Florida gets failing grade in new plastic pollution report, calls for stronger action
A new report from the Ocean Conservancy is giving the United States a failing grade when it comes to fighting plastic pollution. The environmental non-profit gave the Sunshine State a 1.5 out of 5 stars for its current efforts, saying there's significant room for improvement.
EPA’s research and development office eliminated; thousands laid off
The Environmental Protection Agency said Friday it is eliminating its research and development arm and reducing agency staff by thousands of employees.
Governor DeSantis signs deal to speed up Florida Everglades restoration projects
Gov. Ron DeSantis signed an agreement on Friday with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to speed up Florida Everglades restoration projects, including completion of the Everglades Agricultural Area (EAA) Reservoir.
Temple Terrace residents raise concerns over cancer-causing chemicals in drinking water
Residents in Temple Terrace are raising concerns after a March report revealed elevated levels of PFAS and PFOS — chemicals linked to cancer — in the city's drinking water.
Toxic blue-green algae may be blooming in 3 Polk County lakes
Polk County health officials are warning that toxic blue-green algae may be present in three lakes.
Greenland village comes face-to-face with a giant iceberg
Photos released by the town in Greenland show giant wedges of ice towering over homes, businesses and boats.
Artificial intelligence to help growers assess hurricane crop damage
University of Florida scientists are developing new technology using artificial intelligence (AI) to make assessing crop damage after hurricanes faster and easier.
Legacy Trail pedestrian bridge over Clark Road opens ahead of the 4th of July holiday
Cheers could be heard and thumbs up seen. A new pedestrian bridge over Clark Road opened Wednesday morning in Sarasota County.
Beach scholarships encourage the next generation of conservationist
Blue-Green Connections gives Beach Scholarships to three Bay Area Students.
MOTE Marine Laboratory heads up seagrass initiative as other scientists call for water quality improvements
Seagrass plays a vital part in not only protecting Florida shorelines from erosion, but it also helps the underwater ecosystem thrive.
Yosemite National Park to open all campgrounds for first time in 6 years
Officials noted that reservations are required at all campgrounds through October. They urged visitors to make reservations as soon as possible.
Endangered plant that only grows in Polk County threatened by proposed highway
There's an extremely rare plant that, in all of Florida, only grows in Polk County, but it's being threatened by a proposed highway.
Protecting yourself against mosquitos: Sarasota County Mosquito Management is already taking steps
They’re annoying, they can carry diseases and right now is the time we start to see and feel more mosquitos coming out.
Sarasota researcher discovers four new species of airplants in South American rainforest
It's a discovery more than 15 years in the making.
Florida's solar boom could face federal road block if tax credit eliminated
Florida has seen a massive surge in solar energy, with the state now producing enough solar power to run more than 2 million homes. Nearly 30,000 homeowners installed solar panels this year, taking advantage of a 30% federal tax credit that offsets costs — often saving homeowners thousands of dollars.
State testing for possible blue-green algae at Lake Crago in Polk County
Water sample testing is underway to determine if blue-green algae is in Lake Crago. State health officials said blue-green algae may be present by the boat ramp near the recreational center.
Popular beers found with high levels of dangerous 'forever chemicals,' study reveals
Recent studies have found that some beers brewed in the US have high levels of "forever chemicals" and are considered above the allowed EPA limit.
Florida state parks gain new protections after DeSantis signs ‘State Land Management’ bill into law
Almost 200 parks across Florida will now have more protections. Governor Ron DeSantis signed House Bill 209, the "State Land Management" bill, into law on Thursday.
Mote Marine's largest single snook release happens in waters of Sarasota
Recreational salt water fishing brings in around $10 million each year to the state of Florida.
Advisory lifted for popular Pinellas County beaches, bacteria at 'acceptable level'
The Florida Department of Health has lifted its advisory for three Pinellas County beaches that previously showed high levels of bacteria in the water.