Environment | Enterprise - The Independent Florida Alligator

Algae at Fanning Spring on the Suwannee River. Photo by John Moran.

ENVIRONMENT | ENTERPRISE

Activists and officials fear irreversible damage to Alachua County’s Springs

By Kylie Williams | Nov. 6, 2023

Dozens of springs are nestled in or near Alachua County, serving as a valued resource and a recreational draw. However, Florida’s springs have been a battleground for decades. Activists, local and state government officials, corporations and citizens often disagree on the extent to which the springs should be protected.

Bee City original organizer and volunteer Janice Garry plants pollinator-friendly native plants at the Grow Hub on Saturday, Oct. 21, 2023.

ENVIRONMENT | ENTERPRISE

Gainesville’s inaugural Bee City USA native garden installed at community planting event

By Kylie Williams | Oct. 23, 2023

The Grow Hub garden, teeming with native plants that are pollinator-friendly, is the first Bee City USA green space in Gainesville. The City of Gainesville was certified as a bee city in January and is now working toward installing local pollinator landscapes.

A young alligator drifts near the shore of Lake Alice on Wednesday, Oct. 6, 2023.

ENVIRONMENT | ENTERPRISE

UF hosts first round of Lake Alice watershed management workshops

By Kylie Williams | Oct. 9, 2023

Watershed management workshops are the first step in an initiative to develop a comprehensive watershed management plan with Lake Alice in mind. Sixty percent of all stormwater on UF’s campus drains into the lake, which has suffered a long history of mismanagement and poor infrastructure.

Lionel receives kisses from Office Manager/Board Secretary of Critter Creek Sheena Drost at Critter Creek on Wednesday, Sept. 20, 2023.

ENVIRONMENT | ENTERPRISE

Alachua County community debates ethics of local meat production

By Kylie Williams | Sep. 25, 2023

For many, agriculture and animal farming is a way of life. Supporters of animal agriculture claim it provides a wealth of jobs and economic benefits. Yet, a growing number of activists and scientists say the local meat production industry harms the environment and subjects animals to severe abuse.

Environmental activist groups hold up signs supporting the protection of the springs at Alachua County Library on Monday, Aug. 28, 2023.

ENVIRONMENT | ENTERPRISE

Activists clash with FDEP over springs regulations

By Kylie Williams | Sep. 11, 2023

Florida’s freshwater springs overflow with life, combining rich biodiversity with community recreation. Yet, springs activists argue a once-pristine environment is at risk of being ruined. For nearly a decade, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection has been locked in legal battles with springs activists about Florida spring preservation. On Aug. 11, the FDEP proposed revisions to Chapter 62-41.400-403, F.A.C., which the agency claims will limit excessive harm to springs.

ENVIRONMENT | ENTERPRISE

Gov. Ron DeSantis issues state of emergency for Alachua County ahead of Tropical Storm Idalia

By Kylie Williams | Aug. 28, 2023

Tropical Storm Idalia, which started brewing in the Gulf of Mexico, is showing signs it could organize into a hurricane. The storm is projected to hit the Florida Big Bend region by early Wednesday, though its exact path is still uncertain.