ReportWire

Tag: APP Environment

  • Florida Wildlife Corridor Day highlights projects helping Florida’s waterways

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    CRYSTAL RIVER, Fla. — Earlier this week, Florida Wildlife Corridor Day took place at the State Capitol.

    The main event was an exhibit provided by Save Crystal River, highlighting how state-funded projects are helping Florida’s waterways and communities. The group says there are currently three iniatives: continuing the planting of seagrass, opening of spring vents and the placing of exo-forms which would help break waves.

    What You Need To Know

    • Florida Wildlife Corridor Day took place earlier this week in Tallahassee, with Save Crystal River showcasing an exhibit

    • That exhibit highlighted how state-funded projects are helping Florida’s waterways and communities

    • Conservation efforts to save Florida’s waterways are taking stage in Crystal River, with groups like the Friends of the Crystal River Wildlife National Refuge doing their part

    • Their goal is to ensure the survival of the waterways and those who call it home


    “It’s not a series of problems that are unique just to Crystal River and Citrus County,” said Lisa Moore, President of Save Crystal River. “All up and down the coast there have been places where those exo-forms would be useful to try to protect your shoreline.”

    And those conservation efforts to save Florida’s waterways are taking stage in Crystal River.

    Along the water outside the Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Lace Blue-McLean and K.C. Nayfield take in a spectacular view.

    “Our main mission is literally to support the Crystal River refuge complex- Chassahowitzka, Crystal River, and Three Sisters Springs,” said Blue-McLean.

    The two are the president and vice president of the Friends of the Crystal River Wildlife National Refuge. It’s a nonprofit dedicated to protecting these waterways, which are at risk, they say, of pollutants and other threats.

    “We’re loving it to death,” said Blue-McLean. “It’s just the management of finding that balance … of tourists that come and enjoy this wonderful area without destroying it at the same time and overusing it.”

    The group is working to protect the refuge and partnering with Save Crystal River. They’re raising funds for platforms and a manatee rescue ramp at Three Sisters Springs. The goal is to ensure the survival of the waterways and those who call it home.

    “Three Sisters Springs is a key place for releasing manatees back into the wild,” Blue-McLean said. “This ramp needs to be spruced up a little bit. So with that, with the platforms and the fishing pier we just added on that ramp, it’s up to $400,000 and we’re almost there.”

    “Once Three Sisters is done, we have some other ideas with improving access to some of the other parts of the refuge with boardwalks and viewing towers elsewhere,” said Nayfield. “So our work is never going to be done.”

    It’s a tireless effort, Nayfield says. One that goes beyond preserving, as education also plays a key role. That can be seen inside the visitor center. 

    “We need to keep it up. Keep providing the public with access to learn about nature, why we have the nature, of course, and why it’s worth preserving and seeing these beautiful creatures that inhabit the property and realizing they need to be conserved and preserved as well,” Nayfield said.

    So that others may enjoy nature like this.

    “People come to the Nature Coast for all of the natural resources that we have here in Citrus County, which is the largest in the state of Florida by the way,” said Blue-McLean. “We want to continue to protect that because once it’s gone, it’s gone.”

    A view worth protecting for future generations.

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    Calvin Lewis

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  • Local Girl Scouts lead project to improve Tarpon Springs’ water quality

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    TARPON SPRINGS, Fla. — Down by the Sponge Docks, a noble project gets underway.

    What You Need To Know

    • Two local Girl Scouts are leading a unique project to help improve water quality, using oyster shells to create vertical oyster gardens or ‘vogs’

    • Oyster gardens act as a natural filter for pollutants in the water and a habitat for small marine life
    • Each vog has 20 to 25 oyster shells attached, attracting oyster larvae where they will grow into mature oysters and can filter up to 50 gallons of water per day
    • Waddell and Mills are looking to install 100 vogs in Tarpon Springs


    Two local Girl Scouts are leading a unique project to help improve water quality. They’re using oyster shells to create vertical oyster gardens. The oyster gardens act as a natural filter for pollutants in the water and a habitat for small marine life.

    “The main purpose of them is for oyster larvae to attach to them so they can start growing,” says Susie Mills, Girl Scout Troop 712 & 807.

    Girl Scouts Rylie Waddell and Susie Mills are leading the project.

    “We saw that our waterways are kind of murky, full of pollution,” said Rylie Waddell, Girl Scout Troop 712 & 107. “We know that’s not good for the environment or the health of our sea life and we want to make a change in that.”

    Each shell is placed on a rope to create what’s called a ‘vog,’ or vertical oyster garden. The vog is then tied off near the sea wall where it acts as a natural filter.

    “Each vog has 20 to 25 oyster shells and those oyster shells will attract oyster larvae because oyster larvae look for a hard-like surface to kind of cement to,” says Waddell. “So they will grow and they’ll grow into mature oysters, which can filter up to 50 gallons of water per day.”

    The girls are not alone on their mission. Behind them is a team of family and volunteers.

    “I’m just happy that other people also see the problem and want to help,” says Mills. “It’s very encouraging because I know I wouldn’t be able to do this all by myself.”

    “It’s such a noble project and our river needs help,” says Mick Poppa, harbourmaster for the City of Tarpon Springs.

    People who frequent the river already recognize their hard work.

    “Some of my fishermen at the marina that have slips at the marina are always so remorseful about what’s going on with the estuaries upriver and how the fishing isn’t as good as it used to be,” said Poppa. “This will do nothing but help that.”

    With 100 vogs as their goal, Waddell and Mills are looking to make a sizable impact.

    “We hope to clean up most, if not all, of this waterway,” said Mills.

    Protecting the water and what comes with it.

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    Calvin Lewis

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  • Withlacoochee River could be headed toward record low water levels this summer

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    DUNNELLON, Fla. — Conservation leaders say lakes, rivers and the aquifer in Citrus County could be headed toward record low levels by this summer.

    What You Need To Know

    • Lakes, rivers and the aquifer in Citrus County could be headed toward record low levels by this summer

    • In last month’s hydrologic report, the Southwest Florida Water Management District says current water levels along the Withlacoochee River are 2 to 3 feet lower than a year ago
    • The dip in water levels could affect businesses along the river, such as Rainbow River Canoe and Kayak
    • SWFWMD officials say they do not expect conditions to improve until the summer with some much-needed rain in the wet season


    A recent hydrologic report from the Southwest Florida Water Management District shows that current water levels along the Withlacoochee River are 2 to 3 feet lower than a year ago because of the shortfall of rain we’re seeing across the region.

    “Our shop does both a trip on the Rainbow (River), a trip on the Withlacoochee, and I always tell people, no matter what, that the confluence is the coolest spot,” Rainbow River and Kayak owner Meriah Kirk said.

    Tucked away amongst the trees in Dunnellon, you’ll come across Rainbow River Canoe and Kayak — a business that thrives on both the Rainbow and Withlacoochee rivers. But recently, something about the water is being noticed.

    “Usually they’re at least, this time of year, about up to here,” Kirk said, pointing out water lines. “They’ve been about up to here, but now even further.”

    Kirk said staff and visitors alike have noticed a dip in the river’s level.

    “We have had some people comment on the flows being lower, being a little more stagnant,” she said. “And then with the way over in the marina, the way the cove is very stagnant, we’ve had some of our boat owners there kind of comment on that.”

    Following the river south into Pasco County, Mark Fulkerson with the Southwest Florida Water Management District surveys the river.

    “Over the past three decades, we’ve had four severe droughts that hit the Withlacoochee River,” Fulkerson said. “Just in those 30 years, it’s only happened four times. But this year, just looking at the data, we’re shaping into a fifth one of those.”

    In last month’s hydrologic report, Fulkerson noted water levels are 2 to 3 feet lower than a year ago. A big change for the river and surrounding ecosystem.

    “Last year at this time, we were three months after Milton,” Fulkerson said. “The water was probably 3 feet higher than it is now. So that’s kind of the difference between last year and this year. This year, we didn’t have a Milton. We didn’t have a big, real wet season to fill things up.”

    Just looking at the surrounding trees, you’ll notice water lines from Milton are still there, showing just how low the river has become. Fulkerson said he does not expect conditions to improve until the summer with some much-needed rain in the wet season.

    “Those summer rains are going to have to materialize a lot better than what we had last year, or we’re going to go into maybe an additional year of very low water levels.”

    As for Kirk and her business, she said she remains optimistic for rainfall — even with the business’ busiest time of year, spring break, just around the corner.

    “The springs are really important, so I think it’s important to make sure we’re taking care of them and making sure we’re doing as much as we can to take care of them,” Kirk said.

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    Calvin Lewis

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  • Manatee County to take 5 million gallons of water a day from Peace River in 2036

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    MANATEE COUNTY, Fla. — Part of Manatee County’s long-term water plan calls for taking drinking water from the Peace River.

    It comes at a critical time, as the county has seen an increase in water consumption because of rapid growth in the area.

    What You Need To Know

    • According to county officials, it’s part of a long-term plan. Starting in 2036, the county would take five million gallons of water a day from the river

    • Other counties already get their drinking water from the Peace River, and because of increased demand, Manatee County moved up its timeline by a year

    • While environmental groups worry about future affects, the county says a new water source is essential to keep drinking water flowing

    Protecting the environment and local waterways is a top priority for Abbey Tyrna.

    “Oh, the environment means everything — not just to me, but to our economy,” she said.

    She is the executive director of Suncoast Waterkeeper, an organization that protects and restores Florida’s waterways.

    She is concerned about where Manatee County will get its drinking water in the future, as the county plans to tap into the Peace River.

    “It cannot satisfy the growing population. The Peace River will go dry,” she said. “We already see problems in the headwaters of the Peace River. We need to protect the headwaters of the Peace River.”

    Other counties already get their drinking water from the Peace River, and because of increased demand, Manatee County moved up its timeline by a year.

    According to county officials, it’s part of a long-term plan. Starting in 2036, the county would take five million gallons of water a day from the river.

    Currently, the county uses about 50 million gallons of water a day.

    Two-thirds comes from Lake Manatee, and one-third comes from groundwater.

    “Currently, we don’t take any water from the Peace River Authority. But our long-term planning has always had a contingency plan to connect to the Peace River,” said Patrick Shea, the utilities director for Manatee County.

    At the water treatment plant, he says there is plenty of drinking water, but usage has increased over time.

    “Because of growth — recent growth — and the dry season, our annual projections for water use and water demand have increased, moving up that timeline,” he said.

    Abbey says the county should explore other options before tapping into the Peace River.

    “We need to start connecting to reclaimed water and stop using our limited supplies of groundwater for things like irrigation,” she said.

    While environmental groups worry about future effects, the county says a new water source is essential to keep drinking water flowing.

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    Julia Hazel

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  • Lido Beach renourishment project to begin Sunday

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    SARASOTA COUNTY, Fla. — Crews were scheduled to start a renourishment project at Lido Beach on Monday, but rough weather forced a delay.

    What You Need To Know

    • The renourishment will begin Sunday and is expected to be completed in April, before sea turtle nesting season. The $12 million cost for this year’s renourishment is fully covered through federal funding

    • A 50-year partnership between the City of Sarasota and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers calls for renourishment of Lido Beach every five years. This year, around 300,000 cubic yards of sand will be added, all dredged from New Pass

    • The county says signs will be posted alerting beachgoers when areas are temporarily closed, and the plan is to keep the beach as open as possible

    The work will now begin Sunday, with 300,000 cubic yards of locally sourced sand being brought in. The plan is to rebuild shoreline lost to storms.

    Officials say dredging will begin in New Pass, with crews starting at the north end of the beach and moving south.

    Once a week, Dawn D’Alessio searches for small gifts from the sea.

    “It’s a treasure hunt, really. You never know what you are going to find,” she said.

    For D’Alessio, it’s about the joy that comes with the find.

    “This is how I get rid of my stress — coming to the beach and collecting shells,” she said.

    A 50-year partnership between the City of Sarasota and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers calls for renourishment of Lido Beach every five years. (Spectrum Bay News 9/Julia Hazel)

    She’s walking along Lido Beach, which will soon undergo a restoration project.

    A 50-year partnership between the City of Sarasota and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers calls for renourishment of Lido Beach every five years. This year, around 300,000 cubic yards of sand will be added, all dredged from New Pass.

    “I think it’s a great idea. From all the damage the beaches sustained from the storms, it’ll really help the environment — get more sand here and build up the barriers to protect the residents,” she said.

    The City of Sarasota’s engineer, Sage Kamiya, says the project aims to restore what was lost from recent hurricanes, especially Debby, Helene and Milton in 2024.

    “There were areas of the beach that lost up to 80 feet of width, and a lot of that is being put back. I think we’ve averaged about a 50-foot width that will be restored going forward,” he said.

    Crews will start at the north end of the beach near the Lido Beach Pavilion and make their way south to restore 1.2 miles of eroded shoreline.

    But some businesses on the beach, like Lido Island Grill, worry the project could interfere with business.

    “February is when we start to have the full season with our customers, and we’re hoping they won’t be scared of the renourishment and all the work and its impact,” said Christophe Barthe, the manager of Lido Island Grill.

    The county said that signs will be posted alerting beachgoers when areas are temporarily closed, and the plan is to keep the beach as open as possible.

    The beach is D’Alessio home away from home, with renourishment projects ensuring she’ll be able to return for years to come.

    The renourishment will begin Sunday and is expected to be completed in April, before sea turtle nesting season. The $12 million cost for this year’s renourishment is fully covered through federal funding.

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    Julia Hazel

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  • New Gulfport environmental team begins taking tree inventory

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    GULFPORT, Fla. — The City of Gulfport launched its new environmental team Saturday.

    Its first mission is to take an inventory of the city’s trees after 2024’s storms.

    What You Need To Know

    • The Gulfport Environmental Team has launched

    • The team is doing an inventory of trees in the city

    • The city had set out to grow its tree canopy to 30%. The vice mayor estimates they are at around 20% after the 2024 hurricane season

    • They will use the data to come up with tree-planting plans


    The initial team of about a dozen people collected data about tree species, size, condition and location outside the Gulfport Community Center.

    The goal is to learn about the city’s tree canopy and biodiversity. 

    Terrence Lee was at the inaugural event.

    “It’s an easy way to volunteer, and it gets you out and about during the day,” Lee said.

    The city’s tree coverage was at around 23%, but then hurricanes Helene and Milton barreled in.

    While it is starting with trees, the team plans to tackle other environmental goals in the future. (Spectrum Bay News 9/Tyler O’Neill)

    “We lost a lot of trees, and we haven’t found out how many yet, but probably we’re down about 19 or 20% canopy now,” said April Thanos, vice mayor of the City of Gulfport.

    Prior to the 2024 storms, the city had set out to grow its tree canopy to 30%.

    Dean Hay, a founding member of the environmental team, said that trees have many benefits, from shade to air quality and even drainage. 

    “They help with stormwater infiltration,” he said. “They actually lower the ground water, so that when we receive more rainwater from our rain events, then there’s more room to store that water underground so that we don’t have such high water tables and flooding.”

    The team is doing an inventory of trees in the city. (Spectrum Bay News 9/Tyler O'Neill)

    The team is doing an inventory of trees in the city. (Spectrum Bay News 9/Tyler O’Neill)

    Once team members get enough data, they will start coming up with mid- and long-range plans to plant trees across the city. That’s Lee’s favorite part. 

    “I know how to do it, and I know how to do it well. If and when it comes to that, I’m definitely going to be there to help plant trees,” Lee said.

    While it is starting with trees, the team plans to tackle other environmental goals in the future.

    Gulfport will have a free tree giveaway on Feb. 21, 2026.

    City residents can pick up a tree from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. at Clymer Park.

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    Tyler O’Neill

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  • Winter Haven focusing on land conservation for growing population

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    POLK COUNTY, Fla. — Winter Haven is taking steps toward preserving Florida’s natural beauty and waterways. City leaders recently purchased more than 100 acres that will be dedicated to conservation.

    City officials say green space can bring peace to people.

    What You Need To Know

    • Winter Haven city officials purchase 152 acres of land for conservation

    • Mayor Nathaniel J. Birdsong Jr. says the property was purchased for three reasons: recreation, ecology, and to tackle population growth

    • The new property will help with waterways in the city

    • LINK: Winter Haven annual lakes report

    Winter Haven Natural Resources Manager Dustin Everitt prides himself on working to keep the city’s lakes in the best condition.

    “Our principal natural resources are our lakes,” Everitt said of the purchase of 152 acres in the northwest part of the city.

    Everitt says this is a plus in helping maintain the waterways.

    “This particular property has extensive wetlands on it,” he said. “And provides really good value not only in water quality benefits but for fish and wildlife habitat.”

    Everitt said the new property is one of the largest the city has zoned for conservation. And it’ll be part of four existing nature parks once they begin work on the property.

    “The planning is ongoing to develop a nature park in that are with some outdoor education,” he said.

    Lake Conine Nature Park is the city’s newest property zoned for conservation, which includes walking trails. City leaders say the newly-purchased property will be a similar concept to Lake Conine Nature Park.

    Birdsong said purchasing this property is important.

    “There’s no land being grown, it’s already here, so every opportunity that we have, we’re going to make the purchase,” he said.

    Birdsong added that the county currently has a little more than 500 acres under conservation. The water on the property will also be monitored and included in the city’s annual lake report, which will have a breakdown of the water quality of each property.

    He said the properties not only serve a recreational purpose, but they also help to protect and preserve the ecosystem. “We sit on a major Aquaphor, that’s being depleted and so we’ve got to try to continue to replenish it so buying acreage helps to do that.”

    Everitt said the purchase will also play a role in stopping overdevelopment.

    “The land that we have in this area, once it’s built upon and developed and the natural habitat destroyed, it’s really hard to come back from that,” he said. 

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    Lizbeth Gutierrez

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  • USF studies environmental impact of pollutants like pharmaceuticals in Tampa Bay

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    ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — University of South Florida scientists are studying how contaminants like flushed or thrown away pharmaceuticals impact Tampa Bay, hoping to mitigate future environmental damage.

    What You Need To Know

    • USF is studying pollution from contaminants like pharmaceuticals

    • Previous research has detected PFAS, known as forever chemincals, and medications in Tampa Bay

    • Research aims to understand sources and distribution of these chemicals

    • The five-year study will come to end in 2028, but researchers are hoping to extend the project


    As part of the Tampa Bay Surveillance Project, USF scientists placed 17 racks around Tampa Bay for barnacles to grow on.

    “We’re interested in what contaminants they may be actually filtering out and contained within their bodies,” said Steve Murawski, professor at USF’s College of Marine Science.

    Murawski said previous research has detected PFAS, also known as forever chemicals, in the bay. He said research has also shown the presence of anti-depressants, heart medicine, illicit drugs and other pharmaceuticals.

    “The majority of them are passing through people first before they actually get in the bay. So, the fact that we can detect them in concentration is very impressive and what that basically says is it’s primarily coming from the wastewater treatment system,” Murawski said.

    The Tampa Bay Surveillance Project aims to characterize the distribution of what’s called contaminants of emerging and known concern.

    “We’re trying to understand what the sources are of these chemicals that are entering the environment and also how they might spread out,” he said.

    Because these pollutants impact more than just the environment.

    “Many of these chemicals can mimic estrogen, for example. So, they potentially can disrupt reproductive facilities, not only in the fishes, but in people as well and so that’s why it’s quiet problematic,” Murawski said.

    The concept for the research began years ago when USF was studying the impacts of the Deep Horizon oil spill. When that projected ended Murawski said the Tampa Bay Surveillance Project was the next logical step.

    The five-year study will come to end in 2028, but researchers are hoping to extend the project to answer more questions about the bay.

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    Tyler O’Neill

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  • New program protecting eastern hellbenders from extinction

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    Eastern hellbenders, the giant salamanders that swim in western North Carolina’s waterways, also known as snot otters, devil dogs and lasagna lizards, are at risk of becoming endangered. But the United States Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service announced a new program to try to change that.

    What You Need To Know

    • The United States Department of Agriculture started a new program to protect eastern hellbenders 

    • These salamanders are at risk of extinction because of human activities polluting the waterways in which they live 

    • Conservationists will be sent to counties in western North Carolina and work with landowners and agricultural producers to help repair hellbender habitat 


    The service identified 35 counties across three states — North Carolina, Virginia and Tennessee — that it will send conservationists to. They will work with landowners and agricultural producers to help repair the hellbender’s aquatic habitat and protect against future damage created by fertilizer runoff and other water contaminants.


    The conservation service offers free technical and financial assistance to make these changes.

    Efforts to help hellbenders could also benefit other species that share their habitat, including the bog turtle, Appalachian elktoe and brook trout.

     

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    Caroline King

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  • Five Geauga parks to close for controlled hunting

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    CLEVELAND — Geauga Park District announced five parks will close once controlled hunting season gets underway.

    What You Need To Know

    • The parks include Troy Wetlands, Observatory Park, The West Woods, Big Creek Park and the Rookery

    • The park district said controlled hunting has been part of the grounds since 2007

    • More information can be found here

    The five parks will be closed for the following periods:

    • Troy Wetlands: Nov. 15-20
    • Observatory Park: Dec. 1-2
    • The West Woods: Dec. 4-5
    • Big Creek Park: Dec. 20
    • The Rookery: Jan. 3

    The park district said controlled hunting has been part of the grounds since 2007 to maintain healthy, balanced populations of plants and animals. 

    Here are the upcoming dates and types of hunts in the area:

    Waterfowl

    Youth Gun (apply by Sept. 15, 2025)

    • Nov. 22-23 on Hambden Hills property

    Regular Gun (apply by Sept. 15, 2025)

    Muzzleloader (apply by Sept. 15, 2025)

    More information can be found here.

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    Lydia Taylor

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  • Ohio businesses, families navigate rising utility bills amid technology boom

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    DUBLIN, Ohio — As technology companies expand across Ohio, rising electricity demand is pushing utility bills higher for families and businesses. Experts and small business owners say it is too soon to know whether the long-term benefits of tech growth will outweigh the immediate costs.

    What You Need To Know

    • Utility transmission costs in parts of Ohio have risen more than 350% in recent years, straining households and small businesses

    • Experts say demand from new data centers and artificial intelligence is adding pressure to the state’s aging power grid

    • It remains uncertain whether long-term job creation and investment in tech will balance out the higher costs

    For Enas Lanham, owner of the Dublin Toy Emporium, higher power bills are just one more challenge on top of inflation and tariffs. She said that her utility costs have been steadily climbing.

    “It’s been a gradual increase, I’d say, since 2022. And then it just continued to increase over that time,” Lanham said.

    To keep her store running, Lanham has relied on creativity, including hosting events and finding new ways to attract customers.

    “Constantly reevaluating ways to either generate more revenue or creative ways to get people in. So I look at it more as just, you know, regular problem solving,” she said.

    Her experience reflects a broader trend across the state. In some areas, transmission costs have risen by more than 350% over the past decade, according to energy leaders. The state’s power grid, which is more than a century old, is struggling to keep up as artificial intelligence and data centers drive up demand.

    “Demand is going up. Supply is going down, which is creating elevated prices. Additionally, in June, we’re seeing a large jump in what we call capacity. And that is a charge that all ratepayers pay,” said Susanne Buckley, partner at Scioto Energy.

    Still, some energy experts remain optimistic.

    “I see it as a positive story. Certainly. We need to be concerned about rising electricity prices and bring those back in control. You can do that with competition and innovation,” said John Seryak, managing partner at Runner Stone.

    At the Ohio Manufacturers’ Energy Conference, experts cautioned that it is still too early to say if new technology investments will create enough jobs or growth to offset higher utility bills. The projects remain in their early phases, and the full impact could take years to measure.

    In the meantime, experts recommend several steps for consumers: shop for competitive energy suppliers, stay on top of energy plans and rates, track usage during peak hours, and use energy-saving measures such as adjusting thermostats or switching to efficient lighting.

    For Lanham, the issue comes down to fairness.

    “But these big businesses, they’re the ones that really have the funds to manage that. So I think a lot of it is just looking at it from a monetary system and a fairness in terms of being able to have the average American be able to support their families, support their business and to succeed,” she said.

    Families and small business owners across Ohio are bracing for what comes next, hoping today’s challenges lead to tomorrow’s opportunities.

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    Saima Khan

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  • Bear harvest permit applications open Friday for 2025 hunt

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    FLORIDA — The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission will open bear harvest permit applications on Sept. 12 at 10 a.m. for the 2025 regulated bear hunting season.

    Applications can be submitted through Sept. 22 at 11:59 p.m.

    A bear harvest permit is required to harvest a bear in one of the four selected Bear Harvest Zones from Dec. 6 through the 28, according to FWC.

    A hunting license is also required to hunt bears, unless exempt.

    For the bear hunt, FWC is allowing participants to apply for permits as many times as they want for $5 per application. Applicants must be at least 18 years old by Oct. 1 to apply.

    Only one nontransferable permit may be issued per person, and permits will cost $100 for residents and $300 for nonresidents.

    Permits will be distributed by random drawing, and no more than 10% of all permits issued will be to nonresidents.

    Hunters can submit online applications at GoOutdoorsFlorida.com by logging into their account and choosing “Apply for Limited Entry/Quota Permits” or by completing an application worksheet and presenting it to a license agent or Florida tax collector’s office.

    You can find more information on how to apply by going to MyFWC.com/License and clicking on “Limited Entry and Quota Permits.” Visit MyFWC.com/BearHunting for more information on bear hunting in Florida.

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    Spectrum News Staff

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  • How N.C. professor finds bees that fight deadly mite

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    RALEIGH, N.C. — A pesky parasite is impacting bees, threatening colonies all over the world. 

    Bees keep our crops pollinated and now their keepers are looking for a way to stop this killer. Honey bees are a key contributor in the state’s largest industry.

    What You Need To Know

    • The Varroa destructor is threatening honey bee populations globally 

    • Research at UNC Greensboro aims to find bees that can fight off the mite

    • UBeeO is a spray that mimics the scent of a Varroa mite, helping researchers locate hygienic bees

    • Researchers are studying healthy bees’ microbiome, hoping to one day develop a food to improve their overall health


    “Part of our goal really is shoring up food security, crop production in North Carolina,” said Kaira Wagoner, a research scientist at UNC Greensboro.

    Wagoner and her team are keeping the buzz about bees going from the honeycomb to the fume hoods.

    Wagoner’s passion is protecting one of the planet’s most prolific pollinators. 

    Researchers have pinpointed the parasite responsible for decimating bee colonies across the country.

    The Varroa destructor, a small mite that’s living up to its name, is feeding on honey bees and amplifying deadly viruses, Wagoner said.

    “That’s really the No. 1 threat to honey bee health in the United States, and really globally, is this mite and the damage that it causes through spreading of those diseases,” she said.

    These sly creatures bury themselves in brood cells, the small hexagonal openings in the hive, where bee pupa are developing. 

    “She hides under that food and has a snorkel to breathe,” Wagoner said. “They cap over that cell so she can’t be detected as easily. Then the baby bee will eat up that food, releasing her from that brood food. She’ll come out and start feeding on the baby.”

    Wagoner said some bees have a way of stopping the spread. 

    “The honey bees that can smell very well, that are very sensitive, can then detect these Varroa mites, these problems, and throw them out of the colony, preventing the colony from dying,” Wagoner said.

    Wagoner developed a method to find these overly hygienic bees so they can be used for future breeding. 

    Her technology is called unhealthy brood odor or UBeeO. The pheromone-based spray mimics the scent of a Varroa mite. 

    Once it’s on the frame, it’s placed back in the beehive.

    Two hours later the same frame is removed, examined and photographed to document the progress.

    The tests we saw had mixed results. 

    The first frames were mostly untouched, and this hive didn’t uncap any cells.

    A second set of bees removed a few, even pulling out some of the pupa to prevent potential spread and look for mites.

    The final test we watched had near perfect results. 

    The bees checked every sprayed cell.

    Wagoner says colonies that can identify at least 60% of the sprayed cells have fewer mites, less bacteria and lower fungal loads. 

    High-scoring colonies are also found to have fewer viruses, all qualities that make them good candidates for selective breeding, a process intended to strengthen bees.

    Wagoner is exploring another discovery using NCInnovation funding from the state.

    She found hygienic honey bees have a different microbiota from less-hygienic bees. 

    Her team of researchers is now exploring that link. 

    “We have potential to develop a product out of this, finding that could actually improve honey bee health,” Wagoner said. “We’re starting to get into that in the last few years and we have a lot of exciting research ahead of us, thanks to NCInnovation.”

    Wagoner said beekeepers from all over the world are interested in her research and starting to use UBeeO for themselves to identify hygienic bees. 

    She hopes her technology can promote more intentional breeding that can help bees be more resistant to parasites and save farmers money by eliminating the need for expensive miticides.

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    Marshall Keely

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  • Ohio city warns of invasive insect wiping out plants

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    OHIO — It’s an invasive insect that has previously caused quarantines and can wipe out foundational shrubs in its path.

    We’re talking about the box tree moth, and one Ohio city is warning residents to keep a lookout.

    What You Need To Know

    • The box tree moth was first detected in the state since 2023

    • They quickly defoliate boxwoods and will strip bark once they run out of leaves to eat

    • The city of Centerville recommended steps to take if residents find box tree moths

    The box tree moth was first detected in the state in 2023, and since then, its population has spread, especially in the southern part of the state. Earlier this year, there was a quarantine already in effect for some counties because of it.

    While the city of Centerville is warning its residents about them, these insects can be dangerous to the environment anywhere because, just as their namesake, they quickly defoliate boxwoods and will strip bark once they run out of leaves to eat, according to The Ohio State University.

    “It’s a tricky thing, because the boxwood has been a primary pillar of Midwest landscapes for decades now,” said Jotham Smith, horticulturist with Centerville Public Works and liaison for the Centerville City Beautiful Commission’s affiliation with Tree City USA. “Because everyone has them, pests and diseases can easily spread from one yard to the next.”

    There are two ways to identify the box tree moth:

    • As moths, they have two distinctive white dots on their front wings. Light-colored wings are more common than dark-colored wings.
    • As caterpillars, they have a distinctive green to greenish-yellow with black stripes and black dots on boxwoods.

    If you spot a box tree moth, the city of Centerville recommends these steps:

    1. “Do not make preventative insecticide applications to boxwoods. Only perform insecticide applications if a boxwood is identified to have a box tree caterpillar infestation or boxwoods in proximity have a confirmed infestation of the box tree caterpillar.
    2. Monitor your boxwoods as the box tree moth and caterpillar can appear anywhere. Be aware of what to look for.
    3. The Ohio State University Extension Office provides a list of over-the-counter caterpillar insecticides that can help treat infestations. You can download a list from the university’s website.
    4. You can also contact a private horticulture professional to evaluate your boxwood and provide possible treatment options.”

    Additionally, you can take a photo of the box tree moth and submit a report to the Ohio Department of Agriculture, which tracks them.

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    Lydia Taylor

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  • EPA fires employees who publicly criticized agency policies under Trump

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    WASHINGTON — The Environmental Protection Agency on Friday fired at least eight employees who signed a letter criticizing the agency’s leadership under Administrator Lee Zeldin and President Donald Trump.

    What You Need To Know

    • The Environmental Protection Agency has fired at least eight employees who signed a letter criticizing the agency’s leadership under Administrator Lee Zeldin and President Donald Trump

    • An EPA spokeswoman said the actions Friday followed a “thorough internal investigation” in which supervisors “made decisions on an individualized basis”

    • The spokeswoman, Molly Vaseliou, said the so-called declaration of dissent signed by more than 170 employees in late June “contains inaccurate information designed to mislead the public about agency business” 

    • The EPA’s largest union condemned the firings, calling them “an assault on labor and free-speech rights”

    “Following a thorough internal investigation, EPA supervisors made decisions on an individualized basis,” an EPA spokeswoman said Friday in a statement.

    The so-called declaration of dissent, signed by more than 170 employees in late June, “contains inaccurate information designed to mislead the public about agency business,” spokeswoman Molly Vaseliou said. “Thankfully, this represents a small fraction of the thousands of hard-working, dedicated EPA employees who are not trying to mislead and scare the American public.”

    The EPA “has a zero-tolerance policy for career officials using their agency position and title to unlawfully undermine, sabotage and undercut the will of the American public that was clearly expressed at the ballot box last November,” she added.

    Vaseliou declined to say how many employees were disciplined, but the head of the agency’s largest union said at least six probationary employees who signed the letter were fired, along with at least two career employees. The firings were first reported by The Washington Post.

    The EPA union, part of the American Federation of Government Employees, condemned the firings, which come after 139 workers were put on administrative leave shortly after signing the dissent declaration. The EPA at the time accused employees of “unlawfully undermining” the Trump administration’s agenda.

    “The Trump administration and EPA’s retaliatory actions against these workers was clearly an assault on labor and free-speech rights,” said Justin Chen, president of AFGE Council 238, which represents thousands of EPA employees.

    More than 150 workers who were disciplined — up to and including being fired — included scientists, engineers, lawyers, contract officers, emergency response personnel “and a whole host of other jobs,” Chen told the Associated Press. “They live and work in communities around the country, and all believe in the mission of the agency to protect human health and the environment on behalf of the American public.”

    In a letter made public June 30, the employees wrote that the EPA is no longer living up to its mission to protect human health and the environment. The letter represented rare public criticism from agency employees who knew they could face retaliation for speaking out against a weakening of funding and federal support for climate, environmental and health science.

    Employees at other agencies, including the National Institutes of Health and Federal Emergency Management Agency, have issued similar statements. Some FEMA employees who signed a public letter of dissent earlier this week were put on administrative leave Tuesday, according to documents reviewed by The Associated Press.

    More than 180 current and former FEMA employees signed the letter made public Monday. The statement criticizes recent cuts to agency staff and programs and warns that FEMA’s capacity to respond to a major disaster is dangerously diminished.

    The EPA said last month it is eliminating its research and development arm and reducing agency staff by thousands of employees. Officials expect total staffing to go down to about 12,500, a reduction of more than 3,700 employees, or nearly 23%, from staffing levels when Trump took office in January.

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    Associated Press

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  • Manatee County residents push for more protection for Myakka River

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    MANATEE COUNTY, Fla. — Manatee County residents are fighting for more protection for the Myakka River, but state legislation could complicate future decisions. 

    Growing up along the river means this is where Lindsey Leigh feels most at peace.

    “You feel so connected to nature when you’re here—anywhere along this river,” she said.

    What You Need To Know

    • Manatee County residents are fighting for more protection for the Myakka River, but state legislation could complicate future decisions

    • Myakka River Management Coordinating Council sent an email to Manatee County commissioners on Aug. 20, regarding more protection for the river. They, too, are worried about development and are working to make a change 
    • Residents are also advocating for the protection of the river and wild Florida

    Leigh said she and her four kids come to the Myakka Road bridge, over the river, every week.

    “It’s really magical. I even watch my kids when we come out here—you can see their nervous systems regulate,” she said.

    That’s why protecting this river means so much to her.

    “This is old Florida,” she said. “You can literally hear all the birds and insects. It’s just such a beautiful space. And to get rid of wild Florida in the name of development and profit seems crazy to me.”

    She’s not alone. Other advocates include the Myakka River Management Coordinating Council. They, too, are worried about development and are working to make a change.

    Earlier this month, the council sent an email to Manatee County commissioners to push for a protection zone for the river. They proposed that residential structures are set 150 feet back from the protection zone and that dark-sky regulations are implemented in a five-mile radius.

    Becky Ayech, a member of the council, said, “The Myakka River in Manatee County is mostly surrounded by ranch land. So this is the time to get this protection zone in place, so that when development comes, it will be protected.”

    At an Aug. 19 meeting, Manatee County commissioners postponed a wetlands protection discussion, with Chairperson George Kruse citing concerns it would violate a new state law that prohibits local governments from adopting more restrictive land development regulations.

    But Lindsey hopes the county will continue those conversations despite the law.

    “So SB 180 could certainly stop or prolong the process of allowing our elected officials to put forth a motion like that. I mean, it is a big ask. And we recognize that there are many organizations that have tried to do this in the past and failed. But I feel like right now it’s so critical, with all the building going on that we’re actively watching,” she said.

    As residents like Lindsey continue to fight for better protection, she hopes the county will help preserve the river, too.

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    Julia Hazel

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  • ODNR celebrates bird migration with annual festival

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    OHIO — Fall is almost here, and that means thousands of birds will soon start their migration. 

    To celebrate, the Ohio Department of Natural Resources will kick off its Headlands Birding Festival on Friday, Sept. 19 to Sunday, Sept. 21. 

    What You Need To Know

    • Headlands/Mentor Marsh region is rich of migratory birds, ODNR said

    • There will also be a keynote speaker and expert-led trips 

    • The festival is open to all

    “Every fall, Ohioans are treated to one of nature’s most incredible journeys as thousands of birds pass through our state,” said ODNR Director Mary Mertz. “The Headlands Birding Festival is the perfect way to celebrate this migration while connecting people with the wonder of our natural world.” 

    ODNR said the Headlands/Mentor Marsh region is one of the state’s premier birding destinations. More than 350 migratory bird species have been documented in Lake County alone. The festival allows bird enthusiasts of all levels to get an up-close look at migrations and learn more about the species. 

    Along with sightings are expert-led field trips to the region’s best migratory bird hotspots, along with a boating experience offshore.

    The festival kicks off on Sept. 19 at Springbrook Gardens with keynote speaker, Julie Zickefoose, who is a naturalist, writer and artist. She lives and works on an 80-acre wildlife sanctuary in Whipple. 

    The festival is open to all. More information can be found here.

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    Lydia Taylor

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  • Manatee canal and drainage debris removal expected to be complete next month

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    PALMETTO, Fla. —  Manatee County crews are hard at work to finish the last of the debris removal work orders, and say all the canal and drainage system debris removal jobs are expected to be completed by next month.

    County officials say they started with more than 700 jobs on the list, and now it is down to just a few dozen.

    What You Need To Know

    • Manatee County crews are hard at work to finish the last of the county’s debris removal work orders

    • With initially more than 700 jobs on the list, they’re down to just under 80 left to complete

    • County officials say they anticipate being completed with all canal debris removal work by the middle of next month

    Michael Vickers knows it takes more than heavy lifting and heavy machinery to get the job done.

    A member of the Manatee County stormwater maintenance team, he said getting things done requires teamwork.

    “Our hand communications and communication skills is what we use to be able to let the operator know, ‘Hey, you may need to swing around or you might be better to come this way,’” he said. “Our biggest thing is we try to do it as safe as possible.”

    Vickers has been doing this job for the county for about four years, but said the work is second nature to him.

    “This is a part of the Florida life,” he said. “I grew up on a farm cutting trees down, and it’s what I’m passionate about the most. I know what I’m doing, and I’m good at it.”

    On this day, the crew was clearing fallen trees and removing other debris from an area of Palmetto west of U.S. 41 to prevent upstream flooding during a storm.

    “A lot of people think that we worry about the amount of water that comes through here,” Vickers said. “What we actually worry about is the flow at which it leaves. So being able to clear out anything that can grab, hold and create blockages is what our biggest concern is.”

    Next month will mark a year since the county began its canal and drainage debris clearing process.

    They started with big jobs like Gamble Creek and Braden River.

    With initially about 700 jobs on the list, they’re down to just under 80 left to complete.

    “We are in a lot better shape this year right now than we were last — you know, even six months ago,” Vickers said. “The systems that we’ve got, most of the majors have been cleaned out at this point, and most of the minor canals have been cleaned. And we are ready for the storm season.”

    As a 17th-generation Floridian, Vickers said he understands the storm season well, and knows what needs to be done to stay ahead of any storm.

    “I love doing this,” he said.

    County officials say they expect all canal debris removal work to be done by the middle of next month.

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    Julia Hazel

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  • New pilot project turns Lake Bonnet’s algae into biofuel

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    LAKELAND, Fla. — New cutting-edge technology is helping clean up one of Lakeland’s most polluted lakes.

    What You Need To Know

    • A pilot project in Lakeland is using cutting-edge technology to remove algae from Lake Bonnet and convert it into biofuel

    • The system filters more than 100,000 gallons of water daily, improving water quality in Lake Bonnet

    • Although the system is only scheduled to run through the end of the year, city officials hope to expand the project to more lakes across the area


    The city teamed up with Texas-based company AECOM to take part in a $2.25 million pilot project that removes algae from the water.

    Inside Bonnet Springs Park, large tanks and pumps have been hard at work since February. Cody O’Gorman, lakes and stormwater supervisor for the city of Lakeland, said the heavy machinery filters more than 100,000 gallons of water each day — all from Lake Bonnet.

    “This actual lake and part of this lagoon that it is tied to is impaired for nutrients, so it’s a good step in the right direction for helping with water quality reasons on this water body,” he said.

    For the last 10 years, O’Gorman’s focus has been on improving bodies of water like Lake Bonnet. He said AECOM’s algae harvesting system helps do just that — by removing toxic overgrowth.

    Hydronucleation flotation technology works by pumping large amounts of polluted water into a tank, where it is mixed with a coagulant that clumps the algae together. Microbubbles then lift the algae particles to the surface.

    “And then from there, the equipment will skim that off and separate the clean water from the algae,” O’Gorman said.

    Once the filtering process is complete, the treated water returns to the lake, and the algae slurry is used to make biofuel.

    AECOM provides the harvested algae to a company called Genifuel, which uses it to create aviation fuel. But O’Gorman said it doesn’t stop there.

    “They can use it as fertilizer, and different things like that and simply in your garden or agricultural purposes,” he said.

    In just a short time, he says the pilot project has met several needs — while positively impacting Lake Bonnet and water downstream. Though the system is only scheduled to run through the end of the year, he hopes to bring it back on a larger scale.

    “Especially in the city, it’s going to help us tremendously, and any kind of improvements that we can make, we’re obviously going to chase after those,” O’Gorman said.

    He says he and his team will continue tracking the harvesting system’s success and see what other bodies of water could benefit from it.

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    Alexis Jones

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  • 13 acres of land will be added to Pine Island Preserve

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    BRADENTON, Fla. — Manatee County commissioners unanimously voted to purchase more than 13 acres of land to add to Pine Island Preserve.

    What You Need To Know

    • Manatee County Commissioners voted to purchase 13 acres for the Pine Island Preserve

    • The vote was unanimous

    • The preserve will now span 100 acres

    The $40,000 purchase will come out of Manatee County’s conservation tax, allowing the preserve to span nearly 100 acres.

    “The north end of Pine Island was acquired to help complete the site and to eliminate an out holding that was privately held that could potentially have been developed,” said Michael Elswick, who is a division manager for Manatee County’s Parks and Natural Resources Department.

    Elswick has been in that position for 10 years and has seen the county change, but he’s also worked on projects that have ramped up efforts to conserve land.

    “Since 2020, the county has been much more aggressive, responding to the expansion of development and starting to work with its own money … to really start acquiring some of these places that were starting to disappear,” he said.

    The land approved for purchase is at the northern point of Pine Island, near the mouth of the Braden River. The State Road 64 boat ramp is the closest access point to the island and can only be reached by boat.

    “This place in particular is home to wood storks,” said Elswick. “There’s a bald eagle nest out there, or immediately adjacent to it. It helps protect their habitat. There’s a lot of mangroves that have a ton of benefit.”

    He believes the efforts are proof that the county continues to value conservation.

    “One of the big things is creating connectivity on the landscape. This is right along the greenways ecological network, going all the way from Tampa Bay and Emerson Point Preserve all the way up the river,” Elswick said.

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    Julia Hazel

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