If you’ve ever been frustrated by how short Florida’s Atlantic red snapper season is, here’s your chance to get in on something different. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) just announced that applications are now open for Year 2 of a special fishing program that gives selected anglers permission to catch red snapper…
Looking to add a little adrenaline to your spooky season plans? Pinecrest is serving up the perfect thrill—zombie chases included, but no risk of actually getting eaten. The Pinecrest Zombie Run is set to take place on Saturday, October 18, 2025, turning Evelyn Greer Park into ground zero for a spooky, high-energy evening. Hosted by…
While most people associate bison with the Great Plains or Yellowstone National Park, few realize that a herd of these massive animals roam freely right here in Florida. At Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park, located just south of Gainesville, visitors might spot wild bison and even Florida Cracker horses grazing across the sweeping savanna. The…
Florida is no stranger to the weird and wonderful. Sure, the Sunshine State is known for its beaches, gators, and amusement parks — but take a few detours off the beaten path and you’ll discover a whole other side of the state, one filled with cryptids, cosmic claims, and underwater stage shows. Here are some…
A routine welfare check in the R-section of Palm Coast led to the discovery of nearly 100 cats crammed into a single residence, according to a post made by the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office this morning. Deputies responding to the home found an elderly resident attempting to care for 96 cats. While no intentional neglect…
More than 7,000 gallons of untreated wastewater spilled into Winston Creek in Lakeland, prompting an emergency environmental response that stretched into the early hours of Tuesday morning. According to reporting officials, the incident began around 12:00 PM on July 21, when city workers inspecting sewer lines discovered a leak spewing sewage into the nearby waterway….
The so-called flesh-eating bacteria is trending again among the Florida headlines — but should you be worried? While total cases are actually down compared to recent years, new data does show that deadly infections are still being reported in multiple counties across the state. The bacteria, known scientifically as Vibrio vulnificus, naturally occurs in warm,…
Florida health officials have confirmed a new human case of West Nile Virus (WNV) in Escambia County during the week of July 6–12, 2025, marking the latest development in the state’s ongoing mosquito-borne illness surveillance efforts. The case is part of broader arbovirus monitoring across Florida, which includes viruses such as Eastern equine encephalitis (EEEV),…
The fentanyl crisis continues to claim lives across the United States—and Florida has not been spared from its devastating impact. In response, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) launched Faces of Fentanyl, a powerful tribute to those lost to fentanyl-related overdoses. The physical memorial wall is located at DEA Headquarters in Arlington, Virginia (700 Army Navy…
Floridia might be known for sunshine and palm trees, but some cities in the Sunshine State are feeling the heat in more ways than one. A new report by WalletHub has ranked the most and least stressed cities in the U.S. for 2025—and several Florida metros didn’t escape the stress radar. The annual study analyzed…
The State of Florida has scheduled the executions of two death row inmates later this month, following the latest death warrant filings signed by Governor Ron DeSantis. According to official records published by the Florida Supreme Court, Michael B. Bell and Edward J. Zakrzewski II are slated to be executed at Florida State Prison in…
A multi-state human trafficking conspiracy that preyed on vulnerable women across the Florida Panhandle and southern Alabama has been dismantled, according to federal prosecutors—exposing a chilling scheme that involved bonding women out of jail only to enslave them into the sex trade. Kimberly Robinson Gandy, 47, of Gulfport, Mississippi, was convicted on Wednesday, June 18,…
Florida has been named among 13 states involved in a growing multistate outbreak of Listeria monocytogenes linked to prepackaged chicken fettuccine alfredo meals sold at Walmart and Kroger grocery stores. The outbreak, which is currently under investigation by the FDA, USDA, and CDC, has already sickened 17 people across the country. Of those, 16 have…
As Florida contends with seasonal surges in mosquito-borne illnesses like dengue and West Nile virus, a new discovery in malaria prevention could help shape future approaches to vector control — and possibly benefit not just the Sunshine State, but all of humanity. Researchers from the Harvard School of Public Health, in collaboration with the NIH,…
It has been 20 years since citrus greening—also known as Huanglongbing (HLB)—was first detected in Florida. In that time, the bacterial disease has reshaped the state’s iconic citrus industry, slashing orange production considerably, decimating family-run groves, and turning the future of Florida orange juice into a multimillion-dollar question. First confirmed in south Miami-Dade County in…
Florida posted one of the highest foreclosure rates in the country last month, according to a newly released report from property data analytics firm ATTOM. The state ranked second nationally for foreclosure filings in May 2025, with one in every 2,536 housing units impacted. The report, released Tuesday, highlights a troubling trend for several Florida…
Last night the Florida State Parks announced the passing of Lu the hippopotamus, a cherished resident of Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park for more than six decades. The post stated that Lu, who recently celebrated his 65th birthday, was more than just a longtime inhabitant of the park — he was a living…
Can we save the Florida manatee before it’s too late? Well, according to the most current data from 2023, the Florida manatee population numbers around 8,800, but hundreds of them die off of Florida’s coasts every year with around another hundred ending up at rescues like Manatee Rescue & Rehabilitation Partnership. Despite a gradual decrease in annual…
As Florida heats up this summer, there’s no better way to cool down than by dipping into the Sunshine State’s famous clear blue springs. With year-round temperatures averaging a refreshing 72°F, these natural swimming holes are a go-to for locals and tourists looking to beat the heat — and they’re especially perfect for summer 2025….
Legislation aimed at protecting animals during emergencies is now in the hands of Governor Ron DeSantis. The bill, known as “Trooper’s Law” (CS/SB 150), passed unanimously in both chambers of the Florida Legislature and was officially presented to the Governor on May 23, 2025. If signed into law — or allowed to pass without the…
When the television series Yellowstone first aired, it captivated viewers with its drama, scenery, and cowboy grit—but for those paying attention, it was more than just a hit show. It was a warning. A warning that Floridians—especially as car washes quietly popped up on every street corner—should have taken to heart. (Seriously, who is approving…
Flooding for coastal areas in Florida is likely to get worse, according to data from the past year. The data, provided by the National Sea Level Explorer, a government website, reveals that Florida’s sea levels have increased by 7 inches from the 1970s to the present day, highlighting the ongoing impact of climate change on…
Residents who think they can legally harvest berries from their own backyards may want to think again. Under Florida law, picking the olive-shaped fruit known as saw palmetto berries without proper authorization can result in significant fines and even criminal charges. According to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), officers respond to numerous…
When most people think of Florida, the images that come to mind usually include swaying palm trees, white sandy beaches, and endless sunshine. And while those visions are certainly part of the picture, they don’t tell the whole story. Beyond the paradise-like Instagram photos, there’s another side to the Sunshine State that most tourists —…
Following a recent fatal alligator attack in the Tiger Creek area of eastern Polk County, local law enforcement and wildlife officials are urging residents and visitors to exercise caution near the water. Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd and Sergeant Michael Hill were recently photographed holding a newly installed warning sign intended to alert the public…
With year-round sunshine, a booming tourism industry, and a growing network of indie creatives, Florida is quietly becoming a haven for actors and filmmakers looking to break into the industry — without the sky-high costs and competition of Hollywood. Orlando native Dalton Burdette, 28, is part of that movement. A filmmaker who writes, directs, and produces…
On January 21, Yaquelin Dominguez-Nieves, 26, of Sebring, Florida, pleaded guilty in federal court to conspiring to smuggle migrants into the United States, a crime that led to a deadly boat sinking off the coast of Florida. Court documents and testimony revealed that Dominguez-Nieves, who entered the U.S. illegally, played a central role in a human smuggling…
A major collaborative effort between the Citrus County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) Animal Control Officers and Citrus County Animal Services has resulted in the rescue of 90 dogs from a Hernando home. Describing the living conditions as “deplorable” and “severe,” Animal Control Officers (ACO) were alerted to the situation following a routine check of the property. The…
A Florida man has less than a month to live, if court proceedings go as planned. The Florida Supreme Court has set a rapid timeline for proceedings in the case of James D. Ford, whose death sentence is under review as his execution date approaches. Ford, convicted in 1999 for a brutal double homicide in Charlotte County, Florida,…
Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody has officially announced that she will be stepping down from her current role to pursue a seat in the United States Senate, marking a significant career transition after years of shaping state policy and leading legal battles on behalf of Floridians. In a heartfelt statement, Moody reflected on the pride and honor…
