Spring has arrived and wildlife is becoming more active, including our state’s black bears.
The spawning season closure for permit inside the Special Permit Zone in south Florida starts April 1. This closure includes all state and federal waters south of Cape Sable on the Gulf coast, and south of Cape Florida on the Atlantic coast including all of the Florida Keys and Biscayne Bay south of Rickenbacker Causeway.
Permit will reopen inside the Special Permit Zone on Aug. 1.
(The Center Square) — A recently released report has shown huge growth in Florida's manufacturing sector, which is responsible for almost half a million jobs in the Sunshine State.
(The Center Square) — A recent study has found that K-12 spending in Florida had one of the lowest increases nationally between 2002 and 2020.
The Reason Foundation released the Public Education at a Crossroads study that showcases the spending habits of every state in regards to K-12 public education spending, enrollment levels, teacher salaries, and staffing - and data shows that Florida ranks 43rd in the nation.
The recreational harvest of greater amberjack in Atlantic state waters will close on April 1 and remain closed through April 30.
Last year, the FWC Commission approved a rule to establish an April recreational spawning season closure consistent with the current commercial closure. The new rule went into effect in late 2023, following the implementation of consistent regulations for adjacent Atlantic federal waters.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is sharing the reminder that sea turtles are starting to nest on our beaches. Residents and visitors can play a big part in helping to protect vulnerable nesting sea turtles this spring and summer while visiting Florida’s coastal habitats.
With nesting season underway for shorebirds, seabirds and wading birds, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is sharing tips with beachgoers on how to help protect our waterbirds while enjoying the shore.
During this time of year, many shorebird and seabird species nest directly on beaches across the state where their eggs and chicks are well camouflaged in the sand. Colonies of wading birds, such as herons, will typically nest on mangrove islands off the coast.
Modified Phase I Water Shortage Order remains in effect Districtwide
(The Center Square) — Foreign-owned social media platforms such as TikTok could face a big change in the Sunshine State if a bill currently being advanced by the Florida Senate gets signed into law.
Senate Bill 1448 is sponsored by state Sen. Joe Gruters, R-Sarasota, and would add transparency for social media platforms operating in Florida that are owned by foreign adversaries.
