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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

From the Orange County Newsroom | 6/2/26

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

By Brian Tang, University at Albany, State University of New York | 5/31/26

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

Froom UF/IFAS | 5/27/26

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

From Audubon Florida | 5/25/26

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

By Mitch Perry, Florida Phoenix | 5/24/26

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

From UF/IFAS | 5/20/26

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

By Ryan St Laurent, Assistant Professor of Biology, University of Colorado Boulder | 5/19/26

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

From the Orange County Newsroom | 5/17/26

Pickleball Is Booming In Florida. So Are Injuries Among Older Players

The concern is not that older adults are playing pickleball, but that jumping into a fast, stop-and-start sport without the conditioning, footwear, recovery, or body awareness is leading to widespread injuries. more

By Jeremy Merchant | 5/17/26

Why Water Survival Skills Matter So Early

Swim lessons are about far more than learning strokes or swimming across a pool. Early lessons help children build confidence, comfort, awareness, and foundational water safety skills that can stay with them for life. more

By: Valynn Sala, Owner/Director British Swim School Northwest Orlando | 5/14/26

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

From the Orange County Newsroom | 5/12/26

Kids at the Well Summer Camp expands technology, leadership programs with new computer lab

The Kids at the Well Summer Camp is expanding its curriculum this summer with new technology-focused programs and a computer lab featuring 17 donated computers from AdventHealth. The camp, hosted at the Well Activity Center in Apopka, will also continue offering sports, field trips, creative arts, and faith-centered programming for children ages 4 to 14. more

From Patmos Chapel Seventh-day Adventist Church | 5/11/26

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

From Orange Audubon | 5/10/26

Locations like Alonzo Williams Park are perfect for Apopka’s basketball beginners

From shooting drills to actual games, players can enjoy a fast-paced offering that is never dull. Also being a sport that demands artistic expression and creativity on the court, basketball is a highly accessible option for people of all ages that is both entertaining and rewarding. more

By Felicia Lambert | 5/7/26

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

From the Orange County Newsroom | 5/4/26

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

From the St. Johns River Water Management District | 4/30/26

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

By Zachary Handlos, Georgia Institute of Technology | 4/29/26

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

From the Florida Department of Health in Orange County | 4/27/26

Apopka breaks ground on new soccer fields at Northwest Recreation Complex

Apopka officials have broken ground on six new soccer fields at the Northwest Recreation Complex. The expansion is expected to increase field availability and support larger athletic events. more

From Staff Reports and the City of Apopka | 4/26/26

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

By Merrilee Gasser, Ther Center Square | 4/26/26

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

By Craig Pittman, Florida Phoenix | 4/26/26

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

From the St. Johns River Water Management District | 4/23/26

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

By Stephanie Insalaco-Wyner, Southwestern University and Hannah V. Herrero, University of Tennessee | 4/21/26

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

By Jackie Lebouitz, UF/IFAS | 4/20/26

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

From UF/IFAS | 4/16/26

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South Apopka annexation study finds path forward, but substantial costs remain

Apopka City Commission Meeting - October 7

Apopka City Commission Workshop & Meeting - …

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