Deal to Speed Up Everglades Construction Projects Finalized | Sun-Sentinel $
The South Florida Water Management District and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers finalized an agreement funneling federal dollars into two Everglades Agricultural Area Reservoir projects, including the Blue Shanty Flow Way. The reservoir is on track for 2029, with the Flow Way now two years ahead of schedule.
Lakeland Considers Data Center Moratorium | WMNF 88.5 FM
Lakeland commissioners are weighing a 12 month moratorium on large data centers to study impacts on the electric system, water supply, and noise before a proposed 600,000 square foot facility moves forward. A second reading is set for August 3, and approval would make Lakeland the fifth Tampa Bay area government with such a pause.
Shark Week 2026 Starts Soon. Is Florida Still the Shark Bite Capital? | Daytona Beach News-Journal
Shark Week 2026 runs July 26 through August 1 on Discovery Channel and streaming platforms. Florida accounted for 44% of U.S. shark bites in 2025, with 11 incidents concentrated mostly in Volusia County, per the Florida Museum of Natural History’s shark attack file.
Will Seven Islands Development Do Lasting Damage to Cape Coral Waterways? | News-Press
Construction has broken ground on the 47-acre Seven Islands development in Cape Coral after developers mistakenly removed mangroves without a permit, halting work pending a restoration review. Experts warn the loss could worsen water quality in the already impaired Matlacha Pass and increase storm surge risk.
Tropical Storm Bertha Puts Panama City Beach Renourishment Project to the Test | WJHG NewsChannel 7
Panama City Beach’s post-Hurricane Michael renourishment project held up against Tropical Storm Bertha, with floodwaters failing to breach the dunes. Officials have $61 million saved, funded by beach rental taxes, for future renourishment work.
Titusville Water Rates May Double to Fund Stormwater Upgrades | WFTV Channel 9
Titusville City Council approved doubling the water service rate, from $160 to $320, to fund stormwater upgrades aimed at reducing flooding. A final vote is scheduled for August 25.
Safeguard Your Well Water, Septic System for Storm Season | Highlands News-Sun
UF/IFAS Extension’s Florida Well Owner Network is running a free four part webinar series in August and September on wells, septic systems, water treatment, and storm prep. Sessions run via Zoom in English and Spanish.
NASA Satellite Data Could Help Forecast Des Moines’ Nitrate Spikes | Axios Des Moines
A NASA-powered nitrate forecasting pilot in Des Moines combines satellite imagery with groundwater and water quality data to predict spikes before they happen. High nitrate levels raise cancer risk and currently cost Des Moines Water Works up to $11,000 a day to treat.
