This week the governing board of the Southwest Florida Water Management District could have tightened once-a-week watering restrictions as drought continues to strain drinking-water supplies. Doing so would have been easily justified. ...more

February 27, 2009

It's great news for conservationists, biologists and boaters. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission's manatee count the week of Jan. 19 turned in - by far - the highest number of animals recorded since counts began in 1991, with a remarkable total count of 3,807 manatees statewide. ...more

February 1, 2009

People who think aquarium exhibits lack pizzazz have not met Raldo. The animated shark journalist will be visitors' guide through Ocean Commotion, The Florida Aquarium's newest exhibit. ...more

October 16, 2008

It's encouraging that delegates to the Florida Water Congress voted down a proposal to establish a state water czar, a position that could have forced regions to ship their water to another part of the state. ...more

September 27, 2008

Despite a projected $1.2 million shortfall in state funding because of the flagging economy, city budget planners don't expect to recommend a property tax increase. ...more

July 12, 2008

TEMPLE TERRACE - Despite a projected $1.2 million shortfall in state funding because of the flagging economy, city budget planners don't expect to recommend a property tax increase. However, city officials are considering a monthly garbage pickup rate increase of $1 or going from twice-weekly to once-a-week service. In addition, the city's annual residential spring clean-up may be eliminated. ...more

July 8, 2008

Sen. John McCain's reversal of his position on offshore oil drilling diminishes his reputation as a straight-talking maverick. On this issue, he is offering a false promise of quick fixes to today's high gas prices. ...more

June 19, 2008

SEBRING — Some Sebring residents could save up to $150 per year on their energy bills and help out the environment by taking advantage of Program Energy Florida's Neighborhood Energy Saver program. The program assists families in low-income neighborhoods with escalating energy costs by implementing electric conservation measures at no cost to the customer. The target area, which has been identified with help from the Department of Community Affairs guidelines, includes much of downtown Sebring and the Washington Heights neighborhood. The program will have an official kickoff Tuesday at 11 a.m. at the Sebring Boys and Girls Club, located at 111 Martin Luther King Blvd. Progress Energy officials will present information about the program to residents. ...more

May 21, 2008

In February, facing a severe drought and serious water shortages, Georgia Gov. Sonny Perdue eased outdoor watering restrictions. Why? He wanted to help the landscaping industry. ...more

May 13, 2008

These days the news is full of beautiful - and wrenching - images of polar bears, often swimming in unending open water, or standing on tiny ice floes. ...more

February 26, 2008