Florida’s iconic springs, once celebrated as “bowls of liquid light,” are now drowning in pollution as the state agency tasked with protecting them delays real action and bends to polluter interests. more

Prescribed fires are intentionally set under controlled conditions to safely reduce natural fuel buildup, helping to prevent more destructive wildfires. These burns also restore ecological balance, benefiting fire-dependent landscapes and native species across Florida. more

FEMA and state officials continue to assist Florida residents recovering from Hurricanes Milton, Helene, and Debby, with more than $1.6 billion in aid approved so far. Nearly 800 FEMA staff are on the ground helping survivors navigate recovery programs, debris removal, rental assistance, and appeals. more

Manatee County just took a courageous stand against overdevelopment, protecting wetlands and flood-prone lands from a massive housing project. Apopka should follow this example before sprawl and poor planning put the community at risk. more

As critical satellite data for monitoring hurricanes goes dark at the peak of storm season, meteorologists warn that forecasts could become less precise at a time when accuracy saves lives. The loss of high-resolution microwave data leaves forecasters relying on less detailed images to track intensifying storms. more

Trooper’s Law makes it a felony in Florida to abandon or restrain pets during hurricanes and other official emergencies, with penalties of up to five years in prison. Local shelters, including Orange County Animal Services and Apopka’s Candy’s Cats, urge pet owners to explore every option to keep animals safe before considering surrender. more

University of Florida scientist Nikolaos Tziolas is developing a ChatGPT-like AI tool to help farmers assess crop damage after hurricanes using satellite imagery and conversational technology. Backed by a USDA grant, the platform will give growers quick, affordable insights into flooding and storm impacts, enhancing disaster response and resilience. more

As the summer travel season begins, UF/IFAS experts are warning Floridians to stay alert for bed bugs hiding in vacation rentals and hotel rooms. With infestations on the rise across parts of Florida, scientists are sharing practical, science-backed tips to help travelers avoid bringing home unwanted guests. more

Florida’s sewage crisis is bubbling to the surface—again—as spills, aging infrastructure, and political neglect threaten the state’s beaches, waterways, and public health. Opinion and Commentary from Craig Pittman of the Florida Phoenix. more

A dangerous heat wave sweeping across the central and eastern U.S. in June has put millions under advisories, highlighting the growing health risks associated with extreme summer temperatures. From recognizing heat exhaustion to finding safe ways to cool off, public health experts stress the importance of early action to prevent life-threatening heat stroke. more

This year’s theme, “Power of Preparedness,” underscores the critical importance of being ready before disaster strikes. The expo will offer one-on-one conversations with emergency responders, safety demonstrations, and expert guidance on hurricane readiness. more

The conservancy tracks male pythons to locate reproductive pythons during the breeding season, which goes from November through April. It monitors them across a 200-square-mile area of public and private land stretching from Naples through the Western Everglades. more

Despite bipartisan support in 2023 for using gaming revenue to protect public lands and water resources, the new budget proposal redirects those funds, leaving programs like Florida Forever unfunded and critical conservation initiatives in jeopardy. more

A cornerstone of this effort is the District’s ongoing work to establish and update Minimum Flows and Levels, which are science-based thresholds designed to prevent significant harm to rivers, lakes, and springs from water withdrawals. more

Rainfall across the District in May marked a notable shift, with precipitation levels rising above average for the first time since January. Most rain occurred at the beginning and end of the month, … more

Many fertilizers contain nitrogen and phosphorus, also known as nutrients. Pollution from nutrients harms our natural waterbodies – springs, lakes, and rivers – by causing algae blooms and poor water quality. more

The ghost orchid is endemic to southwestern Florida and western Cuba. It is estimated that its population has declined by more than 90% worldwide, and by up to 50% in Florida. more

With 50 deaths from 2015 to 2024, Florida leads the nation in lightning-related fatalities, according to the Lightning Safety Council. more

A study analyzed the results of shorelines in the regions around Cedar Key, an island off Florida's Nature Coast, during Hurricane Idalia in 2023. Researchers found living shorelines reduce wave energy and storm surge by 28% in hurricane environments. more

In the past, local mitigation plans primarily focused on repairing roads or protecting property from storm damage, without acknowledging that socially vulnerable groups, such as low-income or elderly populations, were more likely to be the hardest hit and take significantly longer to recover. Ivis García , Texas A&M University and Shannon Van Zandt , Texas A&M University When powerful storms hit your city, which neighborhoods are most … more

Hurricane season officially began June 1st, making this the perfect time to review how natural systems like wetlands and floodplains protect our communities—and how you can prepare for severe weather. more

In Florida, preparation isn’t optional—it’s essential. Whether you’re a longtime resident or facing your first storm season, knowing what to do before, during, and after a hurricane can make all the difference. more

NOAA forecasts 13 to 19 named storms in a season with 60% chance to be above normal. more

Pittman: “How did we get here? Bear in mind that we’re a state surrounded on three sides by water, so we’re especially vulnerable to a rising sea level. Yet our state has seen rampant overdevelopment in flood-prone spots in recent years.” more

Each disaster relief pack can meet a family’s immediate nutritional needs for three days and does not require warming or refrigeration. more