Environment

Supporters of a regulated hunt say it's a scientifically sound method for controlling a growing bear population; animal rights folks often disagree on ethical grounds

The Great Egret is the largest of North American egrets and although it can be found in most of North America, it is nowhere more common than in Florida. More northern populations must migrate south in winter to survive, thus Florida and other southern populations swell. Great Egrets are second in size only to our Great Blue Heron. Its size, striking white plumage, yellow to orange bill, and black legs make it readily identifiable.

Tropical Storm Dexter moves away from the U.S., not impacting Florida. The tropics have become active, and there are two other areas we are monitoring.

A thirty-five-pound green sea turtle named Haven that spent the last six months in rehab at The Turtle Hospital in Marathon, Florida, finally got her chance to go home Friday.The 8-year-old endangered green sea turtle spent the last six months rehabilitating at The Turtle Hospital after being rescued, wrapped in fishing line and covered in fibropapilloma tumors. Following months of rehab, laser treatment, and cancer-fighting eye drops, Haven was declared healthy and ready to return to the sea.

Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary is a highly popular attraction located in the Western Everglades, straddling the line between the eastern portions of Lee and Collier counties, and will stay open late August 7, 2025.

The immediate concern this weekend will be the heat, which is expected to be oppressive, intense, and dangerous. Afternoon showers are not expected Saturday due to a “sprawling plume of Saharan dust” blanketing South Florida.

Environmental groups say damage from Alligator Alcatraz is already obvious in light pollution and other issues.

JN “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge plans to conduct prescribed burning on Sanibel Island during the week of July 1.

A state plan to house as many as 1,000 immigrants with criminal records in a remote Everglades area "fenced-in" by alligators and pythons brings protestors to abandoned former jetport area off U.S. 41. The area, inside Big Cypress National Preserve, retains special and sacred meaning to Native Americans and conservationists.

Microcystis, a type of cyanobacteria commonly called blue-green algae seen above under high magnification, can bloom in Florida freshwater systems. Microcystis species are well-known for forming harmful algal blooms in Florida lakes, rivers, and estuaries, including Lake Okeechobee and the Caloosahatchee River. These blooms often appear as fluorescent green surface scums and can produce toxins that can pose health risks to humans and animals. Microcystis blooms are common in warm, nutrient-rich freshwater environments in Florida, especially during summer, but can occur year-round.