This Week's Headlines Around Florida

March 3, 2025

EPA Head Urges Trump to Reconsider Scientific Finding That Underpins Climate Action, AP Sources Say | AP News

EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin has privately recommended that the Trump administration reconsider the 2009 endangerment finding, which identifies greenhouse gases as a threat to public health and serves as the foundation for numerous climate regulations. This move could lead to significant rollbacks in environmental protections, though legal experts anticipate challenges to any such attempts.

Among the Trump Administrationā€™s First Pentagon Cuts: Programs That Respond to Climate Change | American Homefront

The Trump administration is proposing cuts to Pentagon programs that address climate change, including initiatives that prepare military bases for extreme weather. Critics argue these reductions could undermine national security and disaster preparedness.

FWC Considers First Statewide Bear Hunt in Nearly a Decade Amid Rising Black Bear Numbers | WEAR-TV

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission is weighing the possibility of reinstating a statewide black bear hunt due to increasing bear populations. The proposal has sparked debate between conservationists and advocates for wildlife management.

Trump Admin Rolls Back Protections for Rare Whales Off Florida Coast | Tampa Bay TimesšŸ’²

The Trump administration has rescinded guidance that required oil and gas industry ships to slow down in the Gulf of Mexico to protect the endangered Riceā€™s whale. With fewer than 100 individuals remaining, environmentalists fear this rollback could hasten the speciesā€™ extinction.

St. Johns County Says Some Residents May Experience Water Outages as Crews Respond to Large Water Main Break | News4Jax

A major water main break in St. Johns County has prompted emergency repairs, with officials warning that some residents may temporarily lose access to water. Crews are working to restore service as quickly as possible.

Panther Cornered by Dogs Is Largest Found in Florida, State Says. What Was It Eating? | Miami Herald

A Florida panther that was recently cornered by dogs in a rural area has been identified as the largest ever recorded in the state. Wildlife officials are analyzing the pantherā€™s diet and movements to gain insight into its behavior and habitat, as concerns grow over the speciesā€™ future.

INL Collaborates With Florida to Protect Water Infrastructure From Cyber Threats | INL

A partnership between Idaho National Laboratory and Florida utilities is working to safeguard the stateā€™s water infrastructure from cyber threats. The collaboration seeks to enhance security measures and prevent potential attacks on critical systems.

Map Shows State of ā€˜Forever Chemicalsā€™ in Florida Water | UF Health

A newly released research map highlights the presence of PFASā€”commonly known as ā€œforever chemicalsā€ā€”in Floridaā€™s water supply. Scientists hope the data will guide policymakers in efforts to mitigate contamination and protect public health.

Researchers Look to Aquaculture to Support Floridaā€™s Wild Fish Populations | The Fish Site

A growing focus on aquaculture aims to alleviate pressure on Floridaā€™s wild fish populations. Researchers are studying how farmed fish can help sustain ecosystems while meeting the demands of commercial and recreational fishing. 


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