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A flock of American Flamingos near Haulover Canal in Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge.
Florida photographer helps identify flamingo banded in Mexico
A Florida photographer’s persistence led to the identification of an American Flamingo banded in Mexico in 2016. The discovery is helping researchers better understand how the highly mobile birds travel between the Yucatán, Cuba, and Florida. more
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Traditional duties of FWC law enforcement officers include checking on hunters in the woods and anglers on the water. In recent years, FWC officers have been given stranger duties, such as monitoring critics of the agency.
Florida wildlife agency targeted its critics for secret surveillance
At least 16 environmental advocates discovered that Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission employees had accessed their driving records, sometimes repeatedly. The searches, conducted through a restricted state database, are prompting potential lawsuits and renewed demands for reform at the agency. more
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The spoon-billed sandpiper, a small wading bird, flies nearly 5,000 miles (8,000 km) on its annual migration.
More than half of Earth’s migratory bird species are declining – here’s how we can still save them
A comprehensive international study found that more than half of the world's migratory bird species are in decline due to habitat loss, invasive species, collisions, pollution and other human-caused threats. Researchers say coordinated conservation efforts across birds' entire migration routes offer the best hope for reversing those losses. more
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A Well system with tank
Free UF/IFAS webinars will help homeowners protect wells and septic systems
UF/IFAS Extension is offering a free webinar series to help Florida homeowners safeguard private wells and septic systems. The four-part program will provide research-based guidance on routine maintenance, water treatment, and preparing household systems for hurricanes and flooding. more
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As tropical weather systems begin to form, many Orange County residents are turning to a tried-and-true defense against flooding: sandbags. Whether you have used them before or this is your first time, here is what you need to know to make the most of this simple but effective tool.
Prepare for the Storm: How to use sandbags for flood protection
As tropical systems begin to form, Orange County residents can use sandbags to reduce the risk of minor flooding around their homes. Bags should be filled halfway and stacked in a staggered pattern, preferably over a plastic tarp for additional protection. Orange County opens self-service distribution sites before major storms, but officials caution that sandbags are no substitute for evacuating when instructed. more
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Blue-green algae blooms, such as this one in the Caloosahatchee River, have become increasingly common in the past 20 years, fed by increased nutrients from biosolids dumped on farmers’ fields.
Commentary: DeSantis veto leaves Florida’s sewage sludge loophole wide open
Gov. Ron DeSantis vetoed legislation intended to regulate the disposal of Class AA biosolids, commonly known as treated sewage sludge. Environmental advocates warn the decision leaves Florida’s farms and waterways vulnerable to excess nutrients and other pollutants. more
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A water tower looms over the small town of Bowling Green, Florida on Tuesday, June 30, 2026. The community would see 98% of its primary residences taken off the tax rolls, if voters approve the proposed property tax rollback on the ballot in November.
What Florida’s tax rollback looks like through the eyes of one small town
Florida's proposed property tax amendment promises homeowners a tax break, but critics warn it could have devastating consequences for hundreds of small municipalities. A new report explores how communities like Bowling Green fear the measure could undermine local services and erode local control. more
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University of Florida researchers have found that conventional fungicide spraying may unintentionally help spread bacterial spot disease in tomato fields under certain weather conditions. The findings could lead to new spraying techniques that better protect crops while limiting the movement of harmful bacteria.
UF researchers study how fungicide spraying may unintentionally spread tomato disease
University of Florida researchers have found that conventional fungicide spraying may unintentionally help spread bacterial spot disease in tomato fields under certain weather conditions. The findings could lead to new spraying techniques that better protect crops while limiting the movement of harmful bacteria. more
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Summer storms have brought welcome rainfall to much of Central Florida, but water officials say the region is still far from recovering from the prolonged drought. The St. Johns River Water Management District is urging residents to continue conserving water as mandatory restrictions remain in place.
Water shortage restrictions remain in place as drought recovery continues
Summer storms have brought welcome rainfall to much of Central Florida, but water officials say the region is still far from recovering from the prolonged drought. The St. Johns River Water Management District is urging residents to continue conserving water as mandatory restrictions remain in place. more
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A dangerous heat wave is pushing heat index values above 100 degrees across much of the United States, prompting cancellations of outdoor events and increasing the risk of heat-related illnesses. This expert guide explains the warning signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke, and what you can do to protect yourself and your family.
As a major heat wave grips much of the US, here’s how to stay safe – and the heat stroke warning signs to watch for
A dangerous heat wave is pushing heat index values above 100 degrees across much of the United States, prompting cancellations of outdoor events and increasing the risk of heat-related illnesses. This expert guide explains the warning signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke, and what you can do to protect yourself and your family. more
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A white-tailed deer photographed by Randy Traynor in a Florida wildlife refuge. Traynor says the refuges offer something increasingly rare: a place where animals can just be animals.
Florida's National Wildlife Refuges offer a window into wild America as funding concerns grow
Florida's 29 National Wildlife Refuges offer visitors opportunities to experience native wildlife and protected habitats throughout the state. Conservationists say proposed federal staffing and funding cuts could make it more difficult to manage these landscapes and protect the species that depend on them. more
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Orange County lifts burn ban after week of improved drought conditions
Orange County has officially lifted its burn ban after steady rainfall reduced drought conditions across the area. Recreational open burning is once again permitted in unincorporated Orange County and communities served by Orange County Fire Rescue. more
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Tests by UF scientists found Gemini Springs in Volusia County had some of the worst PFAS contamination in Florida. The cancer-causing chemical has turned up all over the state.
Opinion: Florida lobbyists shouldn't play both sides of the PFAS fight
A new investigation alleges that several prominent lobbying firms are simultaneously representing chemical industry groups opposing stricter PFAS regulations while also working for Florida local governments coping with contaminated drinking water. The column argues that such dual representation raises ethical concerns as communities struggle to address the costly cleanup of "forever chemicals." more
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When the temperature soars inside homes, being outside even on very hot days can feel less uncomfortable than being indoors.
Heat waves can leave homes dangerously hot – even for young, healthy adults
Most people assume the greatest danger during a heat wave is outside, but experts say indoor temperatures can become even more deadly when air conditioning fails. New research shows many homes can quickly reach dangerous conditions during prolonged power outages, especially older, poorly insulated houses. more
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Floridians and visitors can enjoy free admission to most Florida State Parks during the July Fourth holiday weekend. The fee waiver, offered July 3-5, is part of Florida's celebration of America's 250th anniversary and encourages residents to explore the state's natural and historic treasures.
Florida State Parks to offer free admission July 3-5 for America's 250th anniversary
Floridians and visitors can enjoy free admission to most Florida State Parks during the July Fourth holiday weekend. The fee waiver, offered July 3-5, is part of Florida's celebration of America's 250th anniversary and encourages residents to explore the state's natural and historic treasures. … more
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Biologists with the Conservancy of Southwest Florida are holding a 17-foot, 148 lb female python they captured in an armadillo burrow last fall near the start of mating season. They use “scout snakes” to track down gigantic female pythons before they can lay eggs.
Python captures by Florida scientists overshadowed by hoopla over annual amateur contest
As Florida prepares for the annual Python Challenge, researchers warn that the invasive Burmese python population continues to grow and spread beyond the Everglades. Experts say the highly adaptable predators are threatening native wildlife and could become an increasing concern for Central Florida. more
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Although beachside fireworks shows are entertaining to people, the bursts of color and noise wreak havoc on coastal birds, especially for nesting species like this Black Skimmer family
Skip the Sparklers: Audubon Florida urges beachgoers to protect nesting birds this Fourth of July
Audubon Florida is urging residents and visitors to avoid using personal fireworks on beaches this Independence Day weekend to protect nesting shorebirds and their chicks. Fireworks, litter, pets, and other disturbances can cause adult birds to abandon nests, leaving vulnerable chicks exposed to predators and extreme heat. more
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Orange County's Office of Emergency Management will host the 2026 Hurricane Expo: Power of Preparedness on June 20 at Oak Ridge High School. The free event will connect residents with emergency responders, safety vendors, and preparedness resources. National Weather Service meteorologist Brendan Schaper will provide an update on the 2026 hurricane outlook.
Orange County to host free Hurricane Expo with forecasts, safety tips and emergency resources this weekend
Hurricane season is underway, and Orange County wants residents to prepare before a storm forms. The free Hurricane Expo on June 20 will feature expert forecasts, preparedness tips, and giveaways while supplies last. more
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A woodstork family in the Everglades.
Audubon report says Everglades restoration gaining ground but warns of growing threats
Audubon Florida's Spring 2026 State of the Everglades report highlights restoration progress, $645 million in state funding, and concerns over development, water management, and conservation policy. more
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This Eastern Indigo snake is in a typical sandy pine flatwood habitat.
Florida’s longest native snake needs protection, not fear, UF/IFAS experts say
The Eastern indigo snake may be North America’s longest native snake, but UF/IFAS experts say it’s harmless to people and vital to Florida’s ecosystems. A new bilingual guide helps residents identify the protected species and understand how to safely coexist with it. more
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After months of unusually dry conditions, May brought the first above-average rainfall across the St. Johns River Water Management District since October 2025. Despite the improvement, drought conditions remain widespread, and groundwater levels continue to lag behind normal seasonal levels.
Rainfall brings limited relief as drought continues across District
After months of unusually dry conditions, May brought the first above-average rainfall across the St. Johns River Water Management District since October 2025. Despite the improvement, drought conditions remain widespread, and groundwater levels continue to lag behind normal seasonal levels. more
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The Orlando Utilities Commission was on the verge of shutting down its 39-year-old coal-fired power plant at the Stanton Energy Center when Energy Secretary Chris Wright ordered it kept open for at least 90 days.
Feds order an Orange County plant to keep burning coal
A federal order requiring Orlando Utilities Commission to continue operating a coal-fired power plant has sparked criticism from environmental groups, public health advocates, and local officials. Critics argue the decision could increase air pollution and utility costs while delaying Central Florida's transition to cleaner energy sources. more
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A 6.1 magnitude earthquake near Cuba sent tremors across much of Florida on Monday afternoon, prompting thousands of reports to the U.S. Geological Survey.
Aftershocks likely after 6.1 magnitude earthquake felt across Florida
A 6.1 magnitude earthquake near Cuba sent tremors across much of Florida on Monday afternoon, prompting thousands of reports to the U.S. Geological Survey. Scientists say aftershocks are highly likely over the next week, though there is no tsunami threat. more
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UF/IFAS experts have released a comprehensive hurricane preparedness checklist to help Floridians get ready for what forecasters expect to be an active hurricane season.
UF/IFAS shares hurricane preparedness checklist as forecasters predict active season
UF/IFAS experts have released a comprehensive hurricane preparedness checklist to help Floridians get ready for what forecasters expect to be an active hurricane season. The guidance covers disaster supplies, communication plans, food storage, generator safety, pet preparedness, and private well protection.   Now that Hurricane Season is here, it’s best to get your home and business ready for one of the fierce storms before … more
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A banded Roseate Spoonbill stands in shallow water. Audubon Florida researchers are encouraging birdwatchers to report banded spoonbill sightings to help scientists better understand the species' movements and population trends.
Roseate Spoonbill nesting rebounds in Florida Bay, Audubon reports
Audubon Florida researchers recorded improved nesting success among Roseate Spoonbills in Florida Bay this season, with 157 of 244 monitored nests successfully fledging chicks. Scientists say public reports of banded spoonbills can help expand critical research on the species' movements and health. more
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