START is very pleased to announce that MTN DEW, a division of PepsiCo, has awarded START a $5,000 grant to enhance a local stormwater pond as part of their Outdoor Grants Program. START is one of just 40 environmental organizations to be selected from over 1,000 applicants nationwide to receive this important grant. MTN DEW [...]
Current Conditions The red tide organism, Karenia brevis, was not observed in samples collected statewide over the past week. Fish Kills No reports of fish kills suspected to be related to red tide were received over the past week. Respiratory Irritation Respiratory irritation suspected to be related to red tide was not reported in Florida [...]
The Sarasota Tiger Bay Club, an organization of local citizens, policy makers and business leaders, meets monthly for luncheons at Michael’s On East Restaurant to hear a panel of experts address important topics of concern. The topics range from updates about pending legislation in Tallahassee, to local issues like the direction of the School Board [...]
Current Conditions Over the past week, Karenia brevis was detected in one sample in Southwest Florida. In Southwest Florida over the past week, K. brevis was observed at very low concentrations offshore of Charlotte County. In Northwest Florida over the past week, K. brevis was not observed. Along the Florida East Coast over the past [...]
As you have read in the past few months, the Healthy Pond Collaborative (HPC) created by a major grant from the Charles & Margery Barancik Foundation has been very busy responding to inquires from local communities interested in getting some help enhancing their ailing stormwater ponds. With this planting season for aquatic plants virtually over, [...]
The Florida manatee, designated the state marine mammal in 1975, is among the state’s most popular native animal. Manatees are often called gentle giants. They’re slow-moving, peaceful creatures that tend to flock toward human activity in search of warmth. However, they are not having a good year. More than 1,000 of the sea mammals have [...]
Current Conditions Over the past week, K. brevis was detected in 37 samples along Florida’s Gulf Coast, with bloom concentrations (>100,000 cells/liter) observed in one sample from offshore of Wakulla County. Thanks to our partners at USF and NOAA, we continue to use satellite imagery to look for patches of elevated chlorophyll as a proxy [...]