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The Florida Department of Health in Orange County has issued a health alert for the presence of harmful blue-green algae toxins in the NW Recreation Complex  Pond (E Shore). The alert is in response to water samples taken on April 22, 2026.  
Health alert issued for blue-green algae at NW Recreation Complex pond
The Florida Department of Health in Orange County has issued a health alert for harmful blue-green algae at the NW Recreation Complex Pond (East Shore). Residents are advised to avoid contact with the water and keep pets away from the area. more
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Hurricane Katrina.
Orange County receives $150,000 grant to add financial stability resources to emergency response plan
Orange County will expand its emergency response plan after receiving a $150,000 grant from the Cities for Financial Empowerment Fund. The funding will support financial counseling and assistance services to help residents prepare for and recover from emergencies. more
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Florida battles drought, risk of wildfires
Florida is facing widespread drought conditions, with more than half the state under extreme or exceptional levels. Officials warn the dry conditions are fueling a heightened wildfire risk and prompting restrictions across multiple regions. more
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American Rivers named Florida’s most famous river, the Suwannee, to its list of the top 10 most endangered rivers in the U.S. The cover image of the report shows the Suwannee River and a pipe dumping waste from a chicken-processing plant.
Way down upon this Florida river, pollution and water withdrawals spell double trouble
The Suwannee River has been listed among the nation’s most endangered rivers, highlighting mounting environmental concerns. Pollution, excessive water withdrawals, and proposed wastewater projects are raising alarms among scientists and local leaders. more
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The Apopka Art and Foliage Festival returns this weekend, continuing a tradition that dates back more than six decades. The two-day event celebrates the city’s artistic heritage and its long-standing role in the foliage industry.
Apopka Art and Foliage Festival returns with roots dating back more than six decades
The Apopka Art and Foliage Festival returns this weekend, continuing a tradition that dates back more than six decades. The two-day event celebrates the city’s artistic heritage and its long-standing role in the foliage industry. more
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Students experience the glass-bottom boats at Silver Springs State Park.
Blue School Grant brings the springs to life
This grant made it possible for students to explore Silver Springs State Park as part of their “Spring Life” unit, turning classroom lessons into real-world discovery. Applications open this summer to help give students hands-on access to Florida’s natural ecosystems. more
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Seagrass has made an unexpected return to Mosquito Lagoon.
Hurricanes devastated Florida’s East Coast – then seagrass made an unexpected comeback
After more than a decade of decline, seagrass is making a comeback in Florida’s Indian River Lagoon. Researchers say the rebound in Mosquito Lagoon could signal resilience in one of the state’s most damaged ecosystems. Seagrass has made an unexpected return to Mosquito Lagoon. Captain William B. Wolfson, … more
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Spring has brought a surge in caterpillar activity, with species such as tussock moths, oak leafrollers, woolly gray moths, and echo moths becoming more visible.
Springtime caterpillars return to Florida landscapes, mostly harmless but often misunderstood
As spring arrives, several species of caterpillars are emerging across Florida, appearing on trees, homes, and outdoor surfaces. While their presence can be unsettling, most are harmless and play an important role in the ecosystem. more
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F-23 took over as the reigning female in the nest when the original female, Harriet, disappeared in 2023. But then, in February, tragedy struck again.
Outrage grows after the death of a Florida eagle raises questions about wildlife investigation
The death of a well-known eagle featured on a Southwest Florida livestream has sparked outrage among viewers and wildlife advocates. Critics say state officials failed to properly investigate the cause of death or handle the remains appropriately. more
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Volunteer identifying plant species with the with the iNaturalist phone app at DeLuca Preserve during the Bioblitz event. Photo taken 03-07-25
Everyone can make a difference this Earth Day through citizen science
Central Floridians can take part in real scientific research through citizen science initiatives using simple tools like smartphones. Programs supported by UF/IFAS allow residents to track wildlife, monitor ecosystems, and contribute to conservation efforts. more
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As Florida’s human population grows, wildlife increasingly has nowhere to go.
How a new mapping tool helps Florida planners protect wildlife corridors as the state grows
Florida’s rapid growth is putting increasing pressure on wildlife habitats and ecological corridors across the state. Researchers say a new mapping tool can help local leaders make more informed decisions about development and conservation. more
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The Titusville living shoreline project is an example of what the newly passed SB 302 will help promote, rather than armored shorelines.
In a rare environmental win, Florida lawmakers get coastal resiliency right with SB 302
Florida lawmakers passed Senate Bill 302, a coastal resiliency measure aimed at promoting natural shoreline restoration, in a legislative session otherwise marked by environmental rollbacks. The bill’s success followed years of effort, shifting priorities, and a late amendment tied to a controversial cruise port proposal. more
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Orange Soil and Water District to proclaim 2026 as Year of the Woman Farmer
The Orange Soil and Water Conservation District will proclaim 2026 the Year of the Woman Farmer at its April 10 meeting in Orlando. The board will also designate the first full week of May as Clean Water Week to raise awareness about water quality and public health. more
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Master Gardener Volunteers participate in a Cut Flower Field Day. UF/IFAS is asking the public to complete a questionnaire about whether they are familiar with the institute and its outreach events, research, and other services.
UF/IFAS survey asks Floridians: Do you know what we do?
UF/IFAS is surveying Floridians to measure awareness of its programs and identify the issues residents want addressed. The results will help guide future research, Extension services, and educational efforts across the state. more
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A rescue worker holds a juvenile endangered Kemps Ridley sea turtle covered in oil from BP’s Deepwater Horizon spill in 2010.
‘God Squad’ exempts entire Gulf of Mexico oil industry from endangered species rules
The Endangered Species Committee, rarely convened since its creation, voted to allow offshore oil activity in the Gulf despite potential harm to multiple protected species. Critics argue the decision, justified on national security grounds, marks an unprecedented and troubling expansion of the panel’s authority. more
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Florida scrub jays are the only bird species that live entirely in Florida. Now, a lawsuit says that should disqualify them for protection under the Endangered Species Act.
Landowner lawsuit over Florida scrub jays has national ramifications
A Florida landowner’s lawsuit targeting scrub jay protections could have sweeping national consequences. The case challenges both federal law and local habitat fees designed to protect endangered species. more
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NOAA satellite image for a larger view of Hurricane Katrina taken August 28, 2005, as the storm’s outer bands lashed the Gulf Coast of the United States a day before making landfall.
Atlantic Hurricane Season Forecast: 11–16 Named storms predicted by AccuWeather
AccuWeather is forecasting a near- to below-average hurricane season in 2026. But with warm ocean waters and “homegrown” storms possible, the risk of direct U.S. impacts remains high. more
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AAA warns spring storms can cause costly damage, urges residents to prepare early
AAA and the Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety are encouraging residents to take proactive steps ahead of spring storms. Officials say early preparation can reduce costly damage from wind, hail, flooding, and debris. more
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The Florida Department of Health in Orange County cautions the public about the presence of blue-green algae in Lake Apopka (Newton Park dock).
Updating Breaking News: DOH-Orange warns of blue-green algae at Lake Apopka’s Newton Park dock
Health officials have identified a blue-green algae bloom at Lake Apopka’s Newton Park dock and are currently testing water samples for toxins. Residents are urged to avoid swimming, boating, or any contact with affected water as a precaution. more
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Florida Power & Light is the nation’s largest producer of solar and wind energy, with solar farms like this one, called Price Creek near Lake City, scattered across the state. But the Legislature has voted to block local governments from pursuing alternative energy sources, opting instead to use fossil fuels.
Commentary: Florida bill targets clean energy goals as gas prices surge
A newly passed Florida bill restricting local “net-zero” climate goals is drawing sharp criticism as gas prices climb. The commentary argues the legislation moves the state backward on energy policy while increasing reliance on costly fossil fuels. more
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Rock Springs.
Orange County Program helps residents protect springs and save on septic repairs
Orange County’s Septic Upgrade Incentive Program is helping homeowners replace failing septic systems while improving water quality in local springs. The program provides financial assistance and promotes environmentally friendly upgrades that reduce harmful nitrogen pollution. more
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Conservation groups urge Florida Legislature to invest in state parks and address $759 million maintenance backlog
A coalition of 32 conservation organizations, community groups, and outdoor recreation advocates is urging Florida lawmakers to significantly increase funding for the state park system. more
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Four months of low rainfall push region deeper into drought conditions
Dry conditions persist across central and northeast Florida, with rainfall totals remaining well below average for the fourth consecutive month. New data show falling aquifer levels and growing drought indicators across much of the St. Johns River Water Management District. more
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Women scientists of UF "Croc Docs" lead hands-on conservation work in the Florida Everglades
While most Floridians sleep, teams of women scientists from the UF Croc Docs Wildlife Research Lab are navigating the Everglades by airboat, road survey and drone in pursuit of wildlife research that helps protect fragile ecosystems. Their work includes capturing alligators for health monitoring, tracking invasive Burmese pythons and studying species across Florida and internationally. more
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A swimmer glides through clear water in Blue Hole in Ichetucknee Springs State Park. Some legislators think the state owns too much park land and should instead give millions of preservation dollars to farmers and ranchers, even though the public won’t get access.
Florida legislators decide Florida Forever means ‘Florida Never’
Florida lawmakers are proposing major changes to the state’s land conservation funding, eliminating traditional funding for the Florida Forever program while directing more money toward agricultural conservation easements. Environmental advocates argue the shift would reduce public land preservation and limit public access to Florida’s natural spaces. more
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