ReportWire

Tag: APP Environment

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

    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.

    Tyler O’Neill

    Source link

  • New program protecting eastern hellbenders from extinction

    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.

     

    Caroline King

    Source link

  • Five Geauga parks to close for controlled hunting

    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.

    Lydia Taylor

    Source link

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

    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.

    Saima Khan

    Source link

  • Bear harvest permit applications open Friday for 2025 hunt

    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.

    Spectrum News Staff

    Source link

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

    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.

    Marshall Keely

    Source link

  • Ohio city warns of invasive insect wiping out plants

    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.

    Lydia Taylor

    Source link

  • EPA fires employees who publicly criticized agency policies under Trump

    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.

    Associated Press

    Source link

  • Manatee County residents push for more protection for Myakka River

    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.

    Julia Hazel

    Source link

  • ODNR celebrates bird migration with annual festival

    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.

    Lydia Taylor

    Source link

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

    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.

    Julia Hazel

    Source link

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

    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.

    Alexis Jones

    Source link

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

    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.

    Julia Hazel

    Source link

  • Tornado reports for the year through April 30

    In recent weeks, top stories have featured violent weather with tornadoes, damaging winds, large hail and flooding that injured people and infrastructures, and even caused fatalities.

    How do these values compare to the average? Are we seeing more tornadoes than we used to or is this just par for the course at this time of the year?

    What You Need To Know

    • There have been 689 tornado reports since Jan. 1

    • 2025 ranks second to 2011 for the most tornado reports through the first third of the year

    • Tornado reports are preliminary and these reports are not the same as actual tornadoes numbers



    Tornado reports so far

    If it seems like 2025 has experienced more tornadoes through the first third of the year than normal, the data backs this up. From Jan. 1 through April 30, 2025, the Storm Prediction Center has received 689 tornado reports. 

    However, these are preliminary tornado reports and these reports reports are not the same as actual tornadoes.

    “In realtime, the National Weather Service collects what are called preliminary local storm reports. For tornadoes, these can be thought of as eyewitness reports of the tornado,” explains Matthew Elliot, warning coordination meteorologist at the Storm Prediction Center.

    Reports such as damage or video of a tornado are documented, showing the location of the damage and tornado. Each report will count as one tornado preliminary report.  

    However, Elliot mentioned that sometimes there may be multiple reports of the same tornado, especially longer-track ones, leading to overestimated tornado counts.

    “Some preliminary reports end up not being tornadic after a ground survey has been completed while others are surveyed and entered into the official database, but never have a preliminary local storm report issued,” he said, noting that’s rare, but it does happen.

    Take a look at the map and see the path of the individual tornadoes confirmed by the National Weather Service. Find out the wind speeds, storms reports or check out damage photos by clicking or tapping the tornado or thunderstorm icons on the interactive maps below.

    January tornado reports

     

    February tornado reports

     

    March examples of tornado reports

    March 14, 2025 tornadoes

    April example of tornado reports

    Our team of meteorologists dives deep into the science of weather and breaks down timely weather data and information. To view more weather and climate stories, check out our weather blogs section.

    Meteorologist Stacy Lynn

    Source link

  • 8 ways to celebrate Earth Day

    Every year on April 22, people around the world celebrate Earth Day. It marks the anniversary of the birth of the modern environmental movement in 1970. 

    More than 1 billion people in over 193 countries participate in Earth Day every year with a collective goal of making our planet a better place. Whether it’s educating, advocating or mobilizing in your community, there are lots of different ways to help.

    What You Need To Know

    • April 22 is Earth Day

    • It marks the birth of the modern environment movement in 1970

    • This year’s theme is “Our Power, Our Planet”

    • Weather Explained: Earth Day



    The idea of Earth Day came about in the 1960s, when people starting becoming more aware of how environmental pollution threatens human health.

    Prior to the EPA being created in 1970, Americans drove inefficient cars that used leaded gas and industries were free to pollute the environment with harmful smoke and gas. In 1969, a massive oil spill in Santa Barbara, Calfiornia, inspired action for students and Americans to become more conscious about air and water pollution.

    Wisconsin Sen. Gaylord Nelson and young environmental activists created “Earth Day” as a day of protest in 1970, choosing a day between Spring Break and final exams to maximize student participation. At the time, more than 20 million Americans joined to demonstrate against industries that were polluting the environment.

    Since its establishment, it’s continued to grow into a worldwide movement, with millions of participants in hundreds of countries every year on April 22. Each year has a different theme for people to focus on. Earth Day’s 2025 theme is “Our Power, Our Planet,” calling for everyone to unite around renewable energy so we can triple clean electricity by 2030.

    You can learn more about the history of Earth Day and its initiatives here.

    How you can participate

    There are a lot of simple ways to celebrate Earth Day and make an impact, no matter how big or small. A simple way to start could be buying reusable bags for your trips to the grocery store, or getting a reusable water bottle instead of drinking out of single-use plastic bottles.

    If you want to be more involved, you could pick up trash around your neighborhood or community, or plan to carpool or take public transportation. There is no action too small!

    Here are eight ways you can make every day Earth Day.

    If you want to go out in the community and help with others, there are Earth Day events all around the world.

    Learn more about Earth Day activities in your community with the interactive map below. 

    Our team of meteorologists dives deep into the science of weather and breaks down timely weather data and information. To view more weather and climate stories, check out our weather blogs section.

    Meteorologist Reid Lybarger

    Source link

  • 8 ways to celebrate Earth Day

    Every year on April 22, people around the world celebrate Earth Day. It marks the anniversary of the birth of the modern environmental movement in 1970. 

    More than 1 billion people in over 193 countries participate in Earth Day every year with a collective goal of making our planet a better place. Whether it’s educating, advocating or mobilizing in your community, there are lots of different ways to help.

    What You Need To Know

    • April 22 is Earth Day

    • It marks the birth of the modern environment movement in 1970

    • This year’s theme is “Our Power, Our Planet”

    • Weather Explained: Earth Day



    The idea of Earth Day came about in the 1960s, when people starting becoming more aware of how environmental pollution threatens human health.

    Prior to the EPA being created in 1970, Americans drove inefficient cars that used leaded gas and industries were free to pollute the environment with harmful smoke and gas. In 1969, a massive oil spill in Santa Barbara, Calfiornia, inspired action for students and Americans to become more conscious about air and water pollution.

    Wisconsin Sen. Gaylord Nelson and young environmental activists created “Earth Day” as a day of protest in 1970, choosing a day between Spring Break and final exams to maximize student participation. At the time, more than 20 million Americans joined to demonstrate against industries that were polluting the environment.

    Since its establishment, it’s continued to grow into a worldwide movement, with millions of participants in hundreds of countries every year on April 22. Each year has a different theme for people to focus on. Earth Day’s 2025 theme is “Our Power, Our Planet,” calling for everyone to unite around renewable energy so we can triple clean electricity by 2030.

    You can learn more about the history of Earth Day and its initiatives here.

    How you can participate

    There are a lot of simple ways to celebrate Earth Day and make an impact, no matter how big or small. A simple way to start could be buying reusable bags for your trips to the grocery store, or getting a reusable water bottle instead of drinking out of single-use plastic bottles.

    If you want to be more involved, you could pick up trash around your neighborhood or community, or plan to carpool or take public transportation. There is no action too small!

    Here are eight ways you can make every day Earth Day.

    If you want to go out in the community and help with others, there are Earth Day events all around the world.

    Learn more about Earth Day activities in your community with the interactive map below. 

    Our team of meteorologists dives deep into the science of weather and breaks down timely weather data and information. To view more weather and climate stories, check out our weather blogs section.

    Meteorologist Reid Lybarger

    Source link

  • 8 ways to celebrate Earth Day

    Every year on April 22, people around the world celebrate Earth Day. It marks the anniversary of the birth of the modern environmental movement in 1970. 

    More than 1 billion people in over 193 countries participate in Earth Day every year with a collective goal of making our planet a better place. Whether it’s educating, advocating or mobilizing in your community, there are lots of different ways to help.

    What You Need To Know

    • April 22 is Earth Day

    • It marks the birth of the modern environment movement in 1970

    • This year’s theme is “Our Power, Our Planet”

    • Weather Explained: Earth Day



    The idea of Earth Day came about in the 1960s, when people starting becoming more aware of how environmental pollution threatens human health.

    Prior to the EPA being created in 1970, Americans drove inefficient cars that used leaded gas and industries were free to pollute the environment with harmful smoke and gas. In 1969, a massive oil spill in Santa Barbara, Calfiornia, inspired action for students and Americans to become more conscious about air and water pollution.

    Wisconsin Sen. Gaylord Nelson and young environmental activists created “Earth Day” as a day of protest in 1970, choosing a day between Spring Break and final exams to maximize student participation. At the time, more than 20 million Americans joined to demonstrate against industries that were polluting the environment.

    Since its establishment, it’s continued to grow into a worldwide movement, with millions of participants in hundreds of countries every year on April 22. Each year has a different theme for people to focus on. Earth Day’s 2025 theme is “Our Power, Our Planet,” calling for everyone to unite around renewable energy so we can triple clean electricity by 2030.

    You can learn more about the history of Earth Day and its initiatives here.

    How you can participate

    There are a lot of simple ways to celebrate Earth Day and make an impact, no matter how big or small. A simple way to start could be buying reusable bags for your trips to the grocery store, or getting a reusable water bottle instead of drinking out of single-use plastic bottles.

    If you want to be more involved, you could pick up trash around your neighborhood or community, or plan to carpool or take public transportation. There is no action too small!

    Here are eight ways you can make every day Earth Day.

    If you want to go out in the community and help with others, there are Earth Day events all around the world.

    Learn more about Earth Day activities in your community with the interactive map below. 

    Our team of meteorologists dives deep into the science of weather and breaks down timely weather data and information. To view more weather and climate stories, check out our weather blogs section.

    Meteorologist Reid Lybarger

    Source link

  • Ohio EPA awards $650,000 for mosquito control programs

    OHIO — The Ohio Environmental Protection Agency announced Tuesday it’s awarding more than $650,000 to help county and municipal health departments fight the spread of mosquito-borne illnesses. 

    Diseases include West Nile, La Cross e Encephalitis and Eastern Equine Encephalitis. 

    “These grants are essential to help health departments around Ohio fight mosquito-borne diseases,” Ohio EPA Director-Designate John Logue said. “The funding provides education, outreach, and necessary equipment to better protect all Ohioans.”

    The funding will go toward surveillance, larval control and the reduction of breeding spots in communities. 

    Since 2016, the Ohio EPA and the Ohio Department of Health have awarded $9.2 million to Ohio communities for mosquito control programs.

    A full list of Tuesday’s recipients are below:

    Lydia Taylor

    Source link

  • Attorney general awards grants to combat illegal dumping

    OHIO — Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost rolled out nearly $1 million in grants to celebrate Earth Day and help the environment.

    Yost said the funds are going toward more than two dozen local governments to clean up illegal dump sites and prevent future dumping.

    “Illegal dumping isn’t just an eyesore — it’s a health hazard and a public betrayal,” Yost said. “These grants give communities the funding needed to reclaim places where they live, work and raise their families.”

    The funding comes from Yost’s “Shine a Light on Dumpers” initiative which launched in 2023 to tackle illegal dumping. The grants are funded through settlement dollars secured by Yost’s Environment Enforcement team.

    There were grants for up to $100,000 in cleanup efforts; applicants could request up to $20,000 for equipment to deter future dumping.

    Grant awards by region:

    Central

    • Clinton Township (Knox County) – equipment
    • Fairfield County Health Department (Fairfield County) – equipment
    • Madison Township (Fairfield County) – cleanup and equipment
    • Marion Public Health (Marion County) – cleanup

    Northeast 

    • Akron-Canton Airport (Summit County) – equipment
    • Austintown Township (Mahoning County) – equipment
    • City of Canton (Stark County) – equipment
    • City of Elyria (Lorain County) – equipment
    • City of Euclid (Cuyahoga County) – equipment
    • Copley Township (Summit County) – equipment
    • Warren Township (Trumbull County) – cleanup and equipment
    • Washington Township (Columbiana County) – equipment

    Southeast

    • Adams-Clermont Solid Waste District (Adams/Clermont counties) – cleanup and equipment
    • Brush Creek Township (Adams County) – cleanup
    • Hocking County Health Department (Hocking County) – cleanup and equipment
    • Jefferson Soil & Water Conservation District (Jefferson County) – cleanup and equipment
    • Marion Township (Morgan County) – cleanup
    • Smith Township (Belmont County) – cleanup and equipment

    Northwest

    • Auglaize County (Auglaize County) – cleanup
    • Richland County Sheriff’s Office (Richland County) – equipment
    • Village of Harrod (Allen County) – cleanup and equipment

    Southwest

    • City of Dayton (Montgomery County) – cleanup and equipment
    • Hamilton Township (Warren County) – cleanup
    • Harrison Township (Montgomery County) – cleanup and equipment
    • Village of New Richmond (Clermont County) – cleanup and equipment
    • Village of Seven Mile (Butler County) – equipment
    • Washington Township (Clermont County) – equipment

    Madison MacArthur

    Source link

  • Ohio EPA awards $2.7 million to 58 counties for water system improvements

    OHIO — The Ohio Environmental Protection Agency announced this week that it awarded $2.7 million to 58 counties to help protect and improve drinking water for 116 public water systems.

    “This is what we do, getting funding to Ohio communities that need it most,” Ohio EPA Director-Designate John Logue said. “This is last-mile money that helps push these projects over the finish line to ensure safe drinking water.”

    The funds will help communities receive safe drinking water, support strategies to better protect source water, as well as get rid of inactive wells. 

    One of the recipients is the city of Newark, where the Ohio EPA made the announcement of the funds. The city is receiving $39,000, which will go toward protecting the North Fork of the Licking River through purchasing spill protection materials and signs, public outreach and updating website information. 

    “The Ohio EPA grant program is very beneficial to cities like Newark because it allows communities to complete small projects that would otherwise not be funded,” Newark Water Administrator Brandon Fox said. “Newark has received several grants over the last few years, and the funds provided resources to help ensure our public water system can deliver the highest quality water possible.”

    Here’s the full list of recipients:

    Lydia Taylor

    Source link