50-foot Wetland Buffers Restored in Manatee County | Your Observer
Robert McCann, a new Manatee County Commissioner, made a significant move to restore wetland buffer requirements that had been reduced in October 2023.
It’s Biden vs. Trump in the Oil Drilling Ban Off Florida’s Gulf Coast | WFSU News
The future of the oil drilling ban off Florida’s Gulf Coast is at the center of a political battle, with President Biden advocating for its continuation and Trump pushing for expanded drilling. The outcome will significantly impact the state’s environment and economy.
Commissioners Push to Restore Local Wetland Protections | The Bradenton Times
Local commissioners are working to restore protections for wetlands, aiming to safeguard against unchecked development. Wetlands play a vital role in flood control, water purification, and biodiversity.
Developer May Have to Shell Out $2M to Relocate Gopher Tortoises | Vero News
A developer plans to build an 811-unit residential development near Sandridge Golf Club in Florida, but first must relocate an estimated 283 gopher tortoises from the site.
A Buddhist organization, Soka Gakki International USA, has filed a lawsuit against the Army Corps of Engineers regarding concerns about an Everglades restoration project in western Broward County, Florida.
Toxic Algae Bloom Confirmed in Lake Okeechobee Discharges | TCPalm
A nontoxic algae bloom was confirmed in Manatee Pocket, Port Salerno, on January 2nd. Lake Okeechobee discharges, which began a month prior, are suspected to be the cause.
Freshwater Species Threatened With Extinction | AP News
New research published in the journal Nature reveals that nearly a quarter of freshwater animals are threatened with extinction. The study, which examined around 23,500 species living exclusively in freshwater ecosystems, found that 24% are at risk due to various environmental threats.
Florida’s Population Boom Is Creating a Groundwater Crisis | Grist
Rapid population growth in Florida is straining groundwater resources, exacerbating the impacts of climate change. Experts call for sustainable water management to address this mounting crisis.
St. Pete City Council Considers AquaFence Purchase | Florida Politics
St. Petersburg is planning to purchase a FloodWall prevention barrier system from AquaFence USA for $628,000 to protect Lift Station #85 near Albert Whitted Airport. The city council is set to vote on this expenditure, citing the critical need to safeguard infrastructure and maintain public health and safety.
The E.P.A. Promotes Toxic Fertilizer. 3M Told It of Risks Years Ago | The New York Times💲
The EPA has introduced stricter regulations on PFAS, also known as “forever chemicals,” in fertilizers. The measures aim to limit contamination and address the long-term environmental and health risks associated with these substances.
💲 – Articles with this symbol may be blocked by a paywall
