indian River Lagoon, serving as graveyards for Florida's manatees.
DeSantis vows more than $640 million to combat flooding, sea-level rise
In Tarpon Springs, Governor Ron DeSantis signed bills establishing immediate and multi-year plans to tackle flooding and sea-level rise around the state.
Ship speed limit sought to protect endangered whales in Gulf of Mexico
A speed limit for ships in part of the Gulf of Mexico south of the Florida Panhandle is needed to protect the few remaining endangered whales there, environmental groups say.
1st large-scale, offshore wind project that could power 400K homes approved
The 800-megawatt Vineyard Wind project, south of Martha’s Vineyard near Cape Cod, would be the first utility-scale wind power development in federal waters.
Environmentalists concerned about 13% seagrass decline in Tampa Bay
Between 2018 and 2020, as much as 13% of the seagrass acreage was lost. That’s more than a 5,000-acre decline in seagrass, with the worst impacts in Old Tampa Bay.
Climate change likely to worsen despite worldwide pledges to cut carbon emissions, report finds
A new report said global temperatures could rise to a dangerous level by 2100 despite pledges from governments worldwide to limit carbon emissions.
Piney Point deep well injection to proceed despite residents' drinking water concerns
It's been nearly a month and no new wastewater discharges have been needed at the old Piney Point fertilizer plant after workers installed a steel plate to stop the leak. Now, the major concern is the remaining wastewater.
Litter Gitters deployed in Bay Area waterways to remove trash
A new device being deployed into area waterways could help to remove trash and protect the environment.
NOAA climate data shows 'normal' US temperature hotter than 20 years ago
America’s new normal temperature is a degree hotter than it was just two decades ago.
EPA proposes phaseout of greenhouse gas coolants used in refrigerators, air conditioners
In the first Biden administration rule aimed at combating climate change, the Environmental Protection Agency is proposing to phase down production and use of hydrofluorocarbons, highly potent greenhouse gases commonly used in refrigerators and air conditioners.
Climate change could soon allow Florida farmers to grow coffee beans, UF scientists say
The Sunshine State has never grown commercial coffee trees before, but that may change sooner than later. For now, Florida winters can still get cold enough to be harmful to coffee crops, but global warming is making scientists take a second look.
'Tens of thousands' of nonnative tropical clawed frogs pulled from Hillsborough waterways
Scientists are worried the tropical clawed frog, which has been identified in Hillsborough County, could have an impact on local wildlife. The amphibians are native to West Africa, but this is the first report of them found outside that continent.
Treasure Island installs sea turtle-friendly lights in time for hatchling season
This weekend marks the start of sea turtle nesting season along the beaches in the Sunshine State. Thanks to new lights being installed in Treasure Island, hatchlings should have an easier time finding their way around the beach in Pinellas County.
Impact of Piney Point water release on Tampa Bay may not be known for months
Tampa Bay Watch searches the waters near Port Manatee by drone and by boat looking for algae blooms after approximately 215 million gallons of water were released from an old phosphate plant.
Disney World to power up to 40% of theme park energy needs with new solar facilities
Plans also include solar canopies at Disneyland Paris that will provide shelter for 9,500 guest vehicles, a facility that will power ~70% of Castaway Cay, Disney Cruise Line’s private island in The Bahamas.
Bay Area TikTok star inspires others to keep beaches and parks clean
Caulin Donaldson has spent the past 16 months posting beach and park clean-up videos on TikTok, where he's amassed a following of 1.2 million users -- many of whom say have been inspired to do clean-ups of their own.
At Earth Day summit, China, Russia join US vowing emission cuts
The leaders of Russia and China have put aside their raw-worded disputes with U.S. President Joe Biden long enough to pledge international cooperation on cutting climate-wrecking coal and petroleum emissions.
DeSantis, Army Corps reach deal on major Florida Everglades project
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis signed an agreement Thursday with the Army Corps of Engineers that will continue work on a key reservoir in Everglades restoration.
Dalai Lama, 100 other Nobel Prize winners call on world leaders to phase out fossil fuels
The Dalai Lama and 100 other Nobel Prize laureates urged world leaders in an open letter to end the expansion of coal, oil and gas production in an effort to tackle the climate crisis.
Lawsuit settled to ensure compliance with Clean Water Act
Three environmentalist groups -- Suncoast Waterkeeper, Tampa Bay Waterkeeper, and Our Children's Earth Foundation -- settled a lawsuit with the city of Largo to prevent nitrogen from being pumped into Old Tampa Bay.