Environment | Enterprise

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ENVIRONMENT  |  ENTERPRISE

The manatee may re-enter endangered species list after population decline

By Kylie Williams | Jan. 16, 2024

Florida’s manatee population has struggled over the past few years, leading many petitioners to call for its re-entry to the endangered species list. In 2017, the manatee was reclassified from “endangered” to “threatened” by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Save the Manatee Club filed a joint petition in 2022 to put the Florida manatee back on the endangered species list. 

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ENVIRONMENT  |  ENTERPRISE

North central Florida farmers, experts find new ways to combat citrus greening

By Kylie Williams | Jan. 8, 2024

Huanglongbing, or citrus greening disease, has ravaged the citrus industry in Florida over the past two decades. Since the disease was first detected in 2005, it has reduced citrus production by over 75% and cost the industry billions of dollars in lost revenue.  Researchers have studied the disease for decades but have yet to find a lasting solution to citrus greening. 

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ENVIRONMENT  |  ENTERPRISE

UF graduate student locked in legal battle over Spruce Creek

By Kylie Williams | Nov. 20, 2023

A UF student filed a lawsuit with Bryon White, Bear Warriors United and The Sweetwater Coalition of Volusia County April 18. The case was filed against the Florida Department of Transportation and the St. Johns River Water Management District, with the primary concern an I-95 interchange will cause excess environmental harm. 

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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. 

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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.  

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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. 

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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. 

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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. 

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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.