Water Shortage Worsens in South Florida | Florida Weekly
The South Florida Water Management District declared a water shortage on February 5 across Lee, Collier, and surrounding counties as severe to extreme drought conditions drive wildfire risks and water quality concerns. Officials are urging voluntary conservation measures — such as reducing irrigation and indoor water use — warning that mandatory restrictions could follow if conditions don’t improve.
With Alabama Case Dismissed, Tristate Water Wars Are Officially Over | Politico Pro 💲
A federal appeals court dismissed Alabama’s lawsuit over the operation of hydropower reservoirs on the Chattahoochee River, effectively ending the decades-long legal battle among Florida, Georgia, and Alabama over shared water rights. However, a separate appeal filed by Florida environmental groups over reservoir operations on the Chattahoochee River remains pending before the court.
Proposed Budgets Defund Florida Forever, but Do Provide for Conservation Easements | Florida Phoenix
Florida’s proposed FY 2026-27 budgets would dramatically reduce funding for Florida Forever, with the House proposing to eliminate the land conservation program entirely while the Senate allocates $100 million. Both chambers would redirect funds to the Rural and Family Lands Protection program, which supports conservation easements on private agricultural land rather than direct land purchases.
Q&A: UF’s David Kaplan on Balancing Farming and Water Quality | WUFT
A University of Florida-led study found that some farming and forestry practices in North Florida can reduce groundwater pollution while maintaining farm profitability, though others may require financial incentives for adoption. The research focused on protecting the Floridan Aquifer, a drinking water source for roughly 10 million people.
Florida Argues Fired State Parks Employee Who Leaked Plans Isn’t a Whistleblower | Tampa Bay Times 💲
Florida’s Department of Environmental Protection argued in court that former parks employee James Gaddis does not qualify for whistleblower protections after being fired for leaking plans to develop nine state parks in 2024. Gaddis’ anonymous memo, which revealed plans to build golf courses and hotels in state parks, sparked bipartisan backlash and statewide protests before Gov. DeSantis reversed course.
NASA Spots Florida’s Ocean Waters Changing Color | Popular Science
A wave of Arctic air from two major winter storms in late January and early February caused the Gulf of Mexico waters off Florida’s west coast to turn a striking bright blue-green, as cold temperatures and strong winds stirred up calcium carbonate sediment from the seafloor. NASA captured the rare phenomenon via satellite, noting it also produced “hammerhead” eddies whose fluid dynamics mirror those seen in dust storms on Mars.
Surplus Land and Leafblowers Addressed in Ag Bill Passed by Florida Senate | The Invading Sea
The Florida Senate unanimously passed an omnibus agricultural bill that would allow state-owned conservation lands purchased since January 2024 to be reviewed and potentially sold for commercial agriculture, while exempting state parks, forests, and Everglades restoration lands. The bill also prohibits local governments from banning gas-powered landscaping equipment and includes new regulations on door-to-door solicitation.
University of Florida scientists have developed an environmental DNA test that can detect two invasive species — the Asian swamp eel and the bullseye snakehead — from a single water sample, without ever physically seeing the fish. The tool offers wildlife managers a faster, more cost-effective method for tracking and controlling these elusive predators threatening Florida’s Everglades ecosystem.
6 Most Rattlesnake Infested Areas in Florida | World Atlas
Florida is home to three native rattlesnake species — the eastern diamondback, timber rattlesnake, and pygmy rattlesnake — found across a range of habitats from the Everglades to the Suwannee River. The article highlights six areas where rattlesnake sightings are most frequently reported, offering guidance for hikers, paddlers, and campers on where to exercise caution.
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