Environmental groups react to Florida ban on balloon releases
Balloons have long been used to celebrate or commemorate life’s biggest moments. However, celebratory releases will soon be a thing of the past in Florida. House Bill 321 will ban the intentional release of all balloons, including those that are biodegradable.
Billions of Gallons of Freshwater Are Dumped at Florida’s Coasts. Environmentalists Want That Water in the Everglades
Environmental groups want to use engineered wetlands to help replenish the river of grass and address toxic algae. The state’s politically powerful sugar growers say those wetlands are for their own polluted water.
Is wet weather in South Florida impacting Lake Okeechobee water levels?
The rain has been coming down all throughout the Sunshine State, so what impact will that have water levels at Lake Okeechobee?
Why new way to measure Lake Okeechobee levels may be confusing
Out at Lake Okeechobee, there is visible blue-green algae on both the lake side and canal side of the Port Mayaca Lock.
Army Corps of Engineers releases new water management plan for Lake Okeechobee
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has announced an updated schedule for releasing water from Lake Okeechobee, focusing on environmental impacts and downstream effects.
Visitors interact with stingrays at Florida Oceanographic Coastal Center in Martin County
Visitors interact with stingrays before the start of the stingray program Wednesday, May 22, 2024, at the Florida Oceanographic Coastal Center, 890 N.E. Ocean Blvd., on Hutchinson Island in Martin County.
Environmental groups, Stuart to request EPA to intervene in clean water efforts
The biggest takeaway from Thursday's Rivers Coalition meeting was an announcement that five environmental groups and the city of Stuart will submit a formal request to the Environmental Protection Agency asking them to intervene in Florida’s water management efforts.
Manatee deaths decline for first time in five years, researchers skeptical that will last
Manatees had been dying off in record numbers in Florida in recent years, but that has changed for the first time in five years.
In Search Of A Laid-Back, Nature-Packed Florida Vacation
Anyone who loves Florida’s beaches should absolutely visit the Florida Oceanographic Coastal Center to learn about the environmental challenges faced by its coastal ecosystems—and the innovative ways that scientists and volunteers are working to mitigate them.
Letter to the Editor: Storm Season Means Lake Discharges
Many remember the “Lost Summers” of 2013, 2016 and 2018, when serious algal blooms caused severe economic repercussions.
Environmental issues prompt opposition to new street lighting on Hutchinson Island
Sea turtle safety and light pollution are reasons some South Hutchinson Island residents want a section of A1A darker than state transportation officials are proposing.
Maritime structure marks 100 years in existence, so why is no one celebrating?
For the past two weeks, the St. Lucie Lock and Dam in Martin County has been quiet as there has been a pause in freshwater discharges from Lake Okeechobee.
Eastbound discharges from Lake Okeechobee are over, Army Corps says
Last week, officials announced a two week pause in eastbound discharges from Lake Okeechobee.
Improving the Indian River Lagoon one seagrass mat at a time
With recent discharges from Lake Okeechobee into the Indian River Lagoon impacting marine wildlife, local community members are taking matters into their own hands. And it all begins with seagrass.
Spinning fish? No, it's not normal, but it's happening in Florida
It's a concerning phenomenon happening to many marine wildlife, including sawfish: abnormal spinning and whirling.
'We're helping the river get better,' volunteers assemble seagrass mats for restoration project
Volunteers create seagrass mats that will be used to help restore seagrass meadows in the Indian River Lagoon on Tuesday, April 2, 2024, at Florida Oceanographic Society on Hutchinson Island in Martin County.
2-week pause in Lake Okeechobee discharges is 'woefully inefficient,' US Rep. Brian Mast says
For the second time this month, U.S. Rep. Brian Mast, R-Fla., has sent a letter to the Army Corps of Engineers regarding the ongoing discharges from Lake Okeechobee.
Water releases from Lake Okeechobee to continue through March 29
Water releases from the lake will continue through March 29 followed by a two-week break. However, environmentalists said it is not enough time for the fragile St. Lucie Estuary and its marine fisheries to recover.
Marine biologist calls state's fine against Sandpiper Bay and Resort for mangrove cutting 'slap on the wrist'
May the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) was investigating more than 17,000 square feet of mangroves cut down along the shoreline of the Sandpiper Bay and Resort on the South Fork of the St. Lucie River in Port St. Lucie.
Seagrass matting efforts helping to restore the vital plant in the Indian River Lagoon
At Florida Oceanographic, researchers were joined by volunteers this week in attaching seagrass fragments to burlap mats, a step that helps get the vital plant back where it belongs.
Attack of the Killer Jellyfish! Not really, but what to know about by-the-wind sailors
These breezy March days, as the tide recedes along South Florida beaches, some beachgoers are noticing small objects left behind at the high tide line. They're the size and shape of a human ear. They're electric blue and deep purple — the same color and texture as the Portuguese men-of-war common to Florida beaches.
Resort pays high fine for destroying mangrove forest that will take 25 years to regrow
A Treasure Coast resort has paid one of the steepest mangrove-cutting fines in state history for illegally cutting about 944 mangrove trees to nubs along the St. Lucie River shoreline. The state also has issued a second fine in the case to an unpermitted West Palm Beach landscaping company.
Army Corps will continue Lake O releases despite algae found in St. Lucie River
Lake Okeechobee discharges have not sparked toxic algae blooms in the St. Lucie River yet, but Treasure Coast scientists, residents and business owners are worried about the impending possibility.
Treasure Coast residents rail against Lake Okeechobee discharges at Rivers Coalition
Treasure Coast residents railed against Lake Okeechobee discharges to the St. Lucie River in Stuart Thursday during the River Coalition’s monthly meeting.
'It impacts our health': Treasure Coast residents voice worries as discharges from Lake Okeechobee continue
Concern over water releases from Lake Okeechobee was front and center Thursday at a Rivers Coalition meeting.
Army Corps attends public meeting in Stuart, discusses Lake O discharges with residents
Lake Okeechobee discharges have started, and people who live in communities near the impacted waterways are not so happy.
Environmental experts respond to Lake Okeechobee discharge into Indian River Lagoon and St. Lucie River
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has begun releasing water from Lake Okeechobee after citing higher-than-average water levels from El Niño conditions. Many local environmental experts say they are worried.
Massive Lake Okeechobee discharges to come this weekend, officials announce
This weekend, the Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) is going to begin a massive release of water from Lake Okeechobee for the first time in months.
El Niño rains to blame for Lake Okeechobee water sent to the St. Lucie River, Stuart
Lake Okeechobee water will start pouring into the St. Lucie River on Saturday.
Environmentalists warn of impacts ahead of Lake Okeechobee discharges
Residents along Florida's east coast are bracing for the floodgates, which hold back water from Lake Okeechobee, to open Saturday.
