Search results for

Environmental and smart growth planning advocates are expressing concern over laws passed in Florida’s 2023 legislative session concerning citizens’ ability to challenge proposed changes to a local government’s comprehensive plan and pre-emption of local fertilizer restrictions. We hear details from Jane West of 1,000 Friends of Florida.

Pigeons and doves include over 350 species. Some are found on every continent except Antarctica. Pigeons (also known as Rock Doves) have been domesticated for food for centuries and were introduced to North America in the early 1600s. At least 15 species of pigeons and doves breed in the wild in North America and at least 6 species breed in the wild in Florida. Eurasian Collared Doves escaped from a breeder in the Bahamas, quickly became established in Florida in the 1980s, and now is found through much of North America. By far, the most common breeding dove in Florida is the Mourning Dove – so named for its mournful call.

Brown Pelicans are a common sight along Florida coasts and are often seen perched on stubs of trees, dock supports, and utility poles near water. They are large birds -- each with a beak that can be more than a foot long, the lower jaw of which is supported by flexible bones with a very thin, but tough and flexible skin that stretches between them. When a Brown Pelican dives into the water, water pressure on the opened lower bill stretches the skin essentially into a scoop net. Water and creatures in it are sucked in by the pressure of the pelican’s dive – and -- as the bill closes -- the water escapes and whatever creatures are left are swallowed.

Over the decades, the nonprofit Calusa Nature Center and Planetarium has introduced countless people of all ages to the natural world, and the cosmos, through educational programs. Their 105-acre site features a natural history museum with live native and teaching animals, a butterfly garden and raptor aviary, as well as exhibits about the animals, plants, and environment of Southwest Florida. And they host events like music under the stars, paint and sips, night hikes, summer camps, and even an event called Potter in the Park. We sat down in their planetarium on a Saturday morning to shine some light on the work they do and the resources they provide to the community.

Although the economy has been growing since mid-2009, the pace has been too slow to absorb the nearly 14 million people without jobs. Today, 46 million Americans receive the federal government's help when buying food, which is roughly 15 percent of the population.

A federal judge rejects for a second time a request by Terri Schiavo's parents to restore their daughter's feeding tube. The U.S. Supreme Court and Florida judges rebuffed the parents' appeals Thursday.

The House of Representatives plans to hold an emergency session to consider legislation aimed at preserving the life of Terri Schiavo, a brain-damaged Florida woman. Doctors Friday removed the feeding tube that has kept Schiavo, 41, alive.

This summer's brutal drought has put ranchers in a difficult position; water and feed are running low and ruinously expensive to replace. NPR's Neal Conan speaks to stricken ranchers and agricultural economist Norman Dalsted about how to deal with the drought, and what to expect in terms of food prices.

Kathy Kleiner Rubin was attacked by serial killer Ted Bundy while she slept in her sorority house at Florida State University. Now she has a wonderful book out that digs deep into her life and the crime.

The election of Donald Trump represents unknown territory in American politics. After a vitriolic campaign the Republican nominee was swept into office in…