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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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What Florida Commercial Property Owners Should Check After a Hurricane, Even When a Building Looks Fine
Learn how Florida commercial property owners can spot hidden hurricane damage, inspect key areas, and know when to call a structural engineer. 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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With Florida expected to experience another hotter-than-average summer, health experts are reminding residents that heat-related illnesses can develop quickly and become life-threatening. Florida Blue is encouraging people to stay hydrated, avoid peak afternoon heat, and recognize the warning signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke.
Florida Blue urges residents to take summer heat seriously as temperatures climb
With Florida expected to experience another hotter-than-average summer, health experts are reminding residents that heat-related illnesses can develop quickly and become life-threatening. Florida Blue is encouraging people to stay hydrated, avoid peak afternoon heat and recognize the warning signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke. more
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HCA Florida Healthcare physicians are encouraging families to take basic safety precautions while enjoying Florida’s waterways this summer. Drowning remains the leading cause of unintentional death among Florida children ages 1 to 4.
Make water safety a priority this summer 
HCA Florida Healthcare physicians are encouraging families to take basic safety precautions while enjoying Florida’s waterways this summer. Drowning remains the leading cause of unintentional death among Florida children ages 1 to 4. 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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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 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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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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Former pro and Orlando native brings free youth basketball clinic to Apopka
Time to Train Athletics Foundation will host a free youth basketball clinic for boys ages 7–17 on June 28 at The Well Activity Center in Apopka, featuring coaching from former professional player Jonathon Thompson. more
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As Orange County grapples with growing traffic congestion and limited options for expanding roadways, former Orange County Commissioner Christine Moore believes communities should focus on simpler solutions. Drawing on ideas from the Strong Towns movement, she argues that investments in walking and biking infrastructure can improve mobility, strengthen neighborhoods, and create long-term economic benefits.
Apopka can build a stronger future one bike ride at a time
As Orange County grapples with growing traffic congestion and limited options for expanding roadways, Christine Moore believes communities should focus on simpler solutions. Drawing on ideas from the Strong Towns movement, she says that investments in walking and biking infrastructure can improve mobility, strengthen neighborhoods, and create long-term economic benefits. 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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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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Homelessness doesn't eliminate basic human needs, including the need for restroom access. In this commentary, Matthew's Hope founder Scott Billue believes that communities should focus on practical solutions that preserve both public spaces and human dignity.
Everyone Poops: A call for dignity, public restrooms, and practical solutions
Homelessness doesn't eliminate basic human needs, including the need for restroom access. In this commentary, Matthew's Hope founder Scott Billue believes that communities should focus on practical solutions that preserve both public spaces and human dignity. 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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Planning a Backyard Wedding in Florida: What Local Couples Often Forget
Planning a Florida backyard wedding? Discover the often-overlooked details—from weather and parking to power, permits, and guest comfort—that can make your big day a success. more
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The Rise of Alternative Youth Sports Across Central Florida
Discover why alternative youth sports like archery, pickleball, swimming, and skateboarding are growing in popularity across Central Florida and helping kids stay active and engaged. more
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Summer Activity Guide for Apopka Kids and Teens
Discover the best summer activities for kids and teens in Apopka, from parks and sports to swimming, camps, arts, volunteering, and family-friendly community events. 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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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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