Florida Legislature Votes to Ban Local Net-Zero Climate Programs | Tampa Bay Times
The Florida Legislature voted to ban local governments from maintaining net-zero greenhouse gas emissions programs, a move that concerns environmentalists who say it could discourage cities and schools from pursuing solar energy and other cost-saving measures. The bill now awaits Gov. DeSantis’s signature.
Legislature Clears Measure Making It Harder to Sue Mosaic | Florida Politics
A bill that makes it harder to sue phosphate mining operators like Mosaic cleared the Florida Senate 32-4 and now heads to the Governor. HB 167 establishes a defense from strict liability in lawsuits brought against phosphate mining operations based on the presence of natural geological substances at former mine sites.
Miami-Dade Puts Wetlands Growth Limits Up for Grabs | Miami Today
Miami-Dade commissioners unanimously opposed a state bill that would strip their control over the Urban Development Boundary, which has protected wetlands from development for 52 years, while also agreeing to convene their own meeting to review the boundary and its rules. The Florida House passed the bill the same day, meaning Senate approval could give the state authority to override Miami-Dade’s local development controls.
Coalition of South Florida Leaders Calls for Veto of Pro-Development Bill | WLRN
A bipartisan coalition of South Florida mayors, commissioners, and environmental groups called on Gov. DeSantis to veto HB 399, which would lower the voting threshold needed to expand Miami-Dade’s Urban Development Boundary from a supermajority to a simple majority. Under the bill, as few as four of 13 county commissioners could approve development closer to protected Everglades wetlands and agricultural land.
New Underwater Monitoring System Aims to Detect Water Quality Threats Early | Local 10
Florida Atlantic University researchers have developed an autonomous underwater device called CAROSEL that measures nutrients and oxygen levels in sediments to help predict algae blooms and fish kills before they occur. The prototype was recently deployed in Lake Okeechobee, with plans for up to eight deployments this year across Florida’s freshwater and saltwater environments.
Vero Beach Water System Missed Required Monitoring Step in January, City Says | WPTV
The City of Vero Beach Public Water System failed to collect required repeat samples after an initial January test detected total coliform bacteria at one distribution point, though city officials say there was no risk to public health. Follow-up samples collected February 26 came back negative for the bacteria, resolving the issue.
Letter Urges Florida Lawmakers to Invest More into State Parks | WTSP
A coalition of 32 organizations and businesses is urging the Florida Legislature to increase state parks funding beyond the $25 million currently proposed, citing a state report showing hundreds of millions of dollars in needed repairs across Florida’s 175 state parks. In the last fiscal year, more than 28 million visitors went to state parks and generated more than $75 million in revenue.
Restoring natural flow to the Ocklawaha River through SB 1066/HB 981 would reconnect river habitat, improve water quality, and restore springs that have been cut off for decades. Economic projections suggest restoration and recreation investments could generate hundreds of jobs and nearly $200 million in long-term economic benefits for communities in Putnam and Marion counties.
University of Florida, Hillsborough Workshop Incentivizes ‘Water-Wise’ Lawns Amid Drought | WMNF
Hillsborough County and the University of Florida’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences are offering a three-part workshop series to help residents reduce outdoor irrigation by converting portions of their lawns to drought-tolerant, water-wise landscaping. Participants who make the changes may be eligible for a rebate through the Florida Friendly Landscaping Incentives program, with workshops held one Saturday a month in March, April, and May.
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