Environment

House Says No To Tracking Sickness Caused By Toxic Algae

Thomas Andrew Gustafson — Tue, 30 Apr 2013 21:27:12 +0000

An amendment to a water pollution bill wanting to track toxic algae deaths and illnesses failed in the Florida House Tuesday. It didn’t pass because opponents say it’s unnecessary and wouldn’t help the bill’s job improving the state’s water quality. Those behind the bill say, not voting for the bill was a big mistake.

Apalachicola Oyster Report Thinks Of Ways To Repopulate The Bay

Thomas Andrew Gustafson — Fri, 26 Apr 2013 20:27:14 +0000

Experts say poor water flow began the ecological crisis in Apalachicola Bay and its effect on the juvenile oysters caused the extreme decline in the shellfish’s population. And a new report out this week by Florida SeaGrant at the University of Florida details the practical steps to alleviate the area’s hardships.

Florida Sues BP For $5.4 Billion; Lawmakers Want To Create A Trust Fund

Lynn Hatter — Tue, 23 Apr 2013 20:25:49 +0000

Oil washed ashore for weeks and months following the spill from a rig operated by BP, denting tourism and damaging coastal shorelines.

Places like Franklin Wakulla and Escambia, where the local economy is driven off of tourism and fishing, saw the most damage. Those areas are still recovering from the spill, even though tourism has been on the rebound. Florida is suing BP for $5.4 billion in damages, something Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi called a last resort after BP didn’t respond to a settlement offer.

Earth Day Comes To The Capitol Early With Science Experiments For Students

Thomas Andrew Gustafson — Fri, 19 Apr 2013 20:48:26 +0000

Earth Day isn’t until April 22^nd, but on Friday the Florida Department of Environmental Protection opened up the courtyard at Florida’s Capitol to local students to learn about science careers and protecting the Environment.

Under a tent lined with caution tape in the Capitol Building Courtyard you’ll find emergency responder John Johnson with his oxygen tank. The kids are local elementary students testing out breathing through the tank’s facemask.

Environmentalists Praise Proposal To Track Algae-Caused Sickness

Thomas Andrew Gustafson — Tue, 16 Apr 2013 21:34:15 +0000

When nutrient levels – nutrients like phosphorus and nitrogen – are too high in Florida’s waterways, toxic algae blooms erupt damaging the ecosystem. The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) has a bill moving through the legislature that would put the State in charge of the problem. But environmentalists worry the bill won’t help as much as it should. So a new amendment to the bill is piquing their interest.