If you’ve ever hunted for seashells on a Florida beach, you know that magical feeling of discovering a perfect piece of the ocean’s treasure. For me, that beach was Boca Grande — a quiet stretch of sand where the shells are plentiful and the water is clear. But lately, Boca Grande isn’t making headlines for…
Florida wildlife officials are asking for the public’s help in tracking down one of the state’s most elusive and dazzling creatures — the rainbow snake. Nicknamed the “Eel Moccasin” for its habit of lurking around rivers and springs and feeding primarily on eels, this vibrantly striped, nonvenomous reptile is so rare that it is often…
With Labor Day soon to be behind us, visitors heading to Rainbow Springs State Park should take note: tubing and tram operations along the Rainbow River will be shifting to their fall schedule, although the main park will continue to remain open from 8 a.m. to sunset daily. According to the Florida State Parks system,…
If you missed the official peak of the Perseid Meteor Shower this week, don’t worry — there’s still time to see one of the year’s best sky shows in Florida. The Perseids remain active until August 24, and this weekend could offer better viewing conditions than the peak itself. The shower’s brightest nights, August 11–13,…
A new Florida law aimed at curbing dangerous driving behavior officially went into effect earlier this summer, introducing criminal penalties for extreme speeding on state roadways. Known as the “Super Speeder” law, the measure allows law enforcement to charge drivers with a criminal offense if they are caught traveling at 100 miles per hour or…
When people think of fall foliage, Florida usually isn’t the first place that comes to mind—but don’t count the Sunshine State out just yet. From tree-lined scenic byways to cozy festivals and quirky roadside stops, there are plenty of fall-worthy road trips that prove Florida can hold its own in the autumn adventure department. Whether…
Getting to Florida’s award-winning beaches just got easier—especially for those who need a little extra help. Thanks to a $120,000 grant from Surfing’s Evolution & Preservation Foundation, three of Florida’s most beloved coastal state parks are now equipped with brand-new, accessible trams designed to help visitors with mobility challenges reach the shore. The trams will…
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…
