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Shark Science Career Advice: In this episode of Beyond Jaws, we sit down with Kenzie Horton, a passionate early-career shark biologist who's turning childhood snorkel trips into a mission to protect sharks and educate the public. From chasing fish with a disposable underwater camera to studying white shark migration off the Carolinas, Kenzie's story is one of drive, persistence, and unshakable curiosity. She discusses the ups and downs of becoming a marine biologist, how she found her way into shark research, and what she's learned through internships, grad school, and outreach. White shark research: Kenzie walks us through her master's thesis on white shark movements, her work at the Florida Fish and Wildlife Research Institute, and the importance of finding mentors who believe in your goals. She talks candidly about the challenges of breaking into the field, why she turned to TikTok to inspire others, and how she's navigating career decisions post-graduation, including the possibility of a PhD. If you're dreaming of a career in shark science or just love a good marine biology story, this is a must-listen. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ken.seas/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ken.seas Connect with us: Website: https://bit.ly/37TMqeKInstagram: https://bit.ly/3eorwXZ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@beyondjawspodcast7591 Dave: Website: https://www.lostsharkguy.com/ Instagram: https://bit.ly/3q1J9Q5 Andrew: Website: https://www.speakupforblue.com/ Instagram: https://bit.ly/37g5WkG
This week the reptile hobby is buzzing with both controversy and excitement. Florida Fish & Wildlife (FWC) is now showing up at keeper homes for inspections, and we cover the shocking fat tail gecko abuse case. DON'T FORGET DAYTONA NATIONAL REPTILE BREEDERS EXPO JUST PASSED! And we break it all down for you..Sponsored by:MorphMarket: https://www.morphmarket.com/Dubia.com: https://dubiaroaches.com/Coco2Go: https://shop.cocodude.com/MERCH: https://modernreptileshop.com/collections/reptile-merch-for-sale1 Become a Member: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCaQN1-ZcfQ6ulG2hE41lIKw/joinSubscribe & Hit the Bell to STAY INFORMED!Timestamps:HostsYoshii @modernreptileshop Chuckey @madbioreptilesEric @reptiverseThe Reptiles With Podcast covers Repti-Culture with a comedic twist. We aim to give different perspectives on all topics, even the controversial ones.#FWCInspections #ReptileCommunity #geckoabuse #DaytonaReptileExpo #reptilehobby #reptileshow #herpetology #wildlife #reptileexpo #reptilebreeder #reptilekeeper #zookeepers #reptileeducation #reptileswithpodcast #reptilepodcast
In this episode of The Crux True Survival Story Podcast, hosts Kaycee McIntosh and Julie Henningsen unravel the harrowing tale of 7-year-old Calena Areyan Gruber, who miraculously survived a catastrophic accident during sailing camp in Biscayne Bay, Miami. The story highlights the resilience and incredible survival instincts of a child caught in an underwater disaster caused by a massive commercial barge. The episode also delves into the tragic loss of three other young sailors, the regulatory failures in maritime safety, and the urgent need for reform to prevent similar tragedies. The podcast underscores the unpredictable nature of life and the extraordinary capabilities of human survival, particularly in children. 00:00 Introduction to the Crux True Survival Story Podcast 00:31 Setting the Scene: A Tragic Day in Miami Bay 09:53 The Collision: A Catastrophic Event 12:34 Kalina's Extraordinary Survival 16:18 The Aftermath: Rescue and Recovery 24:23 Calls for Maritime Safety Reforms 28:46 Reflections on Youth Sailing Safety 31:23 Conclusion and Listener Engagement who miraculously survived a catastrophic accident during sailing camp in Biscayne Bay, Miami. The story highlights the resilience and incredible survival instincts of a child caught in an underwater disaster caused by a massive commercial barge. The episode also delves into the tragic loss of three other young sailors, the regulatory failures in maritime safety, and the urgent need for reform to prevent similar tragedies. The podcast underscores the unpredictable nature of life and the extraordinary capabilities of human survival, particularly in children. 00:00 Introduction to the Crux True Survival Story Podcast 00:31 Setting the Scene: A Tragic Day in Miami Bay 09:53 The Collision: A Catastrophic Event 12:34 Calena's Extraordinary Survival 16:18 The Aftermath: Rescue and Recovery 24:23 Calls for Maritime Safety Reforms 28:46 Reflections on Youth Sailing Safety 31:23 Conclusion and Listener Engagement Miami Bay Miracle Podcast - References and Sources Primary Incident Sources ABC News "2 children dead after barge strikes sailboat from youth sailing program: Officials" July 29, 2025 https://abcnews.go.com/US/miami-beach-sailboat-capsized-youth-sailing-program/story?id=124149834 CBS Miami "Two children dead after sailboat and barge collision off Miami Beach, officials say" August 5, 2025 https://www.cbsnews.com/miami/news/two-children-killed-sailboat-barge-collision-off-miami-beach/ CNN "Third girl dies after sailboat and barge collision in Miami" August 3, 2025 https://www.cnn.com/2025/08/03/us/miami-boat-accident-crash-death CBS Miami "Third girl dies after sailboat crash with barge near Miami Beach, family and officials confirm" August 4, 2025 https://www.cbsnews.com/miami/news/10-year-old-miami-beach-boat-crash-victim-ari-buchman-died/ Survivor and Family Information Fox Business "Miami sailboat crash survivor's family issues statement after deadly incident" August 2025 https://www.foxbusiness.com/lifestyle/miami-sailboat-crash-survivor-stared-death-face-lawyer-says NBC 6 South Florida "Parents of Calena Gruber, Miami sailing camp tragedy survivor, speak" August 2025 https://www.nbcmiami.com/news/local/family-of-7-year-old-miami-sailing-camp-tragedy-survivor-speaks/3672444/ PEOPLE Magazine "Family of 7-Year-Old Girl Who Survived Miami Boat Crash That Killed 3 Say It's a 'Miracle She's Alive'" August 2025 https://www.yahoo.com/news/articles/family-7-old-girl-survived-100808752.html Miami Herald via Sun Sentinel "'It's a miracle she's alive.' Girl injured in boat crash was trapped under barge" August 4, 2025 https://www.sun-sentinel.com/2025/08/04/girl-seriously-injured-after-biscayne-bay-barge-sailboat-crash-recovering-family-says/ Legal and Investigation Coverage WLRN "Attorney for survivor of deadly sailboat crash calls tragedy 'preventable'" August 5, 2025 https://www.wlrn.org/law-justice/2025-08-04/attorney-for-survivor-of-deadly-sailboat-crash-calls-tragedy-preventable Local 10 WPLG "Lawsuit IDs owner of barge in deadly Biscayne Bay crash with youth sailing camp boat" August 8, 2025 https://www.local10.com/news/local/2025/08/08/lawsuit-ids-owner-of-barge-in-deadly-biscayne-bay-crash-with-youth-sailing-camp-boat/ Leesfield & Partners "Leesfield & Partners Representing Family of Girl, 7, Injured in Miami Beach Deadly Sailboat Crash" August 5, 2025 https://www.floridainjurylawyer-blawg.com/leesfield-partners-representing-family-of-girl-7-injured-in-miami-beach-deadly-sailboat-crash/ Boating Safety Statistics U.S. Coast Guard Boating Safety "2023 Recreational Boating Statistics" 2024 https://www.uscgboating.org/library/accident-statistics/Recreational-Boating-Statistics-2023-Ch2.pdf American Boating Association "Boating Fatality Facts" May 30, 2025 https://americanboating.org/boating_fatality.asp Children's Safety Network "Boating Safety" https://www.childrenssafetynetwork.org/infographics/boating-safety Child Drowning and Near-Drowning Research Children's Safety Network "The Facts On Childhood Drowning" https://www.childrenssafetynetwork.org/infographics/facts-childhood-drowning American Red Cross "Drowning Prevention & Facts" https://www.redcross.org/get-help/how-to-prepare-for-emergencies/types-of-emergencies/water-safety/drowning-prevention-and-facts.html Scandinavian Journal of Trauma, Resuscitation and Emergency Medicine "Neurologic long term outcome after drowning in children" August 15, 2012 https://sjtrem.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/1757-7241-20-55 NeuroLaunch "Near-Drowning's Psychological Impact: Long-Term Effects and Recovery" September 15, 2024 https://neurolaunch.com/psychological-effects-of-near-drowning/ Maritime Safety and Regulation Information NOAA Fisheries "Understanding Vessel Strikes" https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/insight/understanding-vessel-strikes Frontiers in Marine Science "A Global Review of Vessel Collisions With Marine Animals" April 14, 2020 https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/marine-science/articles/10.3389/fmars.2020.00292/full Witness Accounts and Community Response Sailing Anarchy Forums "Two children dead after barge hits sailboat in Biscayne Bay" July 28, 2025 https://forums.sailinganarchy.com/threads/two-children-dead-after-barge-hits-sailboat-in-biscayne-bay.252661/ WLRN "Sailboat crash victims ages 7 and 13, says Coast Guard. Two other kids in critical condition" July 29, 2025 https://www.wlrn.org/south-florida/2025-07-29/biscayne-bay-sailboat-crash-victims-ages-7-and-13-two-other-kids-hospitalized-in-critical-condition Key Facts Confirmed by Multiple Sources: Incident Details: Date: July 28, 2025 Time: Approximately 11:15 AM Location: Between Hibiscus Island and Monument Island, Biscayne Bay, Miami Beach Victims: 6 total (5 children ages 7-13, 1 adult counselor age 19) Casualties: Deceased: Mila Yankelevich (7), Erin Ko Han (13), Arielle Buchman (10 - died August 4) Survivors: Calena Areyan Gruber (7), one unnamed child, adult counselor (19) Survivor Information: Calena Areyan Gruber from Seattle Parents: Karina Gruber Moreno and Enrique Areyan Viqueira Attorney: Justin B. Shapiro, Leesfield & Partners Released from Jackson Memorial Hospital: August 1, 2025 Injuries: Lacerations and contusions throughout body Trapped under 60-foot barge before swimming to safety Legal/Investigation: Coast Guard and Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission investigating Barge owned by Waterfront Construction (Jorge Rivas) Tugboat under 26 feet (no licensed captain required) Multiple lawsuits filed alleging negligence
From Florida's first black bear hunt in a decade to new pheasant camps in the Plains, Fred Bird breaks down your weekly outdoor news and the biggest stories in hunting, fishing, and conservation across the nation. We kick off with Florida's black bear hunt returning for the first time in 10 years. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission voted unanimously to reinstate a highly regulated season with limited tags and fair-chase methods, marking a major win for science-based wildlife management. In Delaware, Governor Matt Meyer officially joins the Governor's Sportsmen's Caucus, strengthening bipartisan support for hunting, angling, and outdoor heritage at the state and national level. Meanwhile, Western states face conservation funding challenges, with agencies in Washington and Oregon navigating historic budget shortfalls that could impact hatcheries, pheasant programs, and wildlife access. On a brighter note, new hunter opportunities are launching in the Great Plains, including South Dakota's first youth deer camp and Nebraska's ladies pheasant hunt program—designed to mentor and recruit the next generation of outdoorsmen and women. Finally, we highlight a prescribed fire project in Kentucky's Daniel Boone National Forest, a critical initiative to restore white oak habitat, strengthen wildlife populations, and support industries like bourbon and wood products. Whether it's hunting policy, fishing access, or other conservation programs, The Sportsmen's Voice is your trusted source for outdoor news that matters. Get the FREE Sportsmen's Voice e-publication in your inbox every Monday: www.congressionalsportsmen.org/newsletter Sign up for FREE legislative tracking through CSF's Tracking the Capitols tool: www.congressionalsportsmen.org/tracking-the-capitols/ Follow The Sportsmen's Voice wherever you get your podcasts: https://podfollow.com/1705085498 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
On this episode of CheloniaCast we are joined by both Brent Fannin and Chase Pirtle, the producers behind the documentary Gopher Games: a short documentary focusing on the potential grim fate of the Gopher Tortoises in Florida. Chase is the Director of the 100-acre Ashton Preserve and has diverse experience in wildlife conservation and study across various states in the U.S. Brent is an award-winning documentary filmmaker, drone pilot, educator, and founder of Golden Hawk Drones. The conversation dives into the process of producing the Gopher Games film, and details some of the major takeaways for both Brent and Chase. A prominent theme of the conversation is the fact that the majority of the commissioners of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission are developers, and why this is not a fair situation for the Gopher Tortoise. The value of the Gopher Tortoise both intrinsically, and instrumentally, is discussed at length as well as the imminent threats they are facing. To learn more about how you can help the Gopher Tortoise, and the entirety of Florida's immensely biodiverse ecosystem by extension, visit the Gopher Games website here: https://gophergamesfilm.com/ Do you think it is not fair that the majority of the leadership of Florida's state wildlife agency have immense incentive to develop the state further? Join 9,290 people that have signed the FWC reform petition here: https://www.change.org/p/reform-the-florida-fish-and-wildlife-conservation-commission View the Gopher Games Documentary here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BURwdKwLoB8 Follow the Gopher Games social media: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gophergamesfilm Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gophergamesfilm Spread the word about the beauty, and plight, of the Gopher Tortoise. Use your voice to make a difference. Learn more about the CheloniaCast Podcast here: https://theturtleroom.org/cheloniacast/ Learn more about the CheloniaCast Podcast Fund here: https://theturtleroom.org/project/cheloniacast-podcast/ Follow the CheloniaCast Podcast on Instagram/Facebook/Twitter @cheloniacast Host and production crew social media - Jason Wills - @chelonian.carter / Michael Skibsted - @michael.skibstedd / Jack Thompson - @jack_reptile_naturalist_302 / Ken Wang - @americanmamushi / Wyatt Keil - @wyatts_wildlife_photography / Paul Cuneo - @paul_turtle_conservation42 / Alex Mione - @alex.mione / Ethan Hancock - @ethankinosternonlover / Torsten Watkins - @t_0_.e
From Florida's black bear season decision to nationwide hunting regulation changes, here's what every outdoorsman should know. In this episode, we dive deep into today's historic Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission vote on reinstating the black bear hunting season. Mark Lance joins us to explore the science-based wildlife management strategies behind the proposal, the surge in Florida's bear population, and how public sentiment—often driven by emotion—shapes these debates. We examine historical bear management in the state, evolving bear hunting methods such as baiting and the use of dogs, and what the commission's decision could mean for conservation. The conversation then shifts to nationwide hunting and conservation policy updates, including the reauthorization of Wisconsin's Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Fund for public lands, Wyoming's open-door approach to public legislative input, and new regulations improving hunter access across the Northeast. We highlight state-level changes such as Maryland's approval of artificial lights for deer recovery, New York's inclusion of crossbows in archery season, and New Hampshire's decision to allow air rifles for big game hunting. We also cover the proposed Wisconsin season for sandhill cranes, the SHARKED Act's approach to shark depredation, and the importance of sportsmen staying engaged with legislative processes. Whether you hunt, fish, or simply care about wildlife management, these updates will keep you informed on the policies shaping the great outdoors. Get the FREE Sportsmen's Voice e-publication in your inbox every Monday: www.congressionalsportsmen.org/newsletter Sign up for FREE legislative tracking through CSF's Tracking the Capitols tool: www.congressionalsportsmen.org/tracking-the-capitols/ Follow The Sportsmen's Voice wherever you get your podcasts: https://podfollow.com/1705085498 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
In this jaw-dropping episode, we follow the bizarre incident of a Florida woman caught smuggling two live turtles in her bra at Miami International Airport. Wrapped in gauze and plastic, one turtle tragically did not survive, while the other was seized by authorities and handed over to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.TSA agents discovered the concealed reptiles after imaging scanners flagged the woman's chest area. Their viral message on social media was as blunt as it was humorous: “Please, stop hiding animals in weird places on your body before airport security” This Week's Featured Hashtag#SuperheroRejectionsOther Interesting ThingsUpside-Down Kiss - Spider-Man (2002)Edna Mode Warns Mr. Incredible About Capes – The Incredibles (2004)Send a text to The Ebone Zone! Support the showIf you have questions or comments email ebonezonepodcast@yahoo.com Follow the Ebone Zone on Twitter: https://twitter.com/OfficialEBZLike the Ebone Zone on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ebonezoneofficial/Visit www.ebonezone.com for more content!
Liesa Priddy grew up in the south part of Immokalee. She owns and operates JB Ranch, a cow-calf operation that focuses on land stewardship and conversation. She has served our state in many capacities including as commissioner of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, on the Ave Maria Stewardship Community District, and the Big Cypress Basin Board to name a few. She was awarded the Land Conservationist of the Year award from the Florida Wildlife Federation in 2011. We can't wait for you to hear about all that she's done in the conservation space in this episode and what it means to back up a claim with scientific knowledge.
Adam Sugalski–who leads the efforts of Bear Defenders, a coalition dedicated to ending bear hunting across the United States; their singular focus currently is opposing the bear hunt that the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) has proposed for 2025—recalls how information imparted in high school prompted some unexpected contemplation, and a life change, […] The post Adam Sugalski, veteran advocate opposing bear hunt first appeared on Talking Animals.
Lionfish are an invasive species in Florida. They arrived in our waters as early as the 1980s and efforts to control the population are ongoing. Lionfish eat just about every creature they see in the sea, and can devastate ecosystems. Destin is holding a Lionfish Festival this weekend (17-18) to encourage people to catch the weird-looking fish and make a meal out of it. We speak with Tony Hart, Lionfish Outreach Coordinator for the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.
Join us for a full episode all about floaty potatoes aka sea cows aka MANATEES!Find us on all the things: http://linktr.ee/bearsandbrewspodcastLinks We Discussed:https://myfwc.com/education/wildlife/manatee/viewing-guidelines/https://myfwc.com/wildlifehabitats/wildlife/manatee/myfwccomhow-to-help/https://savethemanatee.org/manatees/harassment/Sources Cited:Bates, Karl. “New Research Tracks the History of Manatees across Earth's Oceans | Duke Today.” Duke Today, 25 Aug. 2022, today.duke.edu/2022/08/new-research-tracks-history-manatees-across-earth%E2%80%99s-oceans.Canon, Cheyenne. “Mortalities Decline from Record, but Remain High.” Save the Manatee Club |, 7 Mar. 2024, savethemanatee.org/mortalities-decline-from-record-but-remain-high/.Domning, D. P. “The Earliest Known Fully Quadrupedal Sirenian.” Nature, vol. 413, no. 6856, 1 Oct. 2001, pp. 625–627, www.nature.com/articles/35098072, https://doi.org/10.1038/35098072.Foote, Andrew D, et al. “Convergent Evolution of the Genomes of Marine Mammals.” Nature Genetics, vol. 47, no. 3, 26 Jan. 2015, pp. 272–275, www.nature.com/articles/ng.3198, https://doi.org/10.1038/ng.3198.“Harassment | Save the Manatee Club.” Save the Manatee, 7 June 2023, savethemanatee.org/manatees/harassment/Jones Jr., Robert. “No Longer Endangered, Manatees Now Face Another Crisis.” University of Miami, 2 Feb. 2022, news.miami.edu/stories/2022/02/no-longer-endangered,-manatees-now-face-another-crisis.html.“Manatee Mortality Statistics.” Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, myfwc.com/research/manatee/rescue-mortality-response/statistics/mortality/.Source. “New Research Tracks Evolution of Sea Cows | Sci.News.” Sci.News: Breaking Science News, 25 Aug. 2022, www.sci.news/biology/sirenia-evolution-11135.html.U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service. “Trichechus Manatus | U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service.” Www.fws.gov, www.fws.gov/species/manatee-trichechus-manatus. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Today, we are covering the Florida Wild Turkey Cost-Share program. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission, Forest Service, and National Wild Turkey Federation have teamed up to put millions into improving turkey habitat on over one million acres of public hunting ground in the state. Resources: Wild Turkey Cost Share Program Florida's Wild Turkey Cost-Share Program New, comprehensive online wild turkey course launching - Pre-enroll now! Juliana Ofalt (Contact) Ricky Lackey (Contact) Dr. Marcus Lashley @DrDisturbance, Publications Dr. Will Gulsby @dr_will_gulsby, Publications Turkeys for Tomorrow @turkeysfortomorrow UF Game Lab @ufgamelab, YouTube Want to help support the podcast? Our friends at Grounded Brand have an option to donate directly to Wild Turkey Science at checkout. Thank you in advance for your support! Donate to wild turkey research: UF Turkey Donation Fund , Auburn Turkey Donation Fund Do you have a topic you'd like us to cover? Leave us a review or send us an email at wildturkeyscience@gmail.com! Please help us by taking our (QUICK) listener survey - Thank you! Check out the NEW DrDisturbance YouTube channel! DrDisturbance YouTube Watch these podcasts on YouTube Leave a podcast rating for a chance to win free gear! Get a 10% discount at Grounded Brand by using the code ‘TurkeyScience' at checkout! This podcast is made possible by Turkeys for Tomorrow, a grassroots organization dedicated to the wild turkey. To learn more about TFT, go to turkeysfortomorrow.org. Music by Artlist.io Produced & edited by Charlotte Nowak
Today, we are covering the Florida Wild Turkey Cost-Share program. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission, Forest Service, and National Wild Turkey Federation have teamed up to put millions into improving turkey habitat on over one million acres of public hunting ground in the state. Resources: Wild Turkey Cost Share Program Florida's Wild Turkey Cost-Share Program New, comprehensive online wild turkey course launching - Pre-enroll now! Juliana Ofalt (Contact) Ricky Lackey (Contact) Dr. Marcus Lashley @DrDisturbance, Publications Dr. Will Gulsby @dr_will_gulsby, Publications Turkeys for Tomorrow @turkeysfortomorrow UF Game Lab @ufgamelab, YouTube Want to help support the podcast? Our friends at Grounded Brand have an option to donate directly to Wild Turkey Science at checkout. Thank you in advance for your support! Donate to wild turkey research: UF Turkey Donation Fund , Auburn Turkey Donation Fund Do you have a topic you'd like us to cover? Leave us a review or send us an email at wildturkeyscience@gmail.com! Please help us by taking our (QUICK) listener survey - Thank you! Check out the NEW DrDisturbance YouTube channel! DrDisturbance YouTube Watch these podcasts on YouTube Leave a podcast rating for a chance to win free gear! Get a 10% discount at Grounded Brand by using the code ‘TurkeyScience' at checkout! This podcast is made possible by Turkeys for Tomorrow, a grassroots organization dedicated to the wild turkey. To learn more about TFT, go to turkeysfortomorrow.org. Music by Artlist.io Produced & edited by Charlotte Nowak
Kate MacFall and Katherine McGill—longtime wildlife experts joining me for a discussion devoted to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), specifically, the FWC's current effort to evaluate existing rules for wildlife trapping—address what for many may be the surprising prevalence of trapping in Florida. McGill and MacFall go on to speak to the […] The post Kate MacFall & Katherine McGill, discuss FWC's possible rule changes for trapping first appeared on Talking Animals.
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission Rodney Barreto appears to have lied under oath during his senate confirmation hearing about a proposed development project he attempted.Our guest this episode is Kristina Agard from the Florida Keys Eco-Discovery Center in Key West. Since opening in 2007, Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary's Eco-Discovery Center has provided visitors and locals an opportunity to explore the sanctuary without getting their feet wet. Thanks to all of our patrons at www.patreon.com/WelcometoFlorida who support the podcast for $5 per month and receive exclusive access to our weekly "Florida Conservation Newsletter."Check out the new "Welcome to Florida" Florida Black History YouTube channel with edited episodes from our archives related to Black History in Florida.
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission officials are again pursuing a black bear hunt for the state. Citizens don't want it, and the last one was a disaster. Read Craig's column and send your comment to state officials in opposition.The Palace Saloon in Fernandina Beach on Amelia Island is Florida's oldest bar. Thea Seagraves from the Amelia Island Museum of History joins us to discuss.Every week, "Welcome to Florida" patrons receive exclusive access to our "Florida Conservation Newsletter." For only $5 per month, you too can receive our roundup of the most important environmental news headlines from across Florida and the national stories impacting our state.
Officer Tolson was there and they were waiting on someone from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission when the pizza lady showed up and didn't know the gator was under the car. STORY: https://www.wdjx.com/cop-delivers-a-pizza-due-to-an-alligator-under-the-homeowners-car/
In “Conch: Queen of the Florida Keys,” Gravy producer Adwoa Gyimah-Brempong takes listeners to the Keys, where queen conch is plastered across menus: conch fritters, conch salad, even conch chowder. The shells are a visual icon in Key West, even gracing its (semi-joking) flag as a sovereign nation: The Conch Republic. Which is fascinating… because conch hasn't been fished on the island in fifty years. So where is it coming from, where is it going, and why is the culture so enduring? Conch is beloved both culturally and culinarily across the Caribbean, and the cuisine made its way to the Keys with an influx of Bahamians in the 1800s. It became a symbol of the slow way of life on the island, which chef Martin Liz points out is 40 miles closer to Cuba than it is to the nearest Walmart. It's high in protein, easy to catch, versatile to prepare, and provides everything from building materials to precious pearls once harvested. But in the Florida Keys, conch was overfished to the point of near collapse in the 1970s and ‘80s. The reasons that it hasn't rebounded are being studied by scientists in Florida and elsewhere, because their numbers are falling throughout the waters where it makes its home. Due to a combination of overfishing, warming waters, and changing ocean pH, it's getting harder for conch to reach sexual maturity. And as density-dependent reproducers who grow and travel at a snail's pace, once populations are depleted they are very slow to return. That's a problem not just for kitchens, but for the ocean itself. As a bioengineer species that keeps seagrass beds vibrant and thriving, an ecosystem orbits around conch that spans from the tiniest algae all the way up to nurse sharks. It's crucial for carbon sequestration, and also employs thousands of fishers around the Caribbean. Different countries have approached this in a variety of ways: many have closed seasons. The Bahamas has completely closed exports, while Jamaica recently inaugurated the first conch fishery with Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) certification. Florida Fish and Wildlife researchers are experimenting with transporting immature conch further offshore, where they can bulk up the gastropod dating pool. And Florida Atlantic University's Queen Conch Lab, led by professor Megan Davis, is partnering with research institutions and fishers to protect conch for generations to come. In this episode, Gyimah-Brempong talks to Davis and her colleagues, as well as Gabriel Delgado, a researcher with Florida Fish and Wildlife, and Kristian Moree and Lachelle Russell, aquaculture technicians at Freeport mobile conch lab. She also interviews chefs who work with conch, including Martin Liz in Key West and Terry Eden Pratt in Grand Bahama. Michael Moxey, a Grand Bahama fisherman, tells of conch's accessibility and an evolving way of life. United around a love and need for these large-eyed snails, island nations are both strengthening their economies and increasing their protection from ever-stronger hurricanes. Which, with any luck, will keep conch on the sea floor – and in the stew pot – for generations to come. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Steve Nesbitt–a retired Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission wildlife biologist, who over a FWC stint of some 35 years, developed a reputation for extensive knowledge about a slew of species—recalls his interest in birds was cultivated as a kid by his grandfather, a passionate birder. Nesbitt elaborates, noting that his childhood was marked by […] The post Steve Nesbitt, retired FWC wildlife biologist first appeared on Talking Animals.
In this week's episode, we are speaking with Dave Onorato, Research Scientist with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), and the Florida Panther Project. For this conversation, we get to head down to Florida to learn all about the elusive Florida Panther! Dave patiently walked us through what a panther is because I for one can get them confused with other large North American cats. He also shares with us the challenges panthers are facing today with both health and habitat and what the Panther Project is doing to actively support and protect these majestic cats! Dave also shares a few of his most memorable moments out in the field with panthers. And can I just say, these beauties are definitely the OG on the smokey eye look. Pretty sure I know where the Kardashians learned it from. Lots of Love. Episode Time Stamps: Introduction: 00:51 Interview: 5:25 TA: 51:19 Show Note Links: https://myfwc.com/wildlifehabitats/wildlife/panther/
According to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, once the temperature dips below 50 iguanas enter a sluggish state. But does it kill them?
The fall and early winter have been active with multiple rounds of rain and mountain snow in the West. While this has helped to alleviate any drought conditions and boosted the snowpack, the ground is becoming saturated. AccuWeather meteorologists warn that the continued precipitation will increase the risk of flooding and mudslides. With Christmas this week, more people will be traveling by plane, train and automobile. The repeated rounds of rain and snow are likely to cause people to drive more slowly and also delay airport travel. Travel conditions could begin to deteriorate as early as Monday in cities such as Seattle and Portland. AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Heather Zehr said, "travelers immediately ahead of the Christmas holiday will have to contend with wet roads along much of the West coast, from the Canadian border to California.” Also, authorities in Florida are urging residents to steer clear of wild monkeys roaming the state. In a Facebook post on Dec 16, the Orange City Police Department warned people not to feed monkeys after numerous sightings have been reported. Authorities say they've received multiple recent reports of monkey sightings in Orange City, approximately 30 miles north of Orlando. Similar sightings have been noted in nearby Deltona and DeBary. Officials are advising locals not to feed the monkeys and are requesting that any sightings be reported to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. Contact Information: Wildlife Alert Hotline: 888-404-FWCC (888-404-3922) Submit a Tip: MyFWC.com/WildlifeAlert Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
In this episode, Brett sat down with his friend and fellow Southwest Florida Water Management District alum, Eric Sutton. Before his current role, Eric has spent his entire career in public service. He's worked for Sarasota County; the water management district where he and Brett met; and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, where he would eventually get to serve as the organization's Executive Director. He's currently a Vice-President with Garcia Land Management and Environmental Services. They discuss his family's deep roots in rural Western Kentucky; a childhood spent outdoors; how he changed paths at the University of South Florida and wound up working in the natural sciences; his desire to learn, improve, and take on new challenges; his management philosophy as his responsibilities grew; the love he had for his staff, board, and organization – and when he knew it was time to move on; his new role with Garcia and the challenges of working in the private sector; and a flirtation with the “RV Life”. They also share a glass of whiskey from the Green River Distillery, an historic institution in Owensboro, Kentucky, near walking distance from his childhood hometown of Henderson. Did we mention that Eric is a long-time musician and jingle writer, and a one-time professional elephant washer (we mean, zoologist) at Busch Gardens as well? Well, he is. Special Note: To our fellow Floridians (and even to our listeners and readers in Georgia and North Carolina) who are recovering from the impacts of Hurricane Helene and Hurricane Milton, our hearts are with you, and we won't forget you in the hard months to come. The Florida Specifier/Water for Fighting team is pulling for you and hoping for a safe and speedy recovery for your families and communities. If you'd like to share your story with us, we'd love to hear from you. Just reach out to Brett at flwaterpod@gmail.com or Patrick Gillespie at PatrickGillespie@floridaspecifier.com. To visit the Garcia Land Management and Environmental Services website, go here. To check out the Green River distillery, go here. This episode is brought to you by our friends at Resource Environmental Solutions (RES) RES is the nation's leader in ecological restoration, helping to restore Florida's natural resources with water quality and stormwater solutions that offer communities guaranteed performance and outcomes. Check them out at www.res.us This episode is also brought to you by our friends at Sea and Shoreline. Sea and Shoreline is the Southeast's leading innovator in protecting coastal communities from devastating storms and restoring ecosystems that once faced ecological collapse. Visit their website at www.Seaandshoreline.com. Water for Fighting is part of the Specifier media family – Florida's home for environmental news, discussion, and personalities. Please be sure to check out the Florida Specifier Podcast hosted by Ryan Matthews and Brett as part of the environmental news and discussion brought to you by the Florida Specifier. To learn more about our flagship print publication, weekly newsletter and more, visit The Florida Specifier. You can follow the show on LinkedIn and Instagram @flwaterpod, and you can reach us directly at FLwaterpod@gmail.com with your comments and suggestions for who Brett should be talking with next. Production of this podcast is by Lonely Fox Studios. Thanks to Karl Sorne for making the best of what he had to work with. And to David Barfield for the amazing graphics and technical assistance. And finally, a very special thank you goes out to Bo Spring from the Bo Spring Band for giving permission to use his music for this podcast. The song is called Doing Work for Free, and you should check out the band live, or wherever great music is sold.
The Season 4 kickoff features Brett sitting down with his friend and former boss, David Rathke. David is currently the Executive Director of Resiliency Florida and Executive Director of Florida Association of Mitigation Bankers, but he has decades of experience working in many facets of state government. That experience includes working for former Congressman, Dan Miller; working as an aide for former Senate President, John McKay; a community affairs role with The Peace River Manasota River Water Supply Authority; a sixteen-year stint at the Southwest Florida Water Management District, culminating in his service as chief of staff; and leadership roles at the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission and the Florida Department of Management Services. They discuss his early life in the outdoors; the gift of music given to him by his mother and grandmother; the winding path that led him to government service; how he has used his experiences to learn and create successes later; his theory for success in government relations which includes community and the importance of friendship; how he has overcome life-threatening strokes to end up better than ever; and of course, Brett makes David explain what a Hammer Dulcimer is. You still have time to attend the 3rd Annual Florida Resilience Conference starting on September 11. To learn more and get registered, go here: https://floridaresilienceconference.org To get involved in Resiliency Florida's mission, visit their website here: https://www.resiliencyflorida.org To learn more about the Florida Association of Mitigation Bankers, why not visit their website here: https://floridamitigationbanking.org And because we know you're going to look it up anyway, here's the Smithsonian Institutes page on the Hammer/Hammered Dulcimer. This episode is brought to by my friends at Resource Environmental Solutions (RES) RES is the nation's leader in ecological restoration, helping to restore Florida's natural resources with water quality and stormwater solutions that offer communities guaranteed performance and outcomes. Check them out at www.res.us This episode is also brought to you by my friends at Sea and Shoreline. Sea and Shoreline is the Southeast's leading innovator in protecting coastal communities from devastating storms and restoring ecosystems that once faced ecological collapse. Visit their website at www.Seaandshoreline.com. Please be sure to check out the Florida Specifier Podcast hosted by Ryan Matthews and myself as part of a new venture where we're striving to become Florida's first source for environmental news, educational tools, and unique perspectives on our state's natural environment and the events that shape it. To learn more about its flagship print publication and more, visit The Florida Specifier. You can follow the show on LinkedIn and Instagram @flwaterpod, and you can reach me directly at FLwaterpod@gmail.com with your comments and suggestions for who and/or what you'd like to know more about. Production of this podcast is by Lonely Fox Studios. Thanks to Karl Sorne for making the best of what he had to work with. And to David Barfield for the amazing graphics and technical assistance. And finally, a very special thank you goes out to Bo Spring from the Bo Spring Band for giving permission to use his music for this podcast. The song is called Doing Work for Free, and you should check out the band live, or wherever great music is sold.
Ever wondered what makes Florida manatees so fascinating? On this episode of Protect Species, we promise you'll gain incredible insights into these gentle giants and the crucial conservation efforts that keep them safe. Join Monni Böhm and Justin Birkhoff, as we share a lighthearted chat about the surprising similarities between manatees and humans, before diving into an engaging conversation with our esteemed guests, Craig Miller from the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens, and Nadia Lentz from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. Hear Nadia's inspiring journey from zoo work to becoming an assistant research scientist, and Craig's dedication to overseeing the manatee critical care facility.Discover the origins of a remarkable manatee rescue and rehabilitation initiative that started at a northern Florida zoo in 2006 and has grown significantly since then. Learn about the establishment of a critical care facility in 2017 and the essential role of the Manatee Rescue and Rehabilitation Partnership in collaboration with the FWC. We'll explore the biology and challenges faced by manatees—such as their need for warm water and susceptibility to cold stress—and the teamwork and equipment involved in their rescues.Our conversation also delves into ongoing efforts to mitigate the impacts of harmful chemicals on manatees, particularly in Duval County. We discuss current initiatives like replanting and upgrading septic systems to city sewers, and highlight ethical and sustainable spots to view manatees, like Crystal River and Blue Spring. Aspiring wildlife conservationists will find valuable advice on volunteering, interning, and pursuing specialized education programs. Links: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation CommissionJacksonville Zoo and Gardens Jacksonville Manatee Rescue and Rehab National Wildlife Federation - Manatees
JB Ranch is situated in Collier County in the remote reaches of southwest Florida. The ranch is a stunning mosaic of hardwood hammocks, prairies, cypress domes, pine flat-woods, and more. It's steeped in history and the family has made dedicated efforts to protect a special piece of Florida while maintaining diverse yet sustainable agricultural operations. Liesa has been a staunch advocate for Florida serving in leadership roles for the Florida Cattlemen's Association and as a board member for the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC). Listen in as she explains her family's history in the region, their conservation efforts, and ongoing endeavors to maintain cattle grazing in harmony with the existing wildlife within the region.
This week we chat with Dan Kolterman, from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission Aquatic Habitat Conservation and Restoration Section, about their efforts to restore natural areas in one of Florida's most iconic river systems. Helpful Resources FWC Aquatic Habitat Conservation and Restoration Section — Working In The Weeds is a podcast by the University of Florida/IFAS Center for Aquatics and Invasive Plants. This series connects scientists with stakeholders to clarify and discuss issues surrounding aquatic and invasive plants, while also highlighting the research being conducted at the Center. Do you have topics or questions you would like us to discuss on this podcast? Email us at caip@ifas.ufl.edu. For more information and resources, visit our website. Follow UF/IFAS CAIP on Instagram and LinkedIn.
Local 10 News Anchor Janine Stanwood interviews Evan Power, the Florida Republican Party chair; U.S. Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz, a former chair of the Democratic National Committee; Christina White, the Miami-Dade County supervisor of elections; and Officer George Reynaud, a spokesman for the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, during This Week In South Florida. Attorneys Ed Pozzouli and Marlon Hill join the Roundtable. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
In shallow water not far from the Florida Keys' famed Seven Mile Bridge, a herd of the state's flamboyantly pink queen conchs is struggling to survive.Warming seas and wild swings in temperature have shut down their reproductive impulses in the waist-deep water, leaving them to creep along the ocean floor, searching for food but not love. Meanwhile, just a few miles away in deeper, cooler waters, the iconic mollusks mate freely. So scientists have a rescue plan: load the inshore conchs into milk crates, ferry them to colonies in deep water, and let nature run its course.As climate change fastracks ocean warming, the researchers hope their plan hatches enough baby conchs to help boost the flagging population.“Once you put them in a more appropriate temperature regime, snails have a remarkable capability to heal themselves,” says Dr. Gabriel Delgado, a conch scientist with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission who is leading the pilot project. “Now you have a contributing member to future populations.”To read the rest of this article (plus see stunning images of conchs!) visit our website.Transcripts for each segment will be available after the show airs on sciencefriday.com. Subscribe to this podcast. Plus, to stay updated on all things science, sign up for Science Friday's newsletters.
Three people, including one child, were airlifted to hospitals on the Florida mainland after a boat crashed into a bridge in the Florida Keys in the early hours of Monday, officials said. According to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, there were six adults and two children on board the Contender fishing boat whenAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Summer's Here!!! In this episode, Joe is joined by Lieutenant Michael Barrios, from the Miami-Dade Police Department Marine Patrol Unit. They talk about what it takes to be part of the Marine Patrol Unit and the what their average day is like. We also discuss some boating laws and some safety tips to make your summer on the water fun, but safe!! Important Links and Contact Numbers: MDPD Special Patrol Bureau Marine Patrol Unit 305-468-1315 Marine Patrol Marinas Black Point Park and Marina – 24775 SW 87th Ave Matheson Hammock Park & Marina – 9610 Old Cutler Rd. Pelican Harbor Marina – 1275 NE 79th St. Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission www.myfwc.com Citizens' Crime Watch of Miami-Dade www.citizenscrimewatch.org info@ccwmiamidade.org 305-470-1670 #CCW #MDPD #MarinePatrol #SummerSafety #SafeBoating #WaterSafety #CommunityPolicing
Andrew Lewin discusses the recent ban on intentional balloon releases in Florida. While highlighting the positive step for environmental protection, he also delves into the nuances of the ban. Despite a brief episode due to holiday celebrations, Andrew emphasizes the importance of speaking up for the ocean and taking action for a better marine ecosystem. Link to article: https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/2024/06/25/balloon-release-ban-florida-desantis/74202568007/ Follow a career in conservation: https://www.conservation-careers.com/online-training/ Use the code SUFB to get 33% off courses and the careers program. Do you want to join my Ocean Community? Sign Up for Updates on the process: www.speakupforblue.com/oceanapp Sign up for our Newsletter: http://www.speakupforblue.com/newsletter Facebook Group: https://bit.ly/3NmYvsI Connect with Speak Up For Blue: Website: https://bit.ly/3fOF3Wf Instagram: https://bit.ly/3rIaJSG TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@speakupforblue Twitter: https://bit.ly/3rHZxpc YouTube: www.speakupforblue.com/youtube Florida's recent passing of a bill to ban the intentional release of balloons marks a significant step towards protecting the environment, particularly ocean wildlife. The bill, known as House Bill 321, aims to prevent the harmful impact of released balloons on marine life. Balloons, when released, often end up in the ocean, where they pose a serious threat to marine animals like sea turtles and birds. The ban on intentional balloon releases in Florida is part of a larger movement seen in several states across the US, including California, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Maine, Maryland, Rhode Island, Tennessee, and Virginia. These states have either passed or proposed legislation to limit or ban balloon releases outdoors. The detrimental effects of balloons on wildlife have prompted these proactive measures to safeguard the environment. The bill in Florida classifies the intentional release of balloons inflated with gas lighter than air as littering. This classification emphasizes the environmental impact of releasing balloons, especially those filled with helium. Oceana, a nonprofit conservation organization, has supported the bill, highlighting its importance in protecting Florida's coastlines and ocean wildlife from preventable harm. The legislation also introduces penalties for those who intentionally release balloons, with fines ranging from $150 to $1,000, depending on the weight of the balloons. While there are exemptions for biodegradable balloons made of natural latex, the bill removes previous exemptions for balloons deemed biodegradable or photodegradable by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. The bill's emphasis on promoting greener alternatives to balloon releases, such as bubbles, kites, planting trees, or creating memorial gardens, underscores the importance of responsible environmental practices. By encouraging eco-friendly celebrations, the legislation aims to raise awareness about the impact of balloon releases on wildlife and ecosystems. Overall, Florida's ban on intentional balloon releases reflects a growing awareness of the need to protect the environment and marine life from plastic pollution. The legislation serves as a crucial step towards fostering a more sustainable and environmentally conscious approach to celebrations and events, ultimately contributing to the preservation of ocean ecosystems and wildlife. The new law in Florida regarding the intentional release of balloons is a significant step towards protecting the environment, particularly ocean wildlife. The law classifies the intentional release of balloons inflated with gas lighter than air as littering. This means that releasing balloons filled with helium or other lighter-than-air gases is now considered a violation, subject to fines. The fines for violating this law can range from $150 for regular balloons to up to $1,000 for balloons over 15 pounds. This legislation is a crucial move to prevent the harmful impact of balloons on wildlife, especially marine animals. When balloons are released into the environment, they can end up in bodies of water, where marine animals mistake them for food. Ingesting balloons can lead to serious health issues and even death for these animals. By imposing fines for releasing balloons filled with lighter-than-air gases, Florida aims to reduce the littering of balloons and protect ocean wildlife from preventable harm. The law also highlights the importance of promoting eco-friendly alternatives to balloon releases. Floridians are encouraged to opt for greener choices such as bubbles, kites, planting trees, or creating memorial gardens instead of releasing balloons. These alternatives not only provide a more environmentally friendly way to celebrate but also help in preserving the natural habitats of wildlife. Overall, the new law in Florida signifies a positive step towards environmental conservation and wildlife protection. By addressing the issue of balloon littering and imposing fines for violations, the state is taking proactive measures to safeguard its coastlines and ocean wildlife. This legislation serves as a reminder of the importance of responsible behavior and the need to prioritize the well-being of the environment and its inhabitants. Alternatives to Balloon Releases In the podcast episode, it was highlighted that balloon releases can have detrimental effects on the environment, particularly on wildlife. To combat this issue, the state of Florida has implemented a ban on intentional balloon releases. However, the episode also emphasized the importance of providing alternative, more environmentally friendly options for celebrations and events. One of the key points discussed was the encouragement of using alternatives to balloon releases. Some of the suggested alternatives included bubbles, kites, planting trees, and creating memorial gardens. These alternatives not only provide a similar celebratory effect but also have minimal to no negative impact on the environment. Bubbles: Bubbles are a fun and whimsical alternative to balloons. They are non-toxic, biodegradable, and do not pose a threat to wildlife if accidentally released into the environment. Children and adults alike can enjoy the beauty of bubbles without harming the ecosystem. Kites: Flying kites can be a thrilling and visually appealing activity for celebrations. Kites are reusable, durable, and do not contribute to pollution. They offer a sustainable way to enjoy the outdoors and create memorable moments without endangering wildlife. Planting Trees: Planting trees as a celebratory gesture or in memory of a loved one is a meaningful and eco-friendly alternative to balloon releases. Trees provide numerous environmental benefits, such as oxygen production, carbon sequestration, and habitat for wildlife. This option promotes sustainability and contributes positively to the ecosystem. Creating Memorial Gardens: Establishing memorial gardens can serve as a lasting tribute while also benefiting the environment. These gardens can be dedicated to honoring individuals or events and can include native plants, flowers, and shrubs. Memorial gardens promote biodiversity, attract pollinators, and enhance the beauty of outdoor spaces without generating harmful waste. By promoting these alternatives, individuals and communities can shift towards more sustainable and environmentally conscious practices during celebrations and events. Choosing bubbles, kites, tree planting, or memorial gardens over balloon releases not only reduces plastic pollution but also fosters a deeper connection to nature and promotes conservation efforts.
Saw palmetto (Serenoa repens) is an iconic plant of Florida, often dominating the understory of pine flatwoods habitats. Not only is saw palmetto endemic to Florida and the southeastern U.S., but it has also been referred to as a keystone species! A plant as a keystone species? YES! Keystone Species - a species on which other species in an ecosystem largely depend, such that if it were removed the ecosystem would change drastically. For most of the year, saw palmetto fronds stand proud and upright showcasing their unique fan-shaped leaves with long, stiff, pointed leaflets and spikey leaf stems. They reflect the sun's rays with their waxy coated, muted green and sometimes yellow leaves. From far away, saw palmetto may seem to serve little benefit to the environment other than taking up a lot of space. Upon closer inspection, saw palmetto create their own little world for numerous wildlife species big and small. Learn More: Parsing Through the Palmettos (blog by Lara): https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/pinellasco/2018/02/13/palmettos/ Fire Effects Information System – Species: Serenoa repens https://www.fs.usda.gov/database/feis/plants/shrub/serrep/all.html The Diversity of Insects Visiting Flowers of Saw Palmetto (Arecaceae): https://www.jstor.org/stable/23268495 How You Can Help: Protect saw palmetto where you can (your yard, speak up if plans to remove at local park/neighborhood) Report poachers by calling your local non-emergency number or the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission Wildlife Alert Hotline Plant saw palmetto where you can. You can find a native plant nursery near you: https://www.fann.org/ Support prescribed burning financially or through letters of support to your elected officials Sources for this Episode: The Diversity of Insects Visiting Flowers of Saw Palmetto (Arecaceae): https://www.jstor.org/stable/23268495 Pollination Biology of Saw Palmetto (Serenoa repens) in Southwestern Florida: https://palms.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/vol47n2p95-103.pdf The Quarterly Journal of the Florida Native Plant Society: Palmetto. The Palmetto Issues, Volume 33: Number 3 > 2016: https://www.fnps.org/assets/pdf/palmetto_issues/Palmetto_33-3.pdf --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/naturallyflorida/message
Do you carry your fundamental four everywhere, even to the grocery store? A woman was stabbed and her child murdered by a maniac wielding a knife in a grocery store parking lot in Ohio. What lessons can we learn? Three people were attacked and maimed by sharks in Florida on the same day in the same area. Fortunately none died despite life-threatening injuries due to the efforts of the people on the scene. Are you carrying medical gear to the beach? Also, during our Tech Talk from EOTech we consider the importance of understanding off set. We have a Frog Lube Pro Tip of the week for you as well. Thanks for being a part of SOTG! We hope you find value in the message we share. If you've got any questions, here are some options to contact us: Send an Email Send a Text Call Us Enjoy the show! And remember… You're a Beginner Once, a Student For Life! FEATURING: The Outdoor Wire, PNJ.com, Guns.com, News 5 Cleveland, Madison Rising, Jarrad Markel, Paul Markel, SOTG University PARTNERS: EOTech, FrogLube, Hi-Point Firearms, Spikes Tactical FIND US ON: iTunes, Stitcher, AppleTV, Roku, Amazon, GooglePlay, YouTube, Threads, Instagram, Facebook, X TOPICS COVERED THIS EPISODE Huge thanks to our Partners: EOTech | FrogLube | Hi-Point Firearms | Spike's Tactical Father's Day Sale over on ShopSOTG.com! Blood Trail, Dad Rules, Leadership Traits Poster, AND MORE! [0:03:00] New Review of Blood Trail by Jim Shepherd www.theoutdoorwire.com [0:08:44] EOTech Talk - EOTechInc.com TOPIC: Calculating off-set is easy with EOTech reticle [0:17:08] Pro Tip of the Week - FrogLube.com TOPIC: Of All the things that can affect your gun's reliability, cleaning and lube should not be one of them. [0:33:58] SOTG Homeroom - SOTG University TOPIC: Florida beaches open after shark attacks injure 3 and take a woman's hand www.pnj.com Hemingway was right www.guns.com [0:58:03] Suspect in North Olmsted fatal toddler stabbing obtained knife at thrift store just before attack www.news5cleveland.com Follow Up - Julian Wood's suspected killer claims she's killed before fox8.com SOURCES From www.pnj.com: Two teenagers and a woman were injured in two shark attacks less than two hours apart Friday afternoon in the Florida Panhandle. The woman lost her lower left arm and suffered "significant trauma" to other areas of her body, officials said at a Friday afternoon news conference. The mother of one of the teens said the girl's hand had been taken and her right leg had to be amputated. Both incidents happened between Miramar Beach and Panama City Beach on the Gulf of Mexico. Beaches in Walton and Bay counties were closed Friday and reopened Saturday morning, with warnings. The Walton County Sheriff's Office and Florida Fish and Wildlife monitored the shoreline by boat through the weekend. Panama City Beach Police in the Sheriff's Office helicopter Saturday reported seeing "a notable presence of sharks, specifically bull sharks," near the first incident. (Click Here for Full Article) From www.news5cleveland.com: North Olmsted officials held a news conference Tuesday afternoon to shed light on what happened in the minutes leading up to the fatal stabbing of a toddler in the Giant Eagle parking lot. According to North Olmsted Police Detective Sgt. Matt Beck, the suspect, 32-year-old Bionca Ellis, was at the Volunteers of America store, which is a thrift shop adjacent to the grocery store, where she obtained some sort of kitchen knife. It's unclear if she paid for it or stole it. Ellis then left the store, walked over to Giant Eagle, located in the 27000 block of Lorain Road, just after 3 p.m., and approached the 38-year-old mother, who was pushing her 3-year-old Julian Wood in a grocery cart as they were nearing their vehicle. Ellis allegedly stabbed the woman and Julian multiple times and walked off. The entire attack unfolded quickly, Beck said. (Click Here for Full Article)
To the east of Lake Wales lies Lake Kissimmee...This week we chat with Marty Mann, a biologist from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, to learn more about this system and its rich history! Helpful Resources Working in the Weeds Lakes and Landscapes Episode FWC What's Happening On My Lake Website — Working In The Weeds is a podcast by the University of Florida/IFAS Center for Aquatics and Invasive Plants. This series connects scientists with stakeholders to clarify and discuss issues surrounding aquatic and invasive plants, while also highlighting the research being conducted at the Center. Do you have topics or questions you would like us to discuss on this podcast? Email us at caip@ifas.ufl.edu. For more information and resources, visit our website. Follow UF/IFAS CAIP on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.
John Ruggeri's office is unlike most others. It does not have traditional air conditioning. But it does have a massive fan. That fan pushes him and his guests through a massive lake surrounded by alligators. He is a captain at Boggy Creek Airboat Adventures and has been taking people on tours of Lake Tohopekaliga for the past 15 years. Florida Fish and Wildlife recently reported Lake Toho, as the locals call it, has 6,316 gators in it. That's the 11th most of any body of water in the state of Florida. With so many, you might think it would be easy to spot an alligator, but Ruggeri told Matt Austin and Ginger Gadsden on Florida's Fourth Estate, that spotting one during the late spring and summer months is harder because it's hot and the gators are doing everything they can to stay cool. That includes camping out under lily pads in the shallow area of the lake. So when you think you are looking at a rock, it may just be a 12-foot alligator. Ruggieri, who has been piloting airboats since 2008 said, “It's not so much by training your eye as it is training your brain. Once you can lock in and learn what those signatures are it becomes second nature after that.” Ruggie said his passion for taking pictures of wildlife has also trained him to spot the small eyes and tip of the alligator's nose poking out among the plants in the water. If you hop aboard a ride with Ruggieri you may not come out an expert, but he will use his expert skills to help you spot the wildlife in their natural territory. Don't be surprised when you hear him shouting out, “Hey guys look over here to your right,” “It looks like a rock with eyeballs,” and “That's a gator's head right there” much like he did when he took Matt and Ginger on a ride into natural Florida. You can learn more about Ruggieri, how he went from the Bronx to the Sunshine State, and how he accidentally became an airboat captain when he got here, on Florida's Fourth Estate. You can download the podcast from wherever you listen to podcasts or watch any time on News 6+. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
126 For the Fallen: Julian Keen – Florida Fish & Wildlife Commission Florida FWC Officer Julian “Batman” Keen was known for his bright smile, relentless enthusiasm, and deep commitment to the people and wildlife of his home state. On a quiet Sunday morning in 2020, he heard a crash outside his home and looked out to see a truck driving recklessly. He gave chase without hesitation, eventually intercepting the hit and run suspect - who escaped - but inexplicably returned to the scene, opened fire and sped away. Officer Keen was 30 years old. His friend and mentor, FWC Lt. Pam Steelman shares the legacy of a remarkable young man, determined to fulfil a lifelong dream, and give back to the community he loved - and who loved him so dearly in return. “It is not how these officers died that made them heroes; it is how they lived.” ~ National Law Enforcement Memorial, Washington, DC Our Sponsors: Thin Green Line Podcast Don Noyes Chevrolet North American Game Warden Museum Sovereign Sportsman Solutions “A Cowboy in the Woods” Book Hunt of a Lifetime Maine's Operation Game Thief Wildlife Heritage Foundation of NH International Wildlife Crimestoppers Credits Hosts: Wayne Saunders and John Nores Producer: Jay Ammann Art & Design: Ashley Hannett Research / Content Coordinator: Stacey DesRoches Subscribe: Apple Podcasts Spotify Amazon Google Waypoint Stitcher TuneIn Megaphone Find More Here: Website Warden's Watch / TGL Store Facebook Facebook Fan Page Instagram Twitter YouTube RSS Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Commissions Rodney Barreto joins Joe to discuss the dumping incident, boat safety, and some upcoming South Florida events
In this week's episode, we have Martha Guyas, the Southeast Fisheries Policy Director for the American Sport Fishing Association, joining me as our special guest. Martha talks about her journey into the world of fishing and shares her experiences working with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission before transitioning to the American Sport Fishing Association. We dive into some of the biggest challenges Martha faced during her time with the FWC, particularly around Red Snapper, and how her work has significantly impacted the management of this species. We also learn about Martha's role as the Southeast Fisheries Policy Director, where she works on a broad range of issues related to clean waters, abundant fisheries, and access for recreational fishing across the Southeast region of the United States. Martha also shares the incredible news of being designated by the US Department of State to represent the US on the International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas (ICCAT). We discuss the significance of this role and how Martha will be representing the recreational fishing industry in international discussions and decision-making processes. As we wrap up, Martha and I look forward to the upcoming ICAST event and share our anticipation for exciting new developments and positive changes in the fishing industry. Don't miss out on this engaging and insightful conversation with Martha Guyas, where she sheds light on her impactful work and the future of recreational fishing industry. So grab your fishing rod and tune in to this empowering episode of The Woman Angler and Adventurer podcast! Mentioned in this Episode: American Sportfishing Association ICCAT iCast Adventuress Magazine (use code womanangler for 15% off!) Support our Partners
Bat maternity season begins Tuesday (April 16th), which means some restrictions in the way you can deal with bats that get into your house or business property. We speak with Jayne Johnston, a senior wildlife biologist with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, about how to deal with bats during bat baby time.
RETIRED SGT. BETSY BRANTNER SMITH OF THE NATIONAL POLICE ASSOC. - BETSY JOINS DAWN TO EXPAND ON THE STATE OF THE BORDER BOTH IN TX AND FL WITH THE VIRAL EL PASO VIDEO - AS WELL AS DESANTIS AND HIS CONCERN ABOUT HAITIAN MIGRANTS... The State of Squatting... Police Confidence Dwindling Nationwide... Impact of Sanctuary Cities... Use of American Resources... (AP) — Faced with gaping vacancies in its police force and concerns about public safety, the Philadelphia Police Department had to think creatively about how to get more candidates in the door. The answer? Fewer pushups. The city's move to lower requirements for the entry physical exam at its police academy is part of a broader effort nationally to reevaluate policies that keep law enforcement applicants out of the job pool amid a hiring crisis. To close the gap, policies on tattoos, previous drug use, physical fitness and college credits are all being reconsidered. Los Angeles is offering housing subsidies. Other departments, like Washington, D.C., are offering signing bonuses of more than $20,000. Several states have expanded eligibility to noncitizens, while others have changed the minimum age of officers to 18. Read more. Will these changes help solve the nation's law enforcement shortage? How risky is it to lower standards? For perspective, turn to a 29-year law enforcement veteran who now trains officers around the world. (Daily Express US)A boat carrying 25 illegal aliens from Haiti has been intercepted in waters near Florida, according to the state's Governor, Ron DeSantis...Officers from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) were conducting a patrol near Sebastian Inlet at 7.30pm on Thursday, February 29. They stopped a 42-foot vessel which was involved in what they described as a "human smuggling operation." Investigators found onboard 25 individuals, including five unaccompanied children, alongside the weapons, night vision gear and drugs. The vessel operator and a passenger - both identified as U.S. citizens - were turned over to Brevard County Sheriff's Office, according to the press release. The suspected migrants - referred to as "illegal aliens" by DeSantis - were turned over to the state's Coast Guard for deportation. The incident comes amid growing concerns about violent criminals from gang-ridden Haiti crossing into the US. Read more. For perspective on the challenge this migration from Haiti poses for law enforcement, turn to a 29-year law enforcement veteran who now trains officers around the world. Sgt. Betsy Brantner Smith (Ret.) is spokesperson for National Police Association, a non-profit that supports law enforcement officers across the U.S. Betsy began her career as a police dispatcher at age 17 and has held positions in patrol, investigations, narcotics, juvenile, hostage negotiation, crime prevention, K-9 and field training. She has been a law enforcement trainer for over 20 years. Tune in weekdays 10 AM - 12 PM EST weekdays on Talk Radio 1210 WPHT; or on the Audacy app!
An Illinois mom is killed and two children seriously injured while parasailing. A storm blew in, affecting the stability of the boat towing the family. Now, the husband of a 33-year-old woman has filed lawsuits naming multiple parties. A preliminary incident report from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission says boat captain Daniel Couch,49, cut the towing cable when the parasail “pegged” in a high gust of wind, threatening to drag his boat. This resulted in the parasail and the individuals being drug “through and across the surface of the water” and slammed into an abandoned Florida Keys bridge. Supraja Alaparthi, 33, was dead before another boat captain untangled her and the children from the parasail cables and rushed them to a Marathon restaurant where crews had set up a staging area. Joining Nancy Grace Today: Mark McCulloh - Parasailing Safety Expert, Chairman, Parasail Safety Council Michael A. Winkleman - Maritime Attorney (Miami, FL), Lipcon, Margulies & Winkleman, Expert on Maritime and Cruise Ship Law, Lipcon.com, Twitter: @cruiseshiplaw Dr. Angela Arnold - Psychiatrist, Atlanta GA, AngelaArnoldMD.com, Expert in the Treatment of Pregnant/Postpartum Women, Former Assistant Professor of Psychiatry, Obstetrics and Gynecology: Emory University, Former Medical Director of The Psychiatric Ob-Gyn Clinic at Grady Memorial Hospital Robert Crispin - Private Investigator, “Crispin Special Investigations” CrispinInvestigations.com Tim O'Hara - Reporter, The Key West Citizen, KeysNews.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Florida Panthers (Puma concolor couguar) are a distinct population of pumas that live predominantly in southwest Florida. Pumas used to roam the entire United States, but habitat loss and overhunting in the 1800's and early 1900's caused them to disappear from much of their range. Every breeding population of pumas East of the Mississippi river vanished, except for one. South Florida, due to its wild and swampy nature, was able to thwart human development just enough for its inhabiting pumas to narrowly avoid oblivion. These surviving pumas, or Florida Panthers, represent the resiliency of wild south Florida. The decades since their near extinction have been filled with controversy, conservation, and politics. This iconic cat still has many challenges to face, and with only 200 or so remaining in the wild, their future is uncertain. Daniel was first introduced unofficially to this animal during his first trip to Everglades National Park in 2017. The Florida Panther and the swampy, remote areas in which they are found captivated Daniel's imagination. Every subsequent trip to the Everglades and southwest Florida had at least some time dedicated to searching for this cat, all to no avail. In January 2024, after spending months preparing and researching, Daniel embarked on a five-day solo trip in the backcountry of the Big Cypress National Preserve, with the sole objective of finally crossing paths with a panther.But what exactly IS a Florida Panther? Are they only found in Florida? Are they black? What is the difference between a Florida Panther and a mountain lion? And of course… do they eat people?! Luckily, Bill was able to meet Daniel in south Florida to record an episode about the Florida Panther and tackle the questions and misconceptions that leave this cat shrouded in mystery. This episode was recorded on January 8th, 2024 at Everglades National Park in Homestead, FL. Episode NotesWhen Daniel was talking about Florida Panther size, they were described as smaller than other pumas out west. It should also be noted that while they do fall to the bottom of the size and weight scale of pumas in North America, the populations of pumas closer to the equatorial rain forests in South America are even smaller. This reinforces the notion discussed in the podcast that pumas in colder climates or higher elevation tend to be larger than pumas in warmer climates and lower elevation. Also, Bill asked Daniel what their life span was, and Daniel was not sure. Bill guessed 20-30 years. According to Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, “Panthers can live up to 20 years or more in the wild. Female kittens have a good chance of living 10 years or more. Males have a tougher time, but if they survive to five or six years old, they are likely to live even longer to 10 or more years.” Nicely done Bill!While discussing vehicular collisions as the number one cause of death of Florida Panther, Bill and Daniel discussed how in 2023, 13 Florida Panthers were killed by vehicular strikes. So far in 2024, there have been five. Bill and Daniel referred to the rule about animals being larger the farther you get from the equator, but they couldn't remember the name of the rule. It's Bergmann's Rule, and it's defined as: “one of the best-known generalizations in zoology. It is generally defined as a within-species tendency in homeothermic (warm-blooded) animals to have increasing body size with increasing latitude and decreasing ambient temperature. That is, Bergmann's rule states that among mammals and birds, individuals of a particular species in colder areas tend to have greater body mass than individuals in warmer areas. For instance, white-tailed deer are larger in Canada than in the Florida Keys, and the body size of wood rat populations are inversely correlated with ambient temperature. This principle is named after a nineteenth-century German biologist, Karl Bergmann, who published observations along these lines in 1847.” - from The New World EncyclopediaLinks Panther Pulse, the database containing documented Florida Panther deaths and depredations: https://myfwc.com/wildlifehabitats/wildlife/panther/pulse/Path of the Panther: https://pathofthepanther.com Sponsors and Ways to Support UsGumleaf Boots, USA (free shipping for patrons)Thank you to Always Wandering Art (Website and Etsy Shop) for providing the artwork for many of our episodes! Support us on Patreon!Check out the Field Guides merch at our Teespring store. It's really a great deal: you get to pay us to turn your body into a billboard for the podcast!Works CitedCaudill, Gretchen & Onorato, Dave & Cunningham, Mark & Caudill, Danny & Leone, Erin & Smith, Lisa & Jansen, Deborah. (2019). Temporal Trends in Florida Panther Food Habits. Human-Wildlife Interactions. 13. 87-97. 10.26076/kta5-cr93.Cox, J. J., Maehr, D. S., & Larkin, J. L. (2006). Florida Panther Habitat Use: New Approach to an Old Problem. The Journal of Wildlife Management, 70(6), 1778–1785. http://www.jstor.org/stable/4128112Frakes RA, Belden RC, Wood BE, James FE (2015) Landscape Analysis of Adult Florida Panther Habitat. PLOS ONE 10(7): e0133044. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0133044Hostetler JA, Onorato DP, Nichols JD, Johnson WE, Roelke ME, O'Brien SJ, Jansen D, Oli MK. Genetic Introgression and the Survival of Florida Panther Kittens. Biol Conserv. 2010 Nov 1;143(11):2789-2796. doi: 10.1016/j.biocon.2010.07.028. PMID: 21113436; PMCID: PMC2989677.Johnson WE, Onorato DP, Roelke ME, Land ED, Cunningham M, Belden RC, McBride R, Jansen D, Lotz M, Shindle D, Howard J, Wildt DE, Penfold LM, Hostetler JA, Oli MK, O'Brien SJ. Genetic restoration of the Florida panther. Science. 2010 Sep 24;329(5999):1641-5. doi: 10.1126/science.1192891. PMID: 20929847; PMCID: PMC6993177.Land, Darrell & Shindle, David & Kawula, Robert & BENSON, JOHN & LOTZ, MARK & Onorato, Dave. (2010). Florida Panther Habitat Selection Analysis of Concurrent GPS and VHF Telemetry Data. The Journal of Wildlife Management. 72. 633 - 639. 10.2193/2007-136.Maehr, David S. (1997). The Florida Panther: Life and Death of a Vanishing Carnivore. Island Press ISBN 155963507X, 9781559635073Pienaar, Elizabeth & Rubino, Elena. (2016). Habitat Requirements of the Florida Panther. 10.13140/RG.2.1.1887.2722.Robert A. Frakes, Marilyn L. Knight, Location and extent of unoccupied panther (Puma concolor coryi) habitat in Florida: Opportunities for recovery, Global Ecology and Conservation, Volume 26, 2021, e01516, ISSN 2351-9894, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gecco.2021.e01516. (https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2351989421000664)Urbanizing Landscape. PLoS One. 2015 Jul 15;10(7):e0131490. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0131490. PMID: 26177290; PMCID: PMC4503643.Vickers TW, Sanchez JN, Johnson CK, Morrison SA, Botta R, Smith T, Cohen BS, Huber PR, Ernest HB, Boyce WM. Survival and Mortality of Pumas (Puma concolor) in a Fragmented, Urbanizing Landscape. PLoS One. 2015 Jul 15;10(7):e0131490. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0131490. PMID: 26177290; PMCID: PMC4503643.Photo Credithttps://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Everglades_National_Park_Florida_Panther.jpg?uselang=en#Licensing
BobHog Day.... Welcome to Bobler's Knob!!! - 49ers vs Chiefs... Who has more local yinzers ties to the Super Bowl - Crotch sniffers - A real educational program we run... We learn why dogs circle before the poop - Florida Fish mating - Tate McRae drafted Sidney Crosby - Have anything fun for the show or want to say hi... Listen on iHeartRadio click the little mic and leave us a talkback message
In Episode 8 of Her Ocean Story, Kylea Perrin shares what inspired her to work with the Florida Sea Turtle Strand and Salvage Network. We learn about her role, the challenges and rewarding aspects of her career, how she got there, and impactful ways to volunteer if you live by the coastline with sea turtles, manatees, or a variety of marine life near by. Below are links from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation, a great place to get started if you would like to volunteer with any local projects or events in Florida. Similar organizations could potentially be in your area as well. Please reach out to us with any questions via email through heroceanstory@gmail.com, Mahalo!Florida Sea Turtle Stranding and Salvage Network (FLSTSSN)https://myfwc.com/research/wildlife/sea-turtles/mortality/stranding-salvage-network/Ways to Volunteer: https://myfwc.com/get-involved/volunteer/https://myfwc.com/conservation/special-initiatives/cwci/volunteer/Gumbo Limbo Nature Centerhttps://www.myboca.us/2096/Gumbo-Limbo-Nature-Center
We share tips on how to make easy recipes using the meats already in your freezer, foods that work with you rather than against you and a recap of top news headlines everyone should know about. This is Rebecca Wanner aka 'BEC' and Jeff ‘Tigger' Erhardt with the radio show The Bend Radio Show & Podcast, your news outlet for the latest in the Outdoors & Western Lifestyle! NEWS OPERATION VIPER: ILLEGAL SNAKE TRAFFICKING RING BUSTED Fox 35, Orlando, reported in January 2023 that Florida's Wildlife Officials had arrested eight people for illegal snake trafficking. Traffickers were bought and sold, hundreds of snakes, some venomous. During the three-year investigation, called "Operation Viper, the Florida Fish and Wildlife commission said in a news release that nearly 200 snakes - consisting of 24 species from seven different regions of the globe - were purchased or sold by undercover FWC investigators to or from wildlife traffickers. Wildlife trafficking ranks fourth behind drugs, weapons and humans in global activity according to the FWC. The Wildlife Conservation Society estimates illicit wildlife trafficking to be between $7.8 billion and $10 billion per year. CANADIAN SUPER PIGS THREATEN TO INVADE US A new wild pig problem is on the horizon officials are warning. Wild pigs are nothing new to the United States, that is a 400-plus year history of dealing with invasive wild hogs. According to the University of Saskatchewan's Canadian Wild Pig Research Project, the wild pig issue is relatively new. "We didn't have any here until the early 1980s," says Dr. Ryan Book who leads their project. "There was a big push to diversify agriculture with species like wild boars and ostriches. Wild boars were brought in from Europe to be raised on farms across Canada." Fast Forward. These pigs were crossbred with wild boars and domesticated pigs. The hybridization resulted in bigger "super pigs" capable of surviving cold climates. The market for these new hogs dropped out in the early 2000s, thus some escaped operations while others were simply let free as there was no one to sell them to. These pigs have an extraordinarily high reproductive rate and are predicted to now roam nearly 620,000 square miles of Canada, mostly in the Provinces of Saskatchewan, Manitoba, and Alberta. The states most affected by these Canadian Super Pigs are North Dakota, Eastern Montana and Northern Minnesota. THREAT TO WILDLIFE, LIVESTOCK & HUMANS Wild boar, razorback, feral hog, wild pig. Those are just a few of the names for one of the most destructive, formidable invasive species in the United States. Tremendous damages from these animals currently cost the United States up to $2.5 billion annually to crops, forestry, livestock, and pastures. Feral swine present great risks to human health and safety as well as they can harbor and transmit dozens of parasites and diseases. Landowners or hunters who encounter feral pigs in North Dakota must notify the State Board of Animal Health immediately. The shooting of feral pigs is illegal in North Dakota unless a person is protecting property or livestock. CALL Observe or suspect the presence of feral pigs, MAKE THE CALL. North Dakota Board of Animal Health at 701-328-2655, Game and Fish Department at 701-328-6300, or United States Department of Agriculture Wildlife Services at 701-250-4405. FEATURE HOW TO IMPROVE FROZEN MEATS It becomes confusing in the store at times when you see meat nicely cut, looking fresh versus frozen. Often one assumes those may be the most nutritious or healthiest. That is not entirely true. Almost all meats are frozen at some point before put into the meat counter case, so the display is what looks nicer behind the meat counter than in the freezer aisle. Don't be afraid to save a little money purchasing frozen meats. They too are very healthy and regardless if it meat you harvested or raised yourself, or meat purchased all can become nutritious meals for the family. The most important thing to watch for when cooking with meat that's been frozen is to watch when thawing for freezer burned areas. Those areas that have turned discolored from too long in the freezer. I won't break down how long is "too long" , that's for another day, but the first step is to dig in your freezer to pull out a package of meat and begin thawing. Best practice for thawing is to do so in your refrigerator over a day or so, or however long it takes to become unfrozen. However we are all always in a rush so the use of a microwave or placing in a sealed plastic bag in hot water is too acceptable methods. If you fear the meat is at all a tougher cut, there are two major tricks to conquering the chewy toughness meat from beef to venison to chicken. Once meat is not frozen, trim, place in a pan or sealed bag or container and graciously cover in a marinade. Simply purchase a pre-made marinade or google for some quick easy homemade marinades. Leave in the marinade for a minimum of an hour, but my best meats are when they can sit for 24 hours in the refrigerator. Second tip is the actual cooking process. If you are wanting fall off the bone, consider using an instant pot for a quick turnaround time otherwise cook in your crockpot over the course of the day. If you want to fry quickly, turn your oven on at 400 degrees. Using an oven safe frying pan such as cast iron, heat the frying pan on the stove and make sure your pan is HOT. Sear all sides and then place the frying pan with meat in the oven, turning the oven down to 350. Using a meat thermometer check the meat temperature to ensure it is done to your liking. Enjoy! Have questions on cooking or recipes for us to try, send them our way! FIELD REPORTS & COMMENTS Field Report: Heather Krohe, Little Rack Taxidermy Call or Text your questions, or comments to 305-900-BEND or 305-900-2363 Or email BendRadioShow@gmail.com FOLLOW Facebook/Instagram: @thebendshow https://www.facebook.com/thebendshow SUBSCRIBE to The Bend YouTube Channel. Website: TheBendShow.com https://thebendshow.com/ #catchBECifyoucan #tiggerandbec #outdoors #travel #cowboys The Outdoors, Rural America, And Wildlife Conservation are Center-Stage. AND how is that? Because Tigger & BEC… Live This Lifestyle. Learn more about Jeff ‘Tigger' Erhardt & Rebecca Wanner aka BEC here: TiggerandBEC.com https://tiggerandbec.com/ WESTERN LIFESTYLE & THE OUTDOORS Tigger & BEC are News Broadcasters that represent the Working Ranch world, Rodeo, and the Western Way of Life as well as advocate for the Outdoors and Wildlife Conservation. Outdoorsmen themselves, this duo strives to provide the hunter, adventurer, cowboy, cowgirl, rancher and/or successful farmer, and anyone interested in agriculture with the knowledge, education, and tools needed to bring high-quality beef and the wild game harvested to your table for dinner. They understand the importance in sharing meals with family, cooking the fruits of our labor and fish from our adventures, and learning to understand the importance of making memories in the outdoors. Appreciate God's Country. United together, this duo offers a glimpse into and speaks about what life truly is like at the end of dirt roads and off the beaten path. Tigger & BEC look forward to hearing from you, answering your questions and sharing in the journey of making your life a success story. Adventure Awaits Around The Bend. References FWC: Illegal snake trafficking ring sends multiple people to jail in Florida Population Explosion of Canadian "Super Pigs" Could Spread Into the Northern U.S.
Greetings, nature enthusiasts! In this riveting episode of The Backyard Naturalists, we embark on a captivating exploration of the complex issue surrounding Burmese pythons in the Everglades. Join us as Captain Rusty Shaw, a distinguished member of the Miami Dade Fire Rescue Venom One Response Team, sheds light on the challenges posed by these invasive snakes. From unraveling the mysteries of their introduction to the Everglades to estimating their burgeoning population, Captain Shaw provides invaluable insights. Tune in to discover the intricacies of the Florida Python Challenge, an annual endeavor by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) aimed at addressing this ecological concern. Our conversation with Captain Rusty Shaw unveils the fascinating world of Burmese pythons in the Everglades, offering a unique perspective on the delicate balance between nature and invasive species. Don't miss this episode that delves into the heart of wildlife management and conservation efforts in one of America's most iconic ecosystems. If you have ideas for topics that you'd like us to pursue, send us a message either on our Facebook page or our website. We would really like to hear from you. Connect with the Backyard Naturalists on the Web, Facebook and Instagram. Please visit and support our presenting sponsor, Backyard Birds at http://www.thebirdfoodstore.com/. A mecca for bird lovers and bird watchers, Backyard Birds is an independent family-owned business located in Matthews, NC (next to Dairy Queen), just southeast of Charlotte. Thanks for listening to The Backyard Naturalists. We hope you have a day filled with the wonders of nature. Get outside and take a walk on the wild side! Please don't forget to leave a 5-star review for The Backyard Naturalists podcast. Production services for The Backyard Naturalists podcast are provided by Downtown Podcasting. To start a conversation on how you can have a podcast, simply send an email to info@downtownpodcasting.com. While recording the Backyard Naturalists podcast, Debbie and Laurie enjoy coffee provided by the Good Cup Coffee Company in Matthews, North Carolina. Follow Good Cup Coffee on Instagram and look for them at the Matthews Community Farmer's Market this Saturday morning.
Was it simple incompetence or something more sinister which cost Florida the chance to receive millions of dollars in federal funding to apply toward residential solar power.Our guest this week is Rebecca Renner who's new book "Gator Country: Deception, Danger, and Alligators in the Everglades" tells the story of an undercover Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission sting to catch gator poachers.Rebecca will be featured in this year's Miami Book Fair.Thanks to Windstorm Products for supporting "Welcome to Florida" as well as all of our Patrons at Patreon.com/WelcometoFlorida where there's a new BONUS podcast episode exclusively for patrons where we here from a Florida legend about a Florida legend.
Stone crab claws are big business in Florida, worth an annual $34.4 million, according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission—and that's in an industry that works just half the year.Few people understand the ins and outs of stone crabbing better than Kelly Kirk of Goodland. It's a small fishing village in the southeast corner of Marco Island. Kelly and her family run Kirk Fish Company, a seafood processing facility and market that her grandfather Bud Kirk started in the early 1950s. Kelly is also co-director of the Florida Stone Crabbers Association, and she sits on the board of the Everglades Seafood Festival. As she geared up for stone crab season, Kelly took time to chat with Dalia about what you can expect to pay for a pound of stone crab claws, how environmental changes affect Florida's stone crab population and how she prefers to enjoy the delicacy. To learn more about stone crabs, check out Dalia's article in the fall 2023 issue of Forum, the magazine of Florida Humanities.Related episodes:Dive into Florida's Spiny Lobster SeasonConscious Cuisine: How to Choose Sustainable SeafoodHow Key West Lobsterfest Became Florida's Premiere Crustacean Celebration
It's all Tom McGuane's fault… He's the culprit who gave Robert Redford the book! Redford loved it, and his film, “A River Runs Through It” indelibly changed everything about fly fishing. Most offensive has been the amount of people around the world we're now seeing on every body of water. Good for them, actually. Fishing is one of the most important, life changing things we could ever allocate a great amount of our lives to. The down side is the pressure on the fishery, whether it be saltwater speedsters or critters in the fresh. On today's podcast, we visit with Bonefish Tarpon Trust's scientist, Dr. Ross Boucek who is the Florida Keys Initiative Manager studying the spectrum of elements that constitute a healthy resource. Ross is a second-generation South Floridian. He grew up fishing for tarpon and snook out of Everglades City. Ross earned his Masters and Doctoral degrees at Florida International University, studying how weather events, such as hurricanes, droughts, and extreme cold events, impact sport-fishes in Florida Bay and Everglades National Park. After his schooling, he worked for Florida Fish and Wild Conservation Commission, researching fish movements and migrations, and applying that information to conservation actions. Now based in Marathon, Ross spends most of his time in the Keys, either conducting BTT science, or working with anglers, and management agencies to turn BTT science into meaningful management and regulatory changes that improve our Keys fishery. When you listen to Ross, he defines all the issues and concerns with incredible knowledge, insight and clarity.