Two Water Management Districts approved a regional project that would return more than 40 million gallons of water per day to the Floridan aquifer using reclaimed water purified through natural wetland filtration. Leaders said the initiative is designed to restore river and spring flows, strengthen long-term water supply, and provide broad environmental and economic benefits for North Florida.
HB 479 would centralize oversight of water quality, wetlands, and pollution control at the state level, removing local governments’ authority to establish independent environmental rules. The bill also enables the CFO to withhold state funding from municipalities found to be out of compliance.
Oil Rigs Off Florida? Trump Says Yes, DeSantis Says No | Tallahassee Democrat
Gov. Ron DeSantis is pushing back against Donald Trump’s proposal to expand oil drilling off Florida’s coast, warning it could threaten tourism and the environment. DeSantis called on federal officials to maintain the current moratorium, while Trump’s campaign argues increased offshore drilling is key to energy independence.
Florida’s first black bear hunt in a decade is scheduled for Dec. 6–28, and conservation groups are seeking a court injunction to stop it, arguing that the state relied on outdated population data. Wildlife officials say the bear population has expanded into unsuitable habitats and that a limited hunt would help stabilize numbers and reduce human-bear conflicts.
Environmental Groups File a Lawsuit to Stop the Sale of Oil and Gas Leases in the Gulf | WUSF
Environmental groups sued to block the federal plan to auction 80 million acres in the Gulf of Mexico for oil and gas leases, arguing the Interior Department skipped required environmental review under the National Environmental Policy Act. The groups say the sale could increase the risk of spills, harm endangered species like the Rice’s whale, and threaten coastal communities and industries that depend on a healthy Gulf.
The JEA board approved $400 million for a project to replenish the Floridan aquifer and help restore North Florida’s springs. The initiative will capture and treat stormwater for aquifer recharge, improving long-term water supply and ecosystem health.
The Southwest Florida Water Management District declared a Phase One water shortage for several Tampa Bay area counties following months of below-average rainfall. The declaration urges residents to reduce outdoor irrigation and conserve water to help offset regional supply declines.
Research comparing modern and ancient mollusk shells found that Florida’s seagrass meadows along the Nature Coast have remained stable for centuries. Scientists say the findings show these habitats have persisted in the same locations over time, underscoring their ecological importance and resilience.
Manatee Deaths in 2025 Already Exceed Numbers for Last Two Years, Data Show | MySuncoast
State data show that manatee deaths in 2025 have already exceeded the totals recorded in both 2023 and 2024. Wildlife officials cite habitat loss, cold stress, and boat collisions as leading causes.
Alachua County Environmental Groups Discuss Federal Funding Cuts | The Independent Florida Alligator
Representatives from local environmental organizations gathered to discuss the impacts of proposed federal funding cuts on community-based conservation work. Participants expressed concern that reduced resources could hinder future environmental projects in the region.
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