Florida lawmakers push to make American Flamingo the official state bird
For many Floridians, the flamingo feels like an obvious symbol of the Sunshine State. From "Phoebe" the giant flamingo sculpture at Tampa International Airport, to the bird’s presence on countless souvenirs, it’s easy to assume it already holds official status.
Manatee Rehabilitation Center reopens at CMA more than a year after Hurricanes Helene, Milton
The Clearwater Marine Aquarium just marked a major milestone by reopening its Manatee Rehabilitation Center.
Pinellas teacher struck by lightning while biking in Peru over Thanksgiving holiday
A Palm Harbor Middle School teacher was critically injured after lightning struck him and his friend while they were mountain biking in Peru over the Thanksgiving holiday.
Orphaned manatee calf rescued from House Spring in Crystal River: FWC
An orphaned manatee calf was rescued from House Spring in Crystal River on Monday, according to the FWC.
Rare blue eel stuns divers in underwater footage: Floating ‘piece of silk’
Footage recorded of the rare fish shows the intricacies of the mesmerizing eel and its bright, colorful body.
Florida gator wrangled by former zookeeper turned police officer
A Florida police officer who used to work as a zookeeper got the chance to flaunt her skills when she helped corral an alligator in Cape Coral on Monday, Nov. 24.
Orban’s Nursery makes dramatic comeback after losing every Poinsettia in 2024 storms
One of the Bay Area’s most vibrant holiday traditions returned on Saturday as Orban’s Nursery in Bradenton displays and sells 50,000 poinsettias at its annual holiday kickoff.
National Parks raising fees for international tourists visiting popular US parks
The fee change will impact 11 national parks, including the Grand Canyon, Yellowstone and Yosemite, according to the U.S. Department of the Interior.
San Diego Zoo’s oldest resident, 141-year-old tortoise Gramma, dies
Gramma, the San Diego Zoo’s oldest resident and one of the world’s oldest Galapagos tortoises, has died at the estimated age of 141.
Judge allows Florida’s first bear hunt in a decade to proceed
A Tallahassee judge declined to block Florida’s upcoming black bear hunt despite an ongoing lawsuit.
Dozens of snakes rescued after alleged abandonment in South Carolina
Authorities in South Carolina have rescued 52 nonvenomous snakes that were found confined in boxes on a property in Jasper County.
Tropicana Field’s roof repair completed ahead of schedule
Crews laid the last of 24 panels on Tropicana Field’s new roof Thursday ahead of schedule.
Record-breaking year for sea turtle nests on Sarasota beaches, disorientations hit all-time high
Mote Marine Laboratory said it's a record year for sea turtle hatchlings, and they've been keeping track for 43 years.
Clearwater Marine Aquarium reports record-breaking sea turtle nesting season
Just before sunrise from April through October, the Clearwater Marine Aquarium’s sea turtle nesting team documents sea turtle activity on Pinellas County’s beaches.
Rescued parrots find a home at Inverness sanctuary
Ziggy's Haven Bird Sanctuary at 84 N Florida Avenue in Inverness takes in birds that are abandoned, confiscated or turned over by their owners because they can no longer care for them.
Florida Botanical Gardens offers a beautiful walk through the woods
For a beautiful walk outside, the Florida Botanical Gardens offers a serene and colorful venue for anyone to enjoy. Admission is free to take in the 100-acres of green gardens and floral-covered trails.
Study reveals the best way to drive off pesky seagulls
If you’ve ever had a seagull try to steal your snack at the beach, you may have lashed out at the notorious thief, but researchers say they've found another way.