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Local governments, small utilities, homeowners associations and multifamily properties can apply early for the St. Johns River Water Management District’s water conservation rebates. The program covers up to half of eligible project costs, with a $10,000 annual limit per applicant.
Water conservation rebates open early for Apopka-area groups and properties
Local governments, small utilities, homeowners associations, and multifamily properties can apply early for the St. Johns River Water Management District’s water conservation rebates. The program covers up to half of eligible project costs, with a $10,000 annual limit per applicant. more
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A prescribed fire in the UF/IFAS West Florida Research and Education Center forest, with a cogongrass patch embedded in a matrix of native habitat.
UF study finds invasive cogongrass can make Florida fires spread faster
A University of Florida study found that cogongrass can increase fire spread and flame length under certain conditions. Researchers say controlling the invasive grass may also reduce fire risk around homes and other properties. more
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Recent rainfall has improved conditions in parts of the St. Johns River Water Management District, but groundwater, lakes, and rivers remain affected by a prolonged dry period. Phase III water restrictions remain in place in affected areas as officials urge residents and businesses to conserve water.
Recent rainfall brings relief, but regional water recovery remains slow
Recent rainfall has improved conditions in parts of the St. Johns River Water Management District, but groundwater, lakes and rivers remain affected by a prolonged dry period. Phase III water restrictions remain in place in affected areas as officials urge residents and businesses to conserve water. more
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Orange County Mosquito Control has added new laboratory technology to detect viruses in mosquito samples more quickly. The PCR testing capability could deliver same-day results, reduce costs, and improve mitigation efforts.
Orange County adds faster testing for mosquito-borne illnesses
Orange County Mosquito Control has added new laboratory technology to detect viruses in mosquito samples more quickly. The PCR testing capability could deliver same-day results, reduce costs, and improve mitigation efforts. more
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Orange County is developing its first Urban Forest Master Plan to guide how it plants, protects, and maintains trees over the next 20-plus years. Residents can help shape the plan by sharing feedback through the county’s Engage Orange portal.
Orange County begins work on first Urban Forest Master Plan
Orange County is developing its first Urban Forest Master Plan to guide how trees are planted, protected and maintained over the next 20-plus years. Residents can help shape the plan by sharing feedback through the county’s Engage Orange portal. more
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Lightning striking over neighborhood.
Fatal lightning strike offers warning for Apopka residents
A fatal lightning strike near a Celebration hotel demonstrates how quickly a developing thunderstorm can become deadly. The incident warns Apopka residents not to wait for heavy rain or frequent lightning before seeking shelter. more
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The St. Johns River Water Management District averaged 6.84 inches of rainfall in August, nearly matching the month’s long-term average. However, groundwater remained very low, and every county in the District continued to face a 12-month rainfall deficit.
August rainfall offers relief, but groundwater remains very low across water district
The St. Johns River Water Management District averaged 6.84 inches of rainfall in August, nearly matching the month’s long-term average. However, groundwater remained very low, and every county in the District continued to face a 12-month rainfall deficit. more
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The coastline in Steinhatchee remains covered in debris on October 3, 2024, following Hurricane Helene.
Sierra Club warns Amendment 3 could weaken Florida’s storm defenses
Sierra Club Florida has announced its opposition to Amendment 3, arguing that the proposed property tax changes could undermine local storm preparations and other public services. If approved by at least 60% of voters, the measure would significantly increase the homestead exemption for non-school property taxes. more
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A Honda Mimo automatic robotic lawnmower at the West Florida Research and Education Center in Jay, Florida.
Robotic mowers could produce healthier Florida lawns, UF/IFAS study finds
UF/IFAS research found that robotic lawn mowers can maintain and improve Florida turf, including St. Augustine grass, despite their lower cutting height. Their frequent mowing removes small amounts of grass at a time, encouraging healthier and denser lawns. more
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Grand Prize-winning photograph of a Roseate Spoonbill.
Florida photographers honored in 2026 Audubon Photography Awards
A photograph of a Roseate Spoonbill taken in St. Augustine earned Jacqueline Burke the Grand Prize in the 2026 Audubon Photography Awards. Two other Florida residents received honorable mentions for images featuring a Common Nighthawk and a Barred Owl. more
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Orange County Mosquito Control is concentrating spraying efforts in targeted areas after health officials confirmed a locally acquired case of dengue fever. Residents are encouraged to prevent mosquito bites and eliminate standing water around their homes.
Orange County targets mosquito spraying after locally acquired dengue case
Orange County Mosquito Control is concentrating spraying efforts in targeted areas after health officials confirmed a locally acquired case of dengue fever. Residents are encouraged to prevent mosquito bites and eliminate standing water around their homes. more
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UF/IFAS will host a free Landscape, Nursery, and Controlled Plant Production Field Day on September 16 at its Mid-Florida Research and Education Center in Apopka. Visitors can tour the facilities, meet researchers, and explore work involving horticulture, controlled-environment agriculture, and space biology.
UF/IFAS invites public to explore plant research at Apopka field day
UF/IFAS will host a free Landscape, Nursery, and Controlled Plant Production Field Day on September 16 at its Mid-Florida Research and Education Center in Apopka. Visitors can tour the facilities, meet researchers, and explore work involving horticulture, controlled-environment agriculture, and space biology. more
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An aerial view shows a coal-fired power plant with cooling towers and smokestacks. Photo: Kelly / Pexels
Environmental groups challenge federal order keeping Orlando coal plant open
Three environmental groups are asking a federal appeals court to overturn a U.S. Department of Energy order keeping an Orlando coal unit operating beyond its planned retirement. The groups argue the extension is unnecessary and could cost ratepayers an average of $21 more per month. more
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UF/IFAS Extension Orange County will offer a full schedule of educational programs in September covering health, housing, gardening and urban agriculture. Classes are available online and in person, with costs ranging from free to $50.
UF/IFAS Extension Orange County announces September classes and workshops
UF/IFAS Extension Orange County will offer a full schedule of educational programs in September covering health, housing, gardening and urban agriculture. Classes are available online and in person, with costs ranging from free to $50. more
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A new UF/IFAS app helps Floridians select plants suited to their landscapes while supporting pollinators, conserving water and protecting natural resources. The free FFL Plants & Pollinators App combines three previously separate Florida-Friendly Landscaping resources into one web and mobile platform.
New UF/IFAS app helps Floridians choose plants and support pollinators
A new UF/IFAS app helps Floridians select plants suited to their landscapes while supporting pollinators, conserving water and protecting natural resources. The free FFL Plants & Pollinators App combines three previously separate Florida-Friendly Landscaping resources into one web and mobile platform. more
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The test track seen in this aerial photo was built outside Naples 40 years ago for the Ford Motor Co., but since then has been surrounded by preserved lands. Now a company called Hyper Club wants to turn the track and the 530 acres around it into a motorsports-themed development, smack dab in the middle of panther habitat.
Rich guys with racecars want to roar into Florida panther habitat
Developers want to transform a former Collier County automotive test track into a private motorsports club with resort amenities and up to 100 residential units. Environmental advocates warn that the project would fragment vital Florida panther habitat near several public preserves. more
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A woman walks along a street in the rural agriculture community of Immokalee on September 9, 2018 in Immokalee, Florida.
Weakened federal heat protection rules leave Florida workers sweating
About 2 million Floridians work outdoors without a government standard guaranteeing water, shade, and rest during dangerous heat. With Florida preventing cities and counties from adopting local requirements and a federal heat rule still unfinished, workers are pressing employers and retailers to join voluntary protection programs. more
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Nine-banded armadillos become more visible during Florida’s summer breeding season, giving residents a closer look at one of the state’s most recognizable mammals. A bilingual UF/IFAS guide explains how these skilled diggers benefit local ecosystems and how homeowners can reduce conflicts around yards and gardens.
Wildlife Watch: Meet Florida’s armored backyard visitor
Nine-banded armadillos become more visible during Florida’s summer breeding season, giving residents a closer look at one of the state’s most recognizable mammals. A bilingual UF/IFAS guide explains how these skilled diggers benefit local ecosystems and how homeowners can reduce conflicts around yards and gardens. more
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A specialized survey kayak equipped with scientific monitoring equipment will be used to collect detailed data on springs, spring runs, and surrounding habitats at eight springs across the District.
Water management district expands mapping and monitoring at eight Florida springs
The St. Johns River Water Management District is expanding scientific mapping and monitoring at eight of Florida’s most recognizable springs. The data will help scientists track environmental changes and guide future decisions affecting water quality, wildlife habitats, and public recreation. more
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Strong Towns Apopka plans to plant native shrubs along the West Orange Trail as part of its fall community project. The effort reflects a broader movement encouraging property owners to replace portions of their lawns with native plants that support birds, pollinators, watersheds, and the food web.
Growing a healthier Apopka, one native plant at a time
Strong Towns Apopka plans to plant native shrubs along the West Orange Trail as part of its fall community project. The effort reflects a broader movement encouraging property owners to replace portions of their lawns with native plants that support birds, pollinators, watersheds, and the food web. more
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The St. Johns River Water Management District is conducting a 200-acre prescribed fire on Wednesday at the Lake Apopka North Shore in Lake County. Residents and motorists near the property could experience temporary smoke and ash.
Breaking News: 200-acre prescribed fire underway at Lake Apopka North Shore
The St. Johns River Water Management District is conducting a 200-acre prescribed fire on Wednesday at the Lake Apopka North Shore in Lake County. Residents and motorists near the property could experience temporary smoke and ash. more
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Recent rainfall has improved drought conditions in portions of northeast and central Florida, but the St. Johns River Water Management District says a full recovery will take time. Phase III Extreme Water Shortage restrictions remain in effect as groundwater levels, river flows, and accumulated rainfall deficits continue to concern water managers.
Recent rain brings relief, but extreme drought restrictions remain in effect
Recent rainfall has improved drought conditions in portions of northeast and central Florida, but the St. Johns River Water Management District says a full recovery will take time. Phase III Extreme Water Shortage restrictions remain in effect as groundwater levels, river flows, and accumulated rainfall deficits continue to concern water managers. more
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Students from Wekiva High School plant mangroves as part of a Blue School Grant project that enabled their math teacher to convert half of the classroom's aquaponic garden from freshwater to saltwater.
Blue School Grant offers $60,000 for hands-on water education
The St. Johns River Water Management District is offering up to $60,000 in Blue School Grant funding for hands-on water education during the 2026-2027 school year. K-12 public and charter school educators within the District may apply for awards of up to $3,000 through 11:59 pm September 15. more
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Florida’s summer thunderstorms bring a heightened risk of deadly lightning strikes. UF/IFAS Extension experts explain how to recognize an approaching storm, find safe shelter, and avoid common mistakes.
Boom! That thunder signals lightning is near
Florida’s summer thunderstorms bring a heightened risk of deadly lightning strikes. UF/IFAS Extension experts explain how to recognize an approaching storm, find safe shelter, and avoid common mistakes. more
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The Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary helps protect the world's third-largest coral reef system. Now it’s being tainted by effluent from shallow wells on Stock Island.
Wastewater injected beneath Stock Island is bubbling into a marine sanctuary
An environmental group says treated wastewater injected into shallow wells beneath Stock Island is rising through the porous limestone and entering nearby Safe Harbor. Testing reportedly detected a wastewater tracer at several upwellings, where cameras captured manatees drinking. more
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