environment Archive

Another bear hunt is in the works for December.

Last year, a bear hunt was held in four specified hunting zones. The zones were within four of the seven Bear Management Units across the state. According to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), which approved and regulated the hunt, approximately 52 black bears were harvested, or killed.

Tagged birds passing within 10 miles of Navarre Park will soon be tracked by scientists across the world.

Florida residents will be receiving tax relief on firearms, ammunition and a range of hunting, fishing and camping supplies September through Dec. 31.

On Monday, Sept. 14, Gov. Ron DeSantis announced the start of Florida’s Second Amendment Sales Tax Holiday. This is the second year of the tax holiday.

April is Water Conservation Month. While April is typically a dry month in the Sunshine State, it comes as Florida experiences drought conditions from Escambia County to Monroe County.

The University of West Florida is known for its trails as well as its academics.

Much of the trails traverse through longleaf pine forests. The plant, which once spread over 90 million acres across America, is famously fire-resistant and relies on fires to clear out dead underbrush to make room for its seedlings.

Vernon Compton stands on the edge of Clear Creek Nature Preserve, where Longleaf Alliance, a conservation organization he belongs to, is currently working to create trails for public recreation.

He said it’s an exciting time for conservation in Northwest Florida.

Loxy, a red fox and longtime animal ambassador with Emerald Coast Wildlife Refuge, passed away earlier this year.

Right around the start of 2026, Loxy was diagnosed with bone cancer. During that time, Loxy stopped eating and playing.

The 2025 bear hunt, approved by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission after months of meetings and a comment period, has concluded. In total, 52 black bears were harvested.

Milton City Manager Ed Spears announced Oct. 29 that Locklin Lake’s dredging and shoreline restoration was complete, as he and residents stood on fresh sod as the sun set on the horizon, casting a glow over the lake.

The Florida Department of Environmental Protection is seeking community support for their Trail Town program and related efforts to pave the US-90 Trail Corridor that runs through Mil-ton—a designated “trail town.” Without secured funding, nearly two-thirds of the corridor remains unpaved in Santa Rosa County.