This Week's Headlines Around Florida

December 8, 2025

DeSantis Pledges $112 Million for Water Projects and Fighting Red Tide | WUSF

Gov. Ron DeSantis announced $112 million in state funding to improve water quality and combat red tide along Florida’s Gulf Coast. The funding will support wastewater and stormwater infrastructure upgrades aimed at reducing nutrient pollution that fuels algal blooms.

EPA Region 4 to Review Cleanups at 55 Southeast Superfund Sites in 2026 | U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

The Environmental Protection Agency announced plans to conduct its next five-year review of 55 Superfund sites across the Southeast, including locations in Florida, Alabama, Georgia, and other states. The periodic reviews evaluate whether completed cleanups continue to protect human health and the environment and determine if additional actions are needed.

Blue Origin Wastewater Plan Criticized by Indian River Lagoon Supporters | Florida Today 

Blue Origin’s plan to discharge treated wastewater into the Indian River Lagoon has sparked opposition from local advocates and residents. The Brevard County Commission and supporters of the Save Our Indian River Lagoon Program are calling for a public hearing before the company secures a state permit for the project.

How Florida’s History Flows Through the Peace River | WUSF

The Peace River has long reflected the tension between wilderness and development in Florida, from early exploration to phosphate mining and agriculture. Ongoing conservation efforts focus on protecting the river’s ecosystem while managing water supply and recreation demands in a rapidly growing region.

This Group Is Paying Hunters $2,000 Not to Use Their Tags, in a Final Effort to Thwart Florida’s Bear Hunt | Outdoor Life

A wildlife advocacy group in Florida is offering hunters $2,000 not to use their bear-hunting tags ahead of the state’s first hunt in a decade. The effort aims to reduce the number of bears killed while drawing attention to opposition over Florida’s bear management policies. 

That Blue “Plastic Bag” on South Florida Beaches Isn’t Trash — and Touching It Can Really Hurt, Officials Say | CBS News Miami

Beachgoers in South Florida are being warned about Portuguese man-of-war washing ashore as seasonal winds shift. Officials say the blue, balloon-like organisms can deliver painful stings even after they’ve washed up on the beach and advise caution for swimmers and beach walkers.

Orange County Commissioners Approve Water and Wastewater Rate Changes | WFTV

Orange County commissioners approved rate increases for water and wastewater services, citing rising operational costs as the primary reason. Officials said the changes will help maintain infrastructure and ensure reliable service as the county continues to grow.

Palm Coast Water Treatment Plant Doubles Capacity to 4 Million Gallons | Observer Local News

Palm Coast officials marked the completion of an expansion that doubled the city’s Water Treatment Plant 2 capacity to four million gallons per day. The project provides improved storage capacity to ensure consistent delivery of clean, safe drinking water while strengthening the city’s emergency response capabilities.

Genesis Mission and New Guidance for AI-Assisted Inventions | JD Supra

The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office issued new guidance clarifying how inventions involving artificial intelligence are evaluated for patent eligibility and inventorship. The update outlines how human contribution must be demonstrated for an invention to qualify for protection under U.S. patent law. 


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