Pinellas County leaders consider funding cuts for Weedon Island, Shell Key preserves

Two of Pinellas County’s most prominent nature preserves could soon lose county funding as local officials work to close a $42 million budget gap for the upcoming fiscal year.

Sugar-based plastics could offer solution to microplastic pollution

Researchers are investigating new ways to produce plant-based plastics from sugar, aiming to offer a sustainable alternative that could help reduce global microplastic pollution.

How amber lights are saving baby sea turtles in Tampa Bay

Wildlife conservation groups and utility crews are installing sea turtle-friendly amber lighting along Tampa Bay beaches to protect newborn hatchlings heading toward the Gulf.

Polk County approves higher water fees for new construction and reclaimed water

Polk County commissioners voted last week to raise water connection fees and irrigation rates to manage surging construction expenses and conserve local groundwater.

Is your tree at risk of falling this storm season?

A certified arborist is urging property owners to inspect their trees for signs of disease and structural failure ahead of severe weather.

First-known freshwater contagious cancer spreading among catfish in Vermont lake

The first-ever transmissible cancer to spread among fish in a freshwater setting has been discovered among brown bullhead catfish in Lake Memphremagog.

Microplastics detected in most heart attack patients' blood in startling new study

Most heart attack patients have significantly higher concentrations of micro- and nanoplastics in their blood compared to individuals with stable heart conditions, new research found.

North Manasota Key coastal erosion: Seawalls threaten homes and sea turtle nests

A domino effect of coastal erosion along North Manasota Key is washing away sea turtle nests and threatening homes, leaving residents and experts asking for natural solutions over man-made structures of sea walls.

Pasture mealybug: Grass-eating pest spreads to 16 Florida counties 

Agricultural experts from the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) and the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) held an online workshop Friday about pasture mealybug, a tiny white insect that feasts on grasses. 

South Tampa trap caught 18,000 mosquitoes, last month just 142

Hillsborough County conducted aerial spraying early Thursday to treat a growing mosquito population – a sudden influx that’s tied to the Bay Area’s recent drought. 

Mote Marine Laboratory finds disease-resistant coral that could help Florida reef restoration

Scientists at Mote Marine Laboratory have discovered disease-resistant coral strains that could prove vital to restoring Florida's severely depleted reef ecosystems. The breakthrough follows a four-year study targeting one of the fastest-spreading and most destructive marine outbreaks in recent history.

Bobby Jones Nature Park: City unveils first phase upgrades

The Bobby Jones Nature Park in Sarasota is reaching a new milestone in conservation as city officials open the first stage of the environmental restoration project. This transformation of the historic local golf club property marks the culmination of nearly a decade of planning and community effort to protect the area for future generations.

Keystone Pipeline hit with proposed massive multi-million dollar fine

A proposed legal settlement with the U.S. government would require the Keystone Pipeline system’s operator to pay a $26.9 million civil penalty over a major oil spill in Kansas in December 2022.

Trump administration to allow drilling, mining on critical wildlife habitats

The Trump administration is rolling back more protections under the Endangered Species Act with a new policy that will allow drilling, mining and logging on critical wildlife habitats.

St. Pete City Council approves Ferg's Sports Bar lease to fund downtown trail

St. Petersburg city leaders approved long-term lease agreements Thursday to help finance the $7 million acquisition of downtown railroad tracks for a new recreational trail. 

Tampa tire pollution: Study tracks toxic chemical in Hillsborough River

Florida International University researchers are examining how rain flushes toxic tire-wear pollutants into the Hillsborough River to help safeguard local ecosystems.