Florida House unanimously passes sea-level rise legislation; bill now goes to governor's desk

Legislation hailed as some of the most robust yet to defend U.S. coasts against sea-level rise is headed to Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, a proposal that would provide millions of dollars annually to communities threatened with losing ground to rising oceans because of climate change.

Residents near Piney Point turn attention to environmental concerns

The threat of a large-scale breach of contaminated water is over at the old Piney Point phosphate plant but concerns remain over water leaking from the holding ponds and the proposed solutions to fix short and long-term problems.

USF scientists begin searching for Piney Point environmental impacts in Tampa Bay, Port Manatee

Environmental experts remain concerned about the Piney Point leak and its lasting impact on marine life. A team of USF scientists will head out on a research vessel Wednesday to collect water samples.

Environmental concerns mount as millions of gallons of wastewater head towards Tampa Bay

Wildlife advocates say they’re worried about a chain reaction coming for marine life, and they said they fear their hard work to restore the bay’s quality and what lives there will be shattered.

Piney Point: Residents cleared to return home as wastewater levels drop

As crews continue to drain contaminated water from the former Piney Point phosphate plant, the risk of a sudden collapse and subsequent flood is diminishing. Officials now say it will be safe for evacuated neighbors to return home Tuesday evening.

Who's to blame for the Piney Point wastewater mess -- and its $200M price tag?

State and local government officials say they’ll hold the Piney Point site owner, HRK Holdings, responsible for the environmental cleanup following the leak of polluted water into Tampa Bay and surrounding waters. But that may be easier said than done.

Florida lawmakers plan $200M to clean up, close Piney Point reservoir

Florida lawmakers have proposed spending $200 million to clean up and close the wastewater reservoir that triggered evacuations of homes and businesses amid fears it would burst open and cause massive flooding.

Fishing guides expect months of impacts after Piney Point wastewater leak

As the Piney Point wastewater pond drains, environmental concerns grow. Fishing guides on Anna Maria Island say they noticed changes on the front side of Joe’s Island up to Port Manatee two days ago.

Sen. Rubio: Piney Point 'a ticking time bomb'

Sen. Marco Rubio called Piney Point "a ticking time bomb," Monday but stopped short of assigning blame.

Piney Point leak: Wastewater pond could be emptied in two days

As contaminated water is slowly pumped out of the leaking Piney Point wastewater pond, the risk of a full breach and flooding decreases. But the threat to the environment is growing with every gallon that's piped into Tampa Bay.

Piney Point wastewater leak: A history of the former phosphate plant site

As crews rush to stabilize the Piney Point wastewater leak in Manatee County, many residents who are new to Florida may be hearing about this environmental dilemma for the first time. But it’s not a new issue and the current crisis is years in the making.

Piney Point neighbors have mixed reactions to evacuation order

With 316 homes under an evacuation notice in Manatee County, some residents are staying behind while others have left. 

Volcanic eruptions in Italy, Iceland and Guatemala spew lava, draw crowds

Since February and March, three volcanoes in three separate countries have released lava, including the Fagradalsfjall volcano in Iceland, Mount Etna in Italy and Pacaya in Guatemala.

Breach at Piney Point would pose 'significant danger to environmental and public health' 

The engineer of record for HRK Holdings, which manages the Piney Point phosphogypsum stack, says an uncontrolled release is a "real possibility at this stage," prompting commissioners to declare a local state of emergency in Manatee County.

Supreme Court rules against Florida in water fight with Georgia

After years of legal battling, the U.S. Supreme Court on Thursday unanimously rejected a lawsuit in which Florida argued Georgia has used too much water in a river system shared by the states.

Manatee County officials to receive update Thursday on phosphate plant leak

Wastewater is leaking from an old phosphate plant in Manatee County. The company in charge of the property says there is nothing it can do to prevent a catastrophic failure, so Florida environmental officials gave it the green light to release some of the water into Tampa Bay. Environmental advocates say it is a threat to the area.

Japan's cherry blossoms bloom early, climate change likely cause, scientists say

Japan’s famous cherry blossoms have reached their flowery peak in many places earlier this year than at any time since formal records started being kept nearly 70 years ago, with experts saying climate change is the likely cause.