Threatened eastern indigo snakes released in Florida preserve in effort to restore state ecosystem

The release, a longtime goal of federal and state officials, is part of an effort to restore some balance to Florida’s ecosystem lost in the 1980s

by Jim Turner News Service of Florida May 1, 2024June 2, 2025

News

Florida officials report more than 33% spike in wildlife calls as state population expands

The discussion comes as legislation awaits action by DeSantis that would bolster self-defense arguments for people who kill bears on their property

by Jim Turner News Service of Florida April 30, 2024November 29, 2024

News

DeSantis approves $1.5 billion from Florida budget for Everglades restoration

The funding is separate from a bill DeSantis signed that designates money from the Seminole Tribe of Florida into buying and maintaining land in a state wildlife corridor

by News Service of Florida April 23, 2024July 20, 2025

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Florida lobbyists leaned on pols to get ban on local heat safety and wage laws across the finish line, records show

As an added ‘incentive,’ the Chamber noted that lawmakers’ votes would be double-weighted on their upcoming legislative report cards.

by McKenna Schueler April 19, 2024June 17, 2025

News

Group seeking to make clean water a constitutional right in Florida restarts ballot measure efforts

The Florida Right to Clean Water committee now aims to get its proposal before voters in 2026.

by Jim Turner News Service of Florida April 19, 2024October 1, 2024

News

Florida can expect ‘very, very busy hurricane season’ in 2024, experts say

The university projected 23 named storms and 11 hurricanes, with five reaching major hurricanes status

by Jim Turner News Service of Florida April 5, 2024April 28, 2025

News

Gov. DeSantis signs bill to use gambling money for Florida’s environmental projects

Much of the money will come from a 2021 gambling deal that the state reached with the Seminole Tribe of Florida

by News Service of Florida April 5, 2024July 17, 2025

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Wildlife advocates threaten lawsuit to get Florida manatees reclassified as an endangered species

At least part of the spike in deaths in 2021 and 2022 was related to a lack of seagrass in areas such as the Indian River Lagoon

by Jim Saunders, News Service of Florida March 21, 2024August 6, 2024

News

Florida urges federal judge to speed up ruling in high-stakes wetlands case

In February a judge found that actions by the EPA and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service violated the Endangered Species Act

by Jim Saunders, News Service of Florida March 14, 2024July 12, 2025

News

Florida bill allowing gambling money to be used for environmental projects heads to DeSantis

The bill would provide at least $450 million a year for issues such as buying and maintaining land in a state wildlife corridor

by News Service of Florida March 5, 2024May 24, 2025

News

Orlando officials confirm Lake Eola Swans are dying from bird flu

Four swans have been found dead in the past two weeks

by Alexandra Sullivan February 29, 2024December 17, 2024

News

Florida Senate approves bill that allows shooting bears in self defense

Critics contend passing the bill will result in increased deaths of the once-threatened species

by Jim Turner News Service of Florida February 23, 2024June 22, 2024

News

‘It’s been a rough couple of years’: Death of beloved Florida manatee, Asha, highlights ongoing threats, risks

So far this year, state wildlife officials have recorded 83 deaths across the state through Feb. 9

by Ben Crosbie, Fresh Take Florida February 21, 2024April 24, 2025

News

Florida is one step closer to making it easier to kill bears

People would not be allowed to possess or sell bear carcasses after the killings

by News Service of Florida February 20, 2024August 10, 2024

News

Florida environmental groups target EPA over phosphate regulations

The issue drew heavy attention in 2021 when massive amounts of wastewater were discharged into Tampa Bay

by Jim Saunders, News Service of Florida February 14, 2024January 4, 2025

News

Community activists Save Orange County share lessons from the latest war with developers over the Econlockhatchee River

To beat powerful and well-funded opponents, they had to be persistent

by Craig Pittman, Florida Phoenix February 7, 2024March 23, 2025

News

Bear ‘self-defense’ bill moves ahead in Florida House

The proposal, aimed at allowing people to kill bears in self-defense, heads to the House floor

by News Service of Florida January 30, 2024June 13, 2024

News

Florida manatee deaths decreased by nearly half in 2023

The total was down from 1,100 deaths in 2021 and 800 in 2022

by News Service of Florida January 29, 2024May 11, 2024

Arts + Culture, Environment, Live Active Cultures, Orlando Theme Parks

Gatorland’s Savannah Boan and alligator Jawlene fight to inspire empathy for non-cuddly critters that need support

by Seth Kubersky January 15, 2024

News

Florida approves plan to spend $19 million to conserve rural land

DeSantis has also pitched $100 million for the Florida Forever program in his 2024-2025 budget recommendations

by Jim Turner News Service of Florida December 19, 2023July 1, 2025

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