Manatees

Florida’s Week Reviewed: From Rescued Manatees to a Reopened Fort De Soto — Catch Up on the Sunshine State’s Top Stories

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Tampa, FL — Florida’s headlines this past week captured a broad spectrum of occurrences, from significant weather impacts and unusual criminal activities to local wildlife gatherings due to weather extremes. Among these stories, notable events included the reopening of Fort De Soto Park’s amenities post-hurricane damage, various severe criminal allegations, and the community-oriented rescue efforts in Tampa. After suffering damage from Hurricanes Helene and Milton, Fort De Soto Park’s officials announced the reopening of its facilities including the fort, dog beach, and fishing piers. This reopening marks a significant step towards normalization for the area’s … Read more

Federal Judge Keeps Hope Alive for Manatees, Refuses to Dismiss Florida Lawsuit Over Lagoon Pollution

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Orlando, FL — A groundbreaking lawsuit is testing Florida’s commitment to its endangered species as the state grapples with the fallout of persistent sewage discharges into the Indian River Lagoon, pointing fingers at the state’s practices that have allegedly driven manatees to the brink. A federal judge this week allowed the legal challenge by Bear Warriors United, an environmental group, to proceed, outlining a battle over the survival of the state’s treasured but struggling marine mammal population. In a recent decision, U.S. District Judge Carlos Mendoza dismissed a motion by the Florida Department of Environmental … Read more