Governor DeSantis Mandates Relief Efforts in Flooded Central Florida Areas | WFTV
The governor has directed the Florida Division of Emergency Management to deploy pumps and state resources after heavy rainfall caused major flooding in Lake and Brevard counties. Officials report some areas received up to 19.7 inches of rain and emergency repair efforts are underway.
USF and Surrounding Areas Have High Levels of Forever Chemicals in Water | WMNF
PFAS levels near the University of South Florida tested at six times the federal guideline, with other nearby systems also exceeding recommended limits. The findings come from a national investigation using EPA data compiled by USA Today.
Wakulla County Neighbors Speak Out Against Potential Land Swap Between County and the Forest Service | WTXL
Neighbors in Wakulla County are opposing a 200‑acre land swap deal with the Apalachicola National Forest that has been under discussion for nearly 13 years. The swap would exchange county property near Sopchoppy for federal forest land near Crawfordville and is linked to plans for a large recreational complex.
Fire Fuels Resilience in Florida’s Subtropical Forests | Phys.org
A study by the Yale School of the Environment found that subtropical forests in South Florida often recovered to, and even exceeded, their pre‑fire productivity within two years of burning. The findings reinforce the ecological role of prescribed fires in maintaining forest resilience amid a changing climate.
Florida Could Cement American Flamingo as State Bird in 2026 After Senate Bill Filed | News-Press 💲
Florida lawmakers are considering replacing the northern mockingbird with the American flamingo as the official state bird under a bill set for debate in 2026. Proponents argue the flamingo is more emblematic of the state’s ecosystem and identity, though critics point out its sparse native presence.
Watch ‘Raining Monkeys’ Cannonball Into Water Near Kayaker | USA Today
A group of rhesus macaque monkeys at Silver Springs State Park in Florida was caught on video plunging into the water from trees and startling kayakers. The invasive population, introduced decades ago, continues to draw public attention and management concerns.
Protect Florida Springs Through Septic‑to‑Sewer Conversions | The Invading Sea
In Orange County, Florida, nearly 600 homes have already converted from septic systems to sewer service as part of efforts to reduce nitrogen runoff into Wekiwa Springs and the Wekiva River; the county is using Residential PACE financing to accelerate the conversions ahead of the 2030 deadline. Experts say 29% of nitrogen pollution in the springs was traced to septic systems.
Why Do Foreign Investors Buy American Farmland? | MSN
Foreign entities own almost 46 million acres of U.S. agricultural land, often citing stable returns, strategic resources, and clean-energy potential as drivers. Analysts suggest growing scrutiny over foreign farmland ownership may increase in light of national-security and sustainability concerns.
EPA Faces Sweeping Lawsuit to Reinstate $7 B in Solar‑Panel Incentives, Here’s How It Could Impact Nearly 900,000 Homeowners | MSN
A coalition of nonprofit organizations has filed a lawsuit against the Environmental Protection Agency seeking reinstatement of a cancelled $7 billion “Solar for All” program meant to support solar-panel adoption among low-income homeowners. The program was originally funded by the Inflation Reduction Act and could benefit up to 900,000 households nationwide.
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