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Subsidized flood insurance lowers the cost of living in coastal waterfront homes at high risk of flooding.
Hurricane season is here: Federal flood insurance carries 2 moral hazards – which you face depends largely on how wealthy you are
Flood insurance was designed to help Americans recover from disasters, but critics say the system creates unequal outcomes. While some homeowners benefit from subsidized coverage, many lower-income families remain uninsured or underinsured and struggle to recover after major floods. more
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Audubon birdwatchers gather along one of the Stormwater Treatment Areas in the Everglades to observe the birds roosting there. The STAs are manmade marshes built to filter pollution before it reaches the River of Grass, but they’re not eliminating nearly enough of it.
Now hitting deadline, Florida flunks Everglades pollution cleanup
For decades, Florida leaders have promised to restore the Everglades, but a key piece of the effort remains unfinished. New concerns about phosphorus pollution are raising questions about whether the state can meet long-promised water quality standards. more
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Hurricane season is here, and Orange County wants residents to prepare before stores become crowded and supplies become scarce. Officials recommend building an emergency kit now so families can focus on safety rather than last-minute shopping when storms approach.
Build your hurricane emergency kit now, Orange County officials stress
Hurricane season is here, and Orange County wants residents to prepare before stores become crowded and supplies become scarce. Officials recommend building an emergency kit now so families can focus on safety rather than last-minute shopping when storms approach. more
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One of NOAA’s WP-3D Orion hurricane hunters, dubbed Miss Piggy, flies over Tropical Storm Idalia on August 28, 2023.
Hurricane forecasts have improved dramatically, saving lives, but federal cuts threaten to stretch NOAA resources to breaking point
Hurricane forecasts are more accurate today than at any point in history, giving residents more time to prepare, evacuate, and protect property before storms strike. However, researchers warn that budget cuts, staffing shortages, and reduced investment in weather science could jeopardize future improvements in forecasting. One of NOAA’s WP-3D Orion hurricane hunters, … more
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Orange County is reminding residents that hurricane preparedness involves more than stocking supplies — especially for families with young children. Head Start officials say early planning and calm, age-appropriate conversations can help children feel safer and more secure if storms disrupt daily routines.
Orange County urges families with young children to prepare early for hurricane season
Orange County officials are encouraging families with young children to begin hurricane preparations early as the 2026 season approaches. Experts say simple conversations, familiar routines, and involving children in emergency planning can help reduce anxiety during severe weather events. more
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Hurricane Katrina.
UF study finds hurricanes can both devastate and help wildlife populations
A new University of Florida study found hurricanes can dramatically reshape wildlife populations in ways both destructive and surprisingly beneficial. Researchers discovered that storms can kill animals, spread invasive species, force migration, and, in some cases, even help certain species thrive. more
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Much of the United States is experiencing drought conditions even as stronger storms deliver heavier rainfall events, a contradiction scientists say is tied to climate change and a warming atmosphere. Researchers warn that the changing water cycle is creating new challenges for flooding, agriculture, water supplies, and infrastructure.
Why America can face drought and downpours at the same time
Much of the United States is experiencing drought conditions even as stronger storms deliver heavier rainfall events, a contradiction scientists say is tied to climate change and a warming atmosphere. Researchers warn that the changing water cycle is creating new challenges for flooding, agriculture, water supplies, and infrastructure. more
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Black Vulture, Costa Rica
Center for Birds of Prey launches haiku contest for new vulture-themed storywalk
Winning poems celebrating Florida’s turkey and black vultures will be featured along the Center’s outdoor storywalk during International Vulture Awareness Day festivities. more
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Florida officials warn that wildfire risks could remain elevated through the summer as severe drought conditions persist statewide. More than 2,100 fires have already burned across 135,000 acres in Florida this year.
Florida officials warn wildfire danger could intensify through summer as drought deepens statewide
State officials are urging Floridians to prepare for a prolonged and dangerous wildfire season as drought conditions continue across much of the state. Officials say most fires this year have been human-caused, while lightning from summer storms could create additional risks in the months ahead. more
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Florida Power & Light is encouraging residents to prepare now for the six-month hurricane season by creating emergency plans and assembling storm kits. The utility emphasized evacuation readiness, generator safety, power line awareness, and keeping important documents accessible before severe weather arrives. FPL also urged customers to stay informed through local emergency management agencies and outage updates after storms.
How to Prepare for a Hurricane: Safety tips from FPL
Hurricane season is nearly here, and FPL is urging Floridians to prepare before the next storm forms. The utility shared tips on evacuation planning, emergency kits, generator safety, and staying informed during power outages and severe weather.     At Florida Power & Light Company (FPL), safety is the cornerstone of our commitment to … more
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The PSN Registry helps identify residents who may require additional assistance during an emergency because they rely on medical equipment powered by electricity, require caregiver support or need transportation assistance to reach a secure location.
Early hurricane prep key for residents with special needs
Orange County officials are encouraging residents with medical, mobility, or caregiving needs to prepare early for hurricane season by registering for the County’s People with Special Needs Program. The registry helps coordinate shelter access, transportation, and emergency support for residents who cannot safely remain at home during a disaster. more
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The lovebug, which is actually a fly whose scientific name is Plecia nearctica, migrated naturally along the Gulf of Mexico. It was first identified in southeastern Texas in 1940 and has since spread through the Gulf Coast states of Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama and Florida, as well as Georgia and South Carolina.
Lovebugs are back! But experts say the familiar Florida pest is a harmless nuisance
Lovebugs are once again swarming across Florida, but UF/IFAS experts say the insects are harmless despite persistent myths surrounding them. Researchers recommend simple prevention measures like airflow, quick vehicle cleanup, and avoiding heavily active areas instead of relying on pesticides. more
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For decades, the Florida sack-bearer moth was hiding in plain sight among collections of other sack-bearer moths around the U.S..
A newly rediscovered moth species in Florida may already be at risk
Scientists have discovered and officially named a rare new moth species found only in Florida’s scrub ecosystem, highlighting the importance of protecting the state’s fragile native habitats. For decades, the Florida sack-bearer moth was hiding in plain sight among collections of other sack-bearer … more
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Community health centers from across Florida met in Tampa last week for a two-day emergency preparedness summit focused on hurricane season readiness.
Florida community health centers prepare for hurricane season with disaster readiness summit
As Florida enters hurricane season, community health centers are strengthening emergency response plans based on hard lessons learned from past storms and disasters. During a statewide summit in Tampa, healthcare leaders discussed generator testing, supply sharing, tornado drills, and the importance of realistic emergency training. more
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Orange County recognized nationally for environmental health and extreme heat resilience efforts
Orange County Mayor Jerry L. Demings has been recognized nationally as part of the “Top 12 AAMA Cities to Watch on Environmental Health” for the county’s efforts to address extreme heat and environmental resilience. The recognition highlights Orange County’s urban tree planting strategy, updated tree preservation policies, and public education efforts aimed at improving air quality and public health. more
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District staff evaluated rainfall totals, aquifer levels, river flows, and drought indicators before recommending the action. Despite earlier conservation measures, conditions have continued to worsen due to a lack of rainfall, requiring additional mandatory restrictions to help protect regional water resources.
District declares Phase III water shortage as extreme drought worsens statewide
The St. Johns River Water Management District has issued a Phase III Extreme Water Shortage declaration in response to severe drought conditions, declining groundwater levels, and reduced river flows across northeast and central Florida. The order imposes stricter irrigation limits, expands restrictions into parts of Lake County, and calls on residents and businesses to immediately reduce non-essential water use. more
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Orange County encourages seniors and their families to begin planning early so they can remain safe, comfortable, and connected if severe weather impacts the region.
Orange County urges seniors to prepare early for hurricane season
Orange County is encouraging older adults and their families to begin hurricane preparations early ahead of the 2026 storm season. Officials say advance planning can help seniors maintain access to medications, medical equipment, transportation, and caregiver support during emergencies. more
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Apopka Birding Park
Orange Audubon fundraiser to support Apopka Birding Park nature center project
Orange Audubon will host a fundraiser in downtown Apopka on May 16 to support construction of its future nature and special events center at the Apopka Birding Park. The evening will feature music, raffles, food options, and updates on the organization’s growing habitat restoration and conservation efforts. more
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As hurricane season approaches, Orange County officials are reminding residents to include pets in their emergency preparations.
Orange County urges residents to include pets in hurricane preparedness plans
As hurricane season approaches, Orange County Government officials are encouraging residents to make pets part of their emergency preparedness plans. County leaders say pet-friendly shelters, early planning, and emergency supply kits can help keep families and animals safe together during storms. more
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Hurricane Helene.
Central Florida agencies meet in Apopka to prepare for hurricane season
Key agencies across Central Florida gathered in Apopka to coordinate hurricane preparedness and flood response strategies ahead of the 2026 season. The meeting emphasized collaboration, infrastructure readiness, and the importance of early planning. more
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Orange County launches “OC Loves Trees” initiative
Orange County has launched its “OC Loves Trees” initiative, a long-term effort to plant hundreds of native trees and expand the region’s urban canopy. Officials say the program will improve air quality, reduce heat, and create more sustainable, livable neighborhoods. more
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Rough surf rolls toward Panama City Beach, Fla., with high-rise condos along the shoreline under dark storm clouds, in 2021.
Hurricane season one month away; forecast modest
Forecasters from two leading universities are predicting a slightly below-normal 2026 Atlantic hurricane season, with six to nine hurricanes expected. While activity may be lower overall, experts caution that even a single major storm can cause significant damage. more
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Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive.
Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive turns 11, draws more than 200,000 visitors annually
The Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive is celebrating 11 years of public access, with visitation now exceeding 200,000 people annually. A special anniversary event on May 3 will connect visitors with experts and showcase one of Florida’s premier wildlife destinations. more
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Hurricane Humberto.
Winn-Dixie urges early storm preparation, announces $150,000 Red Cross donation ahead of hurricane season
With National Hurricane Preparedness Week beginning, Winn-Dixie is encouraging residents to prepare early for storms and other emergencies. The company also announced a $150,000 donation to the American Red Cross to support disaster relief efforts. more
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Fire crews responded to dozens of wildfires burning in Georgia and northern Florida on April 23, 2026.
Why the Southeast is burning – extreme drought is only part of the cause
An exceptional drought across the Southeast is driving a surge in wildfires in Florida and Georgia, burning tens of thousands of acres and destroying homes. Meteorologists point to a combination of dry fuels, low humidity, and persistent high-pressure systems as the key factors behind the dangerous conditions. Fire crews responded to dozens of wildfires burning in Georgia and northern Florida on April 23, 2026. … more
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