New Research shows seaweed on Florida shores costs billions in economic losses

Seaweed stuck on Florida's shores is causing a billion-dollar impact. Now, a published study by researchers in Rhode Island, shows that seaweed is creating losses that ripple across tourism, fishing, restaurants, and local jobs.

Portuguese man o’ war spotted along Space Coast beaches

Beachgoers along Florida’s Space Coast are being urged to use caution after Portuguese man o’ war and blue jellyfish were spotted washing ashore in recent days.

Bobcat spotted wandering through Orange County neighborhood

A bobcat was spotted roaming through a residential neighborhood in Orange County, surprising homeowners and renewing warnings from wildlife officials about encounters as development expands.

Brevard Zoo releases nearly 20 rehabilitated black bears after record year

Brevard Zoo is preparing to return nearly 20 rehabilitated black bears to the wild following a record-breaking year that brought more orphaned cubs to the facility than ever before.

New report details deadly alligator attack at Lake Kissimmee State Park

A newly released report describes how a canoe startled an 11-foot alligator in shallow water, leading to a deadly attack on a woman at Lake Kissimmee State Park in May.

Oyster reefs are growing again in the Indian River Lagoon

Oyster reefs in Florida’s Indian River Lagoon are showing signs of recovery after decades of damage from overharvesting, pollution, and boat activity, which wiped out more than half of the habitat.

Florida bear hunt reignites debate as conservationists push for federal protection

After Florida’s first black bear hunt in nearly a decade ended with far fewer animals killed than allowed, conservation groups say their efforts are shifting toward a larger legal fight.

Cold snap sends endangered sea turtles to Central Florida for treatment

More than a dozen critically endangered Kemp’s ridley sea turtles are being treated in Central Florida after a cold snap stunned them along the New England coast.

Avian flu concerns spread to the Space Coast as more birds are dying: 'Very disheartening'

Beachgoers in Brevard County are noticing more dead birds on the beach. Rehabilitators at the Florida Wildlife Hospital are closely monitoring the situation and sending off samples of dead birds to test for avian flu.

Lake Eola swan deaths: Orlando Commissioner Patty Sheehan | Full
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Orlando City Commissioner Patty Sheehan held a news conference on Monday, Dec, 29, to discuss the deaths of at least 12 swans at Lake Eola Park. Since Dec. 23, a dozen swans have died at the downtown park. The cause is unknown, though Commissioner Sheehan speculated that it could be due to avian flu. The swans' bodies are being stored so necropsies (animal autopsy) can be performed.

Turtles rescued from alleged smuggler now in Florida
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A handful of Gulf Coast Box Turtles were found stuffed in socks in an alleged attempt to smuggle them from New York to China, officials said. Those turtles have been brought to the Brevard Zoo in Florida to heal and be rehabilitated before eventually being released back into the wild.

Florida Bear Hunt: What to know about state's first regulated season since 2015

Florida has approved a December 2025 bear hunting season aimed at managing growing bear populations. The season runs from Dec. 6–28 in four Bear Harvest Zones across the state.

Invasive armored catfish taking over waterways on Florida's Space Coast

An invasive armored catfish is spreading through waterways on Florida’s Space Coast, carving into shorelines and even harming manatees.

Recurring crocodile in Brevard County reportedly kills dog

A crocodile that has repeatedly returned to a Brevard County neighborhood after being relocated is once again drawing concern — this time after reportedly killing a dog.

Python No More: DeSantis talks funding for Everglades python removal

Ongoing action against predator pythons continues in Florida's Everglades as Gov. Ron DeSantis spoke on the 2025 Florida Python Challenge, funding toward python removal and Everglades restoration plans.