Author name: bruce

The state’s fish and wildlife agency today proposed a rule that would reduce grouper fishing in anticipation of new federal restrictions. But the agency also went further by banning commercial grouper fishing in state waters for an additional month as requested by recreational anglers. Grouper are among the most popular sport fish in Florida’s Gulf […]

A measure that would prohibit the commercial harvest of freshwater turtles in the wild received preliminary approval from the state’s wildlife agency on Wednesday. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission voted unanimously to move forward with a proposed rule intended to protect turtles and halt increasing shipments of turtles to Asia for food. The

Ichetuckneee Springs State Park Florida’s home builders and developers got more than they expected Tuesday when a bill that would extend the life of permits for developments was amended to include springs protection. SB 2026 was amended by the Senate Committee on Environmental Preservation and Conservation to include the bulk of SB 274, the “Florida

Agriculture Commissioner Charles Bronson during a Cabinet meeting today challenged other supporters of the state’s Florida Forever land-buying program to determine how many more acres the state needs for conservation. The state has purchased 2.4 million acres since 1990 under Florida Forever and a predecessor program. Gov. Charlie Crist proposed $300 million for the program

Gov. Charlie Crist and the Cabinet today will be asked to approve a new Florida Forever list even as the House and Senate propose to eliminate funding for the land-buying program after nearly 20 years of continuous funding. Also, today, the Cabinet will be asked to approve a list of proposed waterfront projects that will

A Senate committee Tuesday is scheduled to consider a proposal to shift the burden of proof for environmental permits from the applicants to agencies and individuals who are filing challenges. A proposed committee substitute for Senate Bill 364 would include the provision that presumes applications submitted by licensed professionals are correct. Sen. Mike Bennett, R-Bradenton,

A former NFL football player-turned-developer has teamed up with Florida Power & Light to plan what the utility says will be the largest solar power array in the world. Developer Syd Kitson and an FP&L; official were joined by environmentalists in Washington to announce the plans to build in Southwest Florida a 75-megawatt solar array

Gov. Charlie Crist said today he called House Speaker Larry Cretul on Monday to urge the House to take action on a bill that would set requirements on utilities for producing renewable energy. HB 1319 would adopt the recommendation of the Florida Public Service Commission and Gov. Charlie Crist that utilities produce at least 20

Copies of the 2009 Florida Forever Conservation Photography Calendar were distributed by groups and agencies at the Capitol on Monday. Image published with permission from University Press of Florida. With budget cuts threatening to end the nation’s largest land conservation program, environmental groups on Monday released poll results they said showed support for the state’s

Two major environmental bills cleared hurdles today in Senate committees but doubts were raised publicly about whether either have a chance of passing this session. SB 1154 by Sen. Jim King, R-Jacksonville, would require utilities to produce at least 20 percent of their electricity from “clean” energy sources including nuclear. Gov. Charlie Crist in 2007