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Saturday, April 05, 2025

Kylie Williams

Alligator Staff Writer

Kylie Williams is the Fall 2024 Enterprise Editor and a junior journalism major. Previously, she worked for the enterprise desk as the environment reporter. In her free time, she can be found reading, baking or watching reality TV with her cat.


ENVIRONMENT  |  ENTERPRISE

Experts work to manage invasive species across Florida

The state is home to roughly 500 non-native species, according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. Florida’s subtropical climate, multiple ports of entry and rampant animal trade makes the state a global hotspot for invasives, the FWC reports.  UF researchers are monitoring some of the most high-profile non-natives, especially those that could be harmful to Florida. However, some Floridians find benefits in their new neighbors, and have advocated for certain species to stay. 

ENVIRONMENT  |  ENTERPRISE

Cleanup of Gainesville hazardous waste site continues to stall

Since the 1990s, the companies responsible for the Cabbot Koppers Superfund site cleanup have been working to remove contaminants from the site and the surrounding Stephen Foster neighborhood. The hazardous chemicals from the site have raised concerns for Pearce and other residents, who worry about potential risks to human and environmental health. The future of the site is also in question, as remedial efforts are extending years longer than originally planned.  The superfund site contains two properties: a charcoal and pine tar plant previously owned by Cabot Carbon, and a wood treatment facility operated by Koppers Inc. Activity at the site began in the early 1900s and lasted almost a century, with Koppers being the last to end operation in 2010.

ENVIRONMENT  |  ENTERPRISE

Gainesville community implements urban farms to fight food insecurity

In Alachua County, 11.1% of the population is food insecure, according to the Florida Department of Health. In the last decade, several urban farms have sprouted in an effort to combat local food insecurity. These community gardens also tackle other issues stemming from food insecurity, including educating citizens and addressing systemic inequality. 

ENVIRONMENT  |  ENTERPRISE

Gambling revenue may be used for Florida’s environment under new bill

In 2021, Gov. Ron DeSantis signed a gaming compact with the Seminole Tribe of Florida. The compact provided the Seminole Tribe exclusive rights in running gambling activities on tribal lands. In exchange, the tribe agreed to give $2.5 billion of its revenue to the state for the first five years the compact is in place.  Under SB 1638, 96% of these annual funds would go to Florida’s environmental resources. 

ENVIRONMENT  |  ENTERPRISE

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

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. 

ENVIRONMENT  |  ENTERPRISE

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

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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