Public News Service

From Alabama to the Everglades, the Florida Wildlife Corridor is a superhighway of interconnected acres of wildlands, working lands and waters. (FAU/FWC aerial view)

Tuesday, April 16, 2024

FL Wildlife Corridor study reveals role in climate resilience, population growth

As the Sunshine State grapples with rising temperatures and escalating weather events such as hurricanes, a new study sheds light on the pivotal role …

President Joe Biden issued a proclamation on the 50th anniversary of the Clean Water Act, encouraging people to protect their traditions and consider the role that clean water plays in Americans' lives. (revilo82/Pixabay)

Uncertainty Hovers on Clean Water Act's 50th Anniversary

The Clean Water Act turns 50 this week, but parts of it are being challenged in a case before the U.S. Supreme Court. The case, Sackett v. EPA…

The Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge is the headwaters of the Suwannee and St. Marys rivers. The swamp's wildlife, cypress forests and flooded prairies draw thousands of visitors each year. (Moultrie Creek/Wikimedia Commons)

Environmental Groups Fight to Stop Mine Near Okefenokee

Environmental groups are calling on Georgia's Environmental Protection Division to reject permits to build a titanium mine near an intact freshwater w…

Salt marshes are coastal wetlands rich in marine life. They sometimes are called tidal marshes, because they occur in the zone between low and high tides. (FWC)

Multi-State Conservation Plan to Protect Salt Marshes

Conservation groups along several states on the East coast stretching from North Carolina to northeast Florida are working through a plan to conserve …

Florida Forage Fish Research program fellow Kira Allen, from the University of Central Florida, explains her ecosystem model that explores the effects of climate change on Apalachicola Bay food webs. (Justin Grubich)

FL Research Tracks Impact of Drought, Sea-Level Rise on Forage Fish

Preliminary research shows less fresh water and higher sea levels could be changing the forage fish in Florida's famed Apalachicola Bay and the fisher…

The decades-long project to restore the historic Kissimmee River was completed in 2021. (Screenshot of aerial tour via South Florida Water Management District)

A Call to Prevent Future Mistakes with "Wild and Scenic" Rivers

It took about $1 billion to restore Florida's historic Kissimmee River to its natural state and U.S. Rep. Darren Soto - D- Kissimmee - wants to keep …

The Piney Point property has received 22 inches of rain since the start of June, according to the Florida Department of Environmental Protections' motion to request to transfer control of the troubled former phosphate plant from its owners, HRK Holdings. (Pixabay)

Piney Point Pollution Could Overflow with Storms, Hurricanes

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. -- Due to the recent tropical weather systems threatening the region, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) is …

Florida mangroves' natural ability to curb flooding protected over 626,000 people during Hurricane Irma in 2017, according to a University of California Santa Cruz report. (Adobe Stock)

Groups Say FL Coasts Need Federal Dollars to Mitigate Storm Impacts

TAMPA, Fla. -- Environmental groups are urging federal lawmakers to allocate $10 billion in the upcoming infrastructure package for coastal …

Florida's Blue-Green Algae Task Force outlined in 2019,

As Toxic Algae, Other Issues Bloom, FL Environmental Secretary Resigns

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. -- Today marks the last day on the job for Florida's Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) secretary, who turned in his …

This image depicts Piney Point's water management features. This year, a liner in the wastewater pond leaked again, causing Manatee County to declare a state of emergency. (FPWC)

Lawsuit Launched Over Piney Point Wastewater Leak

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. - Conservation groups say Florida's environmental regulators ignored a decade of warning signs - including advice from the U.S…

The most recent manatee population survey by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission shows 400 Florida manatees died in 2019. But 2021 could set a new mortality record, due to water pollution and loss of food and habitat. (Adobe Stock)

FL Manatees Face Greater Threats to Habitat, Health

TAMPA, Fla. -- Polluted wastewater released into Tampa Bay at Piney Point in the last two weeks is only one threat to Florida manatees, as an …

The Florida Dept. of Environmental Protection is partnering with Tampa Bay area governments and the Tampa Bay Estuary Program to monitor water quality at locations affected by the Piney Point breach. (Pexels)

Tampa Bay Braces for Red Tide Outbreak After Toxic Wastewater Leak

TAMPA, Fla. - The uncontrolled release of millions of gallons of polluted wastewater at Piney Point into Tampa Bay is raising concerns about a …

The Migratory Bird Treaty Act includes protection of birds such as the Florida scrub jay. (VvAndromedavV/Wikimedia)

Conservationists Decry Trump's Rollback of Migratory-Bird Protections

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. - Conservation groups are expressing outrage over the Trump administration's rollback of the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. The …

Pensacola's Project Greenshores at sunset. (Photo: � Erika Nortemann/The Nature Conservancy)

Living Shorelines: Natural Defense to Storms

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. -- Back in September, as Hurricane Sally battered Florida's panhandle with a deluge of rain and high winds, some locals said their …

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers manages Lake Okeechobee water levels with the goal of balancing flood control, public safety, navigation, water supply and ecological health. (ernie114/Pixabay)

Proposal Could Tip the Balance in Lake Okeechobee

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. - About 30 Florida conservation groups are telling Congress to reject a proposal that could lead to more water being kept in Lake …

Exploratory oil drilling applications submitted by two out-of-state petroleum companies to drill in Gulf and Calhoun counties have received approval by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection. (Pixabay)

Florida Conservation Groups Fight Onshore Drilling Expansions

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Faced with strong bipartisan opposition to offshore drilling, some oil companies are finding success by tapping deeper into …

The Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council approved projects to restore and protect deep-sea habitat and coral hot spots in the gulf. (lpittman/Pixabay)

After Deepwater Horizon Spill, Deep Sea Corals Win Protection

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Almost a decade after the 2010 Deepwater Horizon oil spill, government agencies are still spending millions of dollars to …

Seagrasses soak up climate-changing carbon and absorb pollutants that run off land. Seagrasses aren't algae or seaweed and are different from marshes and wetlands. (NOAA Photo Library/Flickr)

Scallopers Urged to Minimize Threat to Seagrass

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – As many people and businesses gear up for this year's scalloping season, they'll find a new education campaign about the …

Roughly 200 million gallons of dirty crude oil gushed into the Gulf of Mexico during the 2010 BP oil spill. (Fibonacci Blue/Flickr)

Appeals Court Hears Arguments on Proposed Oil Well in Everglades

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — A major South Florida landowner will be back in court on Tuesday asking a judge to override a final order by the Florida …

The Legislature and governor approved legislation that provides more than $1 billion to increase water storage south of Lake Okeechobee as part of an effort to reduce harmful lake discharges to the Caloosahatchee and St. Lucie estuaries. (SFWMD)

Lawsuit Threatened Over Lake Okeechobee Discharges

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. – Environmental groups are concerned that Florida's persistent red tide outbreaks are being fueled by authorized polluted …

A prolonged case of red tide and algae blooms along the Florida coast is killing off animals as small as tiny fish and possibly as large as whale sharks. (Joe Monin/Flickr)

Environment, Public Lands Take Spotlight in Fla. Midterm Election

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Toxic green algal blooms have triggered a tide of barbs from some candidates placing Florida's environment at the forefront …

The Thompson Institute for Earth Systems was started in 2018 to advance communication and public understanding of current research discoveries about Earth's natural systems in Florida and beyond. (Joakant/Pixabay)

Florida’s Environmental Concerns Prompt New Institute to Inform Public

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Florida's environment has been a topic that looms large for the state's residents and politicians this election cycle. Now…

The Land and Water Conservation Fund helps support and protect places like Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park and hundreds of other projects across the state. (Francis Storr/Flickr)

Calls Mount to Save Land and Water Conservation Fund

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Time is running out to renew the federal fund that has supported conservation and recreation projects across the U.S…

Many of the EPA regulations that Scott Pruitt scrapped or delayed as EPA administrator had not yet taken effect before his resignation. (Wikimedia Commons)

Government Watchdog Groups: Pruitt's EPA Exit "Long Overdue"

WASHINGTON – After allegedly overspending on everything from pens to lavish trips and accepting questionable deals from lobbyists, government …

Florida's 1.756 million National Flood Insurance Program policies are the most of any state in the country. (Pixabay)

As Hurricane Season Opens, Pressure Mounts to Update National Flood Policy

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – The National Flood Insurance Program is set to expire right in the middle of hurricane season, which starts Friday…

A 2006 congressional moratorium bans drilling within 125 miles of the Florida coast, but only until 2022. (Pixabay)

Opponents Warn Offshore-Drilling Announcement is Sign of What's to Come

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — The Interior Department announced plans late Friday to hold the largest sale of oil and gas leases in U.S. history…

$A Duke University study finds that high levels of radioactivity persist in stream sediments at three disposal sites more than seven years after Pennsylvania officials requested that the disposal of radium-laden fracking wastewater into surface waters be restricted. (Pixabay)$

Study: Treated Oil, Gas Wastewater Leaves Radioactive Contamination

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Scientists have found that, over time, treated oil and gas wastewater is leaving radioactive deposits in the stream beds …

$Anti-fracking groups say Florida's aquifer and the soluble limestone foundation make the state even more vulnerable to damage from fracking. (Pixabay)$

Activists Plan Rally for Fracking Ban at Capitol

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – A bipartisan group of lawmakers and conservation advocates is expected to host more than 200 anti-fracking activists during …

Sen. Bill Nelson, D-Fla., calls the feds' decision to exempt Florida from offshore drilling

Environmental Groups Question Motives for Florida Drilling Exemption

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Critics of the Trump administration's decision to exclude Florida from its offshore drilling plan say it has little to do …

The Trump administration's plan to expand offshore drilling was met with immediate concern from environmental groups that say it poses risks to coastal communities. (Pixabay)

Trump Faces Opposition in Florida Over Offshore Drilling

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Even President Donald Trump's close friend and ally, Gov. Rick Scott, is opposing the administrations plans to open new …

The public comment period on renewing offshore drilling runs through Aug. 17. (doi.gov)

Comment Period Ending for Offshore Drilling

MIAMI BEACH, Fla. – Just a couple of days are left to comment on a plan by the Trump administration to undo Obama-era protections for the …

Rising sea levels along Florida coastlines have been one topic at the U.S. Conference of Mayors, held in Miami Beach this weekend. (David Parsons/iStockphoto)

FL Leaders Push for Climate Action at Mayors' Conference in Miami Beach

MIAMI BEACH, Fla. – If the federal government won't take the lead on climate change - local cities will. That's the message from the U.S…

The health of the Apalachicola ecosystem is the subject of a lawsuit. (Florida Department of Environmental Protection)

Lawsuit Filed Over Management of Apalachicola River and Bay

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Spanning three states and ending in the Gulf of Mexico, the Apalachicola ecosystem is one of the most significant in the …

A new report urges Florida school districts to be proactive about getting lead out of drinking water. (DodgertonSkillhause/morguefile)

Report: Florida Gets Failing Grade for Getting Lead Out of Water

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — In the wake of the water crisis in Flint, Michigan, a new report says lead in schools' drinking water is a pervasive …

Opponents of the Sabal Trail Pipeline say it will damage environmentally sensitive areas of Florida and put drinking water at risk. (WWALS Watershed Coalition)

Florida Pipeline Protests Grow as Construction Continues

LIVE OAK, Fla. – As a small group holds vigil near the Suwannee River in north Florida, a growing chorus of voices across the state and online …

Opponents of a proposed pipeline across Florida, Georgia and Alabama are hoping to halt its construction with a lawsuit. (ReubenGBrewer/Wikimedia Commons)

Groups File Suit to Block Fracked Gas Line through Florida

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – A controversial plan to build a $3 billion gas pipeline through the heart of Florida has hit a snag, as three groups have …

The Turkey Point power station is the subject of a federal Clean Water Act lawsuit. (Fred Ward/U.S. National Archives and Records Administration via Wikimedia Commons)

Environmental Groups Sue FPL Over Pollution at Turkey Point

MIAMI – Environmental advocates are wading into legal waters in an effort to protect Biscayne Bay from what they say is ongoing pollution from a…

Advocates fear the impact of oil testing in the Big Cypress National Preserve. (M. Schwartz)

Advocates Fuming Over Oil Testing Plans in Big Cypress Preserve

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – The Big Cypress National Preserve is one of the most biologically diverse sites in the state, but many who love it say …

Dedicated funding for Everglades restoration projects has been 16 years in the making. (Fred Ward/Wikimedia Commons)

FL Residents, Wildlife Breathe Easier with Everglades' Cash Injection

MAITLAND, Fla. – Conservation groups are praising the Florida Legislature's $200 million funding for projects in the Everglades. Everglades …

Florida flooding is projected to be worse than expected in a new Antarctic ice melt study. (U.S. Navy/Wikimedia Commons)

Higher Sea-Level Rise Projections: An "Opportunity" for Florida?

MIAMI – A new estimate that sea levels will rise up to 6 feet by the end of this century could be seen as an impending disaster for Florida R…

One Florida man says protecting the environment begins with finding out where lawmakers stand on climate change. (Castlelass/morguefile)

Affirmer or Denier? Activist Issues Climate-Change "Litmus Test"

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. - It's test time in Tallahassee, as one man wants to get lawmakers and other state leaders to state once and for all where they …

Floridians will mark the opening day of the 2016 legislative session with a series of rallies across the state. (Damien Filer/Progress Florida)

Activists Ready to "Awake The State"

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. - As lawmakers prepare to return to the capitol this week, hundreds of people across the state want to make sure their voices are …

Scientists say the environmental impact of the Deepwater Horizon explosion and spill was greater than previously thought. Credit: U.S. Navy

Report: Wider Impact from BP Spill

FORT MYERS, Fla. – More than five years after millions of gallons of oil flooded into the Gulf of Mexico following the explosion of the …

Dozens of environmental groups say they're thankful protections for Florida streams and wetlands remain in place. Credit: Bandini/morguefile.com

Florida Groups Thankful for Clean Water Protections

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. - Clean water plays a vital role in Florida's environment and economy from the Everglades to the Panhandle. Dozens of environmental …

The public can weigh in this week on proposed restrictions on tourists swimming with endangered manatees at Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge in Citrus County. Credit: Durden Images/iStockphoto.com.

Even Manatees Need Their Space: Proposal to Restrict Public Contact

CRYSTAL RIVER, Fla. – The public can weigh in this week on strict new rules to limit the number of people who can swim with manatees at Three …

Emissions from power plants continue to contribute to hazy skies and the effects of climate change. Being a sea level wetland, the Everglades stands to enjoy the most immediate benefits of the president's new Clean Power Plan. Credit: David Parsons/iStockphoto.com

Clean Power Plan Likely to Improve Everglades Air Quality

FLORIDA CITY, Fla. – Environmentalists say Florida's national parks will enjoy considerable benefits from President Obama's new Clean Power …

A new poll says hunters and anglers support expanding the Clean Water Rule to smaller tributaries. Credit: bissel/iStock

Poll: Hunters and Anglers Support Clean Water Rule

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Hunters and anglers support restoring the Environmental Protection Agency’s Clean Water Rule to smaller headwaters …

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission wants anglers to participate in a survey to help the agency better set future fishing seasons and catch limits. Credit: MGDBoston/Morguefile.

Florida Fish and Wildlife Asks Anglers for Help

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Nearly one million Floridians purchased recreational fishing licenses last year, and went fishing in the Gulf of Mexico 3.3 …

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PNS Daily Newscast - April 16, 2024

2024Talks - April 16, 2024

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FL: Water