Could she be any cuter? Video of rescued sea turtle Cooter B in the ocean, minus 1 flipper
Last month, a 365-pound green sea turtle was rescued after getting struck by a boat and entangled in a crab trap, according to the Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission.
'LIKE CHOCOLATE MILK': Here's why billions of gallons of freshwater is dumping into St. Lucie River
Billions of gallons of water filled with runoff from surrounding urban and agricultural areas are dumping into the St. Lucie River after significant rainfall filled the new C-44 Reservoir and surrounding canals to dangerously high levels.
‘We’re all connected to the Everglades’ Foundation showcases personal tales about the Florida Everglades’ impact
With the possible exception of the boundary lands separating Canada and Minnesota, the Florida peninsula is a geographic fabric unlike any other in North America or even the world.
Three local Indian River Lagoon restoration projects will benefit from proposed $9.4 million in funding from NOAA
Three local endeavors to improve the health of the Indian River Lagoon alongside the North Barrier Island are among 15 projects earmarked for $9.4 million in proposed federal funding to be spent over the next three years.
Residents fight golf courses in Jonathan Dickinson State Park
Martin County leaders, residents and environmentalists are scrambling to halt the development of Jonathan Dickinson State Park, which would include clearing huge swaths of native scrub habitat to build three golf courses.
Treasure Coast environmentalists excited about new Lake Okeechobee discharge schedule
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ new Lake Okeechobee water release schedule went into effect on Monday after years of the Corps working with local agencies and other stakeholders to create the new plan. The new discharge schedule is called The Lake Okeechobee System Operating Manual.
Army Corps finally signs historic new Lake O management plan
The new plan to regulate Lake Okeechobee’s level and curb harmful discharges to the St. Lucie River took effect Monday after five years of work, officials announced Tuesday.
A state agency involved in the restoration of the historic Everglades voted Thursday to spend $6 million on a water quality treatment component to the Caloosahatchee River reservoir, often called C-43.
A state agency involved in the restoration of the historic Everglades voted Thursday to spend $6 million on a water quality treatment component to the Caloosahatchee River reservoir, often called C-43.
FROG TAKEOVER: Why development may be helping the Cuban tree frog overrun Florida
You know them for their bulging eyes, webbed feet and distinctive raspy call. We're talking about the invasive Cuban tree frog, and this isn't the typical invasive species you're used to seeing.
Deep Dive: Seagrass shows signs of life in the Indian River Lagoon
Seagrass appears to be making a comeback — at least for now, at least to a limited degree and at least in some areas — in the Indian River Lagoon.
Waters at Port Mayaca Lock showed toxin levels 60 times what the EPA considers safe
Algal blooms that are harmful to humans and animals have been building up at the gates of Port Mayaca. Water samples taken in the area at the end of June, showed toxin levels 60 times what the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency considers safe to touch.
A 13-foot great white shark has been hanging out off the Treasure Coast
Floridians are constantly surrounded by marine life, big or small. Many times we don’t even know it. Most recently, a more than 13-foot great white shark named Breton was tracked off the coast of Hutchinson Island in Fort Pierce.
Florida Oceanographic Coastal Center works to protect marine life, water quality, beaches
The Coastal Center on Hutchinson Island is a place where folks can learn about area coastal ecosystems and environmental stewardship and have fun while doing it.
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.