START is pleased to declare March as Microforest Month in our expanding efforts to improve water quality along the Suncoast. This is a direct result of the popular success of the Microforest at the Celery Fields in Sarasota. As originally announced in last November’s edition of our monthly E-Newsletter, the one third acre site continues [...]
At the end of January the Governor announced his “Florida Leads” budget proposal. In a press release one of the budget areas outlined was the environment. It includes “over $473 million for Everglades restoration, $50 million for springs restoration, $145 million for targeted water quality improvements, $40 million for alternative water supply and $25 million [...]
A U.S. National Marine Sanctuary is a zone within United States waters where the marine environment enjoys special protection. The program began in 1972 in response to public concern about the plight of marine ecosystems. East Flower Garden Bank (EFGB) and West Flower Garden Bank (WFGB), were designated by NOAA as Flower Garden Banks National [...]
5-6 servings 15 minutes Ingredients Jasmine rice 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil, divided 1 c shallots, diced (from 2-3 shallots) 1 lb peeled and deveined shrimp 2 garlic cloves, smashed 1.5 lb fresh okra, sliced Garlic powder, to taste Himalayan salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste 1 c grape or cherry tomatoes Directions [...]
The red tide organism, Karenia brevis, persists in Southwest Florida. K. brevis was detected in 21 samples collected over the past week. Bloom concentrations (>100,000 cells/liter) were observed in three samples from Lee County. Recent satellite imagery (2/23; NOAA, USF) indicates the presence of chlorophyll patches along and offshore of Lee, Collier, and Monroe counties. [...]
