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.

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.

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.

Program aims to teach water-friendly gardening in St. Pete

An organization dedicated to keeping Bay Area water clean is working with the community to protect the area's drinking water supply. 

12 governors urge Biden to back phasing out gas-powered vehicle sales in US by 2035

Governors from a dozen U.S. states called on President Joe Biden to back phasing out the sale of new gasoline-powered vehicles by 2035, and medium-duty and heavy-duty vehicles by 2045.