Environment Archives - WMNF 88.5 FM

This order requires Agriculture Secretary Rollins to issue regulations to implement the increased supply of phosphorus and glyphosate.

The local farmer says he felt the hit in the loss of thousands of dollars in crops.

Even with the economic growth in employment and income, housing costs are still a concern.

The Scoop, produced by Sofia Caballero.

WMNF anchors Chris Young, Juanita Hurtado Huérfano, Seán Kinane, Lisa Marzilli, Josh Holton, Randi Zimmerman. 
WMNF News Director Seán Kinane
WMNF reporters Chris Young, Juanita Hurtado Huérfano, Lisa Marzilli, Seán Kinane, Leah Burdick, Sofia Caballero, Josh Holton
Special thanks to Taylor Lovejoy and Corey Beltran.

Theme music, Fresh06, by Stian via archive.org – CC-BY-NC-SA 2.5
https://archive.org/details/jamendo-001084/02.mp3
The Scoop logo by Robin Milcowitz / Greener Pixels / greenerpixels.com / WMNF

The post The Scoop: Thurs. Feb. 19, 2026 Tampa Bay and Florida headlines by WMNF appeared first on WMNF 88.5 FM.

Chris Young reports that some opponents of the bill say it discriminates against the LGBTQ+ community.

House Bill 173 would ban physicians from treating minors for sexually transmitted infections, mental health conditions, and substance abuse without parental consent.

The bill would require a month’s notice if conservation land is sold or traded, and justification for why it is not needed.

The Medicaid program hopes to eliminate lengthy waitlists for services, and is backed by House Speaker Daniel Perez.

The bill would disqualify anyone who does not contact a minimum number of employers a week, and those who don’t return to work when recalled after layoffs.

The Scoop, produced by Mackenzie Queen.

WMNF anchors Chris Young, Juanita Hurtado Huérfano, Seán Kinane, Lisa Marzilli, Josh Holton, Randi Zimmerman. 
WMNF News Director Seán Kinane
WMNF reporters Chris Young, Juanita Hurtado Huérfano, Lisa Marzilli, Seán Kinane, Leah Burdick, Sofia Caballero, Josh Holton
Special thanks to Taylor Lovejoy and Corey Beltran.

Theme music, Fresh06, by Stian via archive.org – CC-BY-NC-SA 2.5
https://archive.org/details/jamendo-001084/02.mp3
The Scoop logo by Robin Milcowitz / Greener Pixels / greenerpixels.com / WMNF

The post The Scoop: Wed. Feb. 18, 2026 Tampa Bay and Florida headlines by WMNF appeared first on WMNF 88.5 FM.

Pinellas County has completed its nearly $126 million beach nourishment project, restoring beaches after erosion from an active 2024 hurricane storm season. 

Local leaders celebrated by pouring the last bucket of sand Monday.

The project spanned eight municipalities from Clearwater to St. Pete Beach. 

Dave Eggers is the chair of the Pinellas County Commission.

“Throughout these beaches, we placed nearly 2 million cubic yards of sand. We estimate that’s enough sand to fill up one of the projects we support, the Dali Museum, more than 40 times.” Eggers said.

The project involved dredging sand portions of Egmont Shoal, Pass-a-Grille, Blind Pass, and John’s Pass. 

The dredged sand was placed on beaches affected by erosion, including Sand Key, Belleair Beach, North Redington Beach, Redington Shores, Indian Rocks Beach, Indian Shores, Treasure Island, and Upham Beach.

The project cost $125.7 million. 

Visit St. Pete Clearwater CEO Brian Lowack says that approximately $112 million was generated from a bed tax paid by visitors, and the rest came from the state through Florida Department of Environmental Protection grants.

“This is what we call from visitors with love, right? All these visitors that come here every year for their vacations, they spend their money in the local businesses, they spend local taxes, and they go directly to projects like this that our residents get to benefit from.” Lowack told WMNF.

The county usually benefited from federal funding, but was not eligible due to a lack of easements from all property owners affected by the project. 

The post Pinellas leaders celebrate completion of $126 million beach nourishment project appeared first on WMNF 88.5 FM.

Chris Young reports on an environmental group laying out the potential impacts of data centers on Florida communities.

Leah Burdick reports local advocacy groups held an emergency Barrio walk over the weekend to share information about ICE activity in the area.

Sofia Caballero spoke with Heather Peske, the president of the National Council on Teacher Quality, about state policies intended to support teachers.

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission continues to release data on the state’s first permitted bear hunt in a decade.

The State announced that almost 1,400 acres in Hardee County would be protected from residential and commercial development.

The Scoop, produced by Mackenzie Queen.

WMNF anchors Chris Young, Juanita Hurtado Huérfano, Lisa Marzilli, Seán Kinane, Josh Holton, Randi Zimmerman. 
WMNF News Director Seán Kinane
WMNF reporters Chris Young, Juanita Hurtado Huérfano, Leah Burdick, Lisa Marzilli, Seán Kinane, Josh Holton
Special thanks to Taylor Lovejoy and Corey Beltran.

Theme music, Fresh06, by Stian via archive.org – CC-BY-NC-SA 2.5
https://archive.org/details/jamendo-001084/02.mp3
The Scoop logo by Robin Milcowitz / Greener Pixels / greenerpixels.com / WMNF

The post The Scoop: Mon. Feb. 9, 2026 Tampa Bay and Florida headlines by WMNF appeared first on WMNF 88.5 FM.

Researchers Christy Suhendy and others determined that spending time outdoors can help to reduce the stress a person may feel. This study was conducted on 1,361 Florida residents who were 45 and older due to their unique stressors.

The study used the 3-30-300 rule, from Professor Konijnendijk (2022), which means there should be at least 3 trees visible from your window, 30% of canopy cover from trees, and the nearest park from your residence is at least 300 meters.

“…tree[s] present, just having trees around, including their shade, wasn’t significantly associated with stress rejection on its own, but trees play an important role when they’re a part of spaces people actively use,” Suhendy told WMNF.

Trees alone don’t provide stress relief, but it’s the combination of the shade and tranquility they provide that helps to reduce stress. So, to maximize the stress reduction trees provide, an increase in parks could be the answer.

Parks are where trees can flourish and help all age groups benefit from the shade of trees. Suhendy also says that having parks around can contribute to other physical factors that can improve health.

“There are the physical activity components like walking, exercising. Also, there’s a social aspect, like you can meet your friends, your neighbor, and have a feeling of being inclusive, being a part of the community,” Suhendy says.

Before this study, Suhendy studied Forestry for her bachelor’s in Indonesia, where she found a passion for researching what the outdoors can do for human health. Stating that she “…long believed that trees and green spaces play a crucial role in creating healthier cities, but I wanted to really understand the specific mechanism behind these benefits.”

Based on the research from this study, to have the best health benefits, you need to find a park where regularly walking in it can boost your mood, help with your health, and improve your quality of life overall.

For more information on the study, visit the UF IFAS blogs.

The post UF study reveals spending time outdoors can help reduce stress levels appeared first on WMNF 88.5 FM.

A cruise company wants to build a new cruise port adjacent to the Sunshine Skyway Bridge that’ll take in ships that can’t fit under the bridge. 

Environmental groups are expressing concern about the Manatee County project. 

The cruise company, SSA Marine, is working with Tampa-based Slip Knott LLC on plans to develop the port that would be built on a 328-acre  tract in Manatee County.

The company’s website states that the bridge will support tourism and create over 31,000 jobs.  

But environmental group Suncoast Waterkeeper said it will threaten the health of watersheds, disrupt a key recreational and fishing area, and could be built too close to a key aquatic preserve. 

“A change to our ecosystem, as proposed by this port, would significantly alter our way of life. So our economy, our environment, and also the communities that live nearby.” Abbey Tyrna told WMNF.

Tyrna is the executive director of Suncoast Waterkeeper and started a petition against the project. 

“This proposal is talking about a very direct net loss of 300 acres of mangroves, which just cannot be afforded if we’re going to deliver on water quality and habitat goals for Tampa Bay in the surrounding area.” Tyrna said.

A representative for the project declined an interview and directed WMNF to the website of the proposed port, where they write that environmental stewardship is central to this project. 

The proposal is still in its early stages and must go through various approvals from Manatee County.

The post Proposed Manatee County cruise port draws concerns from environmental groups appeared first on WMNF 88.5 FM.

On this week’s Sustainable Living show, Jon was joined by expert guest Dr. Pradeep Haldar to discuss solar energy. Haldar is an Adjunct Professor of Sustainable Business and director of USF’s Patal College of Global Sustainability with 30 plus years creating sustainable solutions for net zero energy, our environment and our society.

Topics covered include:

-increased efficiency of solar cells up to 25% (perovskite cells, flexible cells..)

-sun tracking technology materials & design innovations

-mounting options for solar systems

-solar farms

-batteries

and more!

*Many listeners had questions about roof top solar system that in the past were connected to the structure by making some kind of hole, which could create leaks in the roof. Today most all solar systems are fastened to the roof without creating holes in the roof.*

If you love the Sustainable Living Show, make sure to tune in every Monday at 11am on 88.5fm or listen to past episodes in the archives here. You can also stay up to date with show happenings on our Facebook page. Head over to the tip jar and direct your donation to Sustainable Living to show your monetary support. Remember, it takes a community to build a community.

The post Solar power with Dr. Pradeep Haldar appeared first on WMNF 88.5 FM.

ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) — Gov. Ron DeSantis is calling for a special session in April for Florida’s legislature to redraw congressional districts. He announced this Wednesday, joining a trend among states redrawing districts mid-decade.

Environmentalists have sought for decades to restore the Ocklawaha River, which was dammed to create a reservoir as part of the long-abandoned Cross Florida Barge Canal project. SB 1066 and HB 981 will be considered for the legislative session that starts next Tuesday.

The Florida Aquarium’s Coral Conservation and Research Center is one of Florida’s top coral producers and has reached a major milestone. The center recently transported nine‑thousand baby corals to restoration partners across Florida, where they’ll continue to grow and support reef recovery.

The Scoop, produced by Chris Young.

WMNF anchors Seán Kinane, Chris Young, Lisa Marzilli, Josh Holton, Randi Zimmerman. 
WMNF News Director Seán Kinane
WMNF reporters Chris Young, Lisa Marzilli, Seán Kinane, Zoe Sax, Leah Burdick, Josh Holton
Special thanks to Taylor Lovejoy and Corey Beltran.

Theme music, Fresh06, by Stian via archive.org – CC-BY-NC-SA 2.5
https://archive.org/details/jamendo-001084/02.mp3
The Scoop logo by Robin Milcowitz / Greener Pixels / greenerpixels.com / WMNF

The post The Scoop: Thurs. Jan. 8, 2026 Tampa Bay and Florida headlines by WMNF appeared first on WMNF 88.5 FM.

A press conference will take place this afternoon in front of the St. Petersburg Police Station located at 1301 1st Ave N.

The Coast Guard said their search covered approximately 6,700 square miles, based on the boater’s last known position. The FBI will lead the missing person investigation.

Chris Young reports that it’s the last section of the Palmer Ranch Development, which was approved by the city in 1984.

Leah Burdick reports on why Florida needs to be on the lookout.

The Scoop, produced by Lisa Reuter.

WMNF anchors Seán Kinane, Chris Young, Lisa Marzilli, Josh Holton, Randi Zimmerman. 
WMNF News Director Seán Kinane
WMNF reporters Chris Young, Lisa Marzilli, Seán Kinane, Zoe Sax, Leah Burdick, Josh Holton
Special thanks to Taylor Lovejoy and Corey Beltran.

Theme music, Fresh06, by Stian via archive.org – CC-BY-NC-SA 2.5
https://archive.org/details/jamendo-001084/02.mp3
The Scoop logo by Robin Milcowitz / Greener Pixels / greenerpixels.com / WMNF

The post The Scoop: Tue. Dec. 23, 2025 Tampa Bay and Florida headlines by WMNF appeared first on WMNF 88.5 FM.

A divided federal appeals court yesterday sided with abortion opponents and ruled a Clearwater ordinance creating a buffer zone outside an abortion clinic violates First Amendment rights.

On Tuesday, Florida is scheduled to execute Mark Geralds amidst the deadliest year of executions in the state’s history. But WMNF’s Chris Young reports an anti-death penalty group says there’s a lack of evidence in the case.

The Florida Supreme Court yesterday unanimously rejected an appeal filed by a Death Row inmate convicted in the 2010 stabbing death of a Jacksonville woman.

A report by human rights organization Amnesty International calls conditions at the Everglades Detention Center horrific and inhuman and urged Florida to close the site.

Senator Scott is sponsoring the American Shores Protection Act to codify the moratorium banning oil drilling off Florida’s coasts through 2032.

The Scoop, produced by Tess Miller.

WMNF anchors Seán Kinane, Chris Young, Lisa Marzilli, Josh Holton, Randi Zimmerman. 
WMNF News Director Seán Kinane
WMNF reporters Chris Young, Lisa Marzilli, Seán Kinane, Zoe Sax, Julia Ferrara, Leah Burdick, Josh Holton
Special thanks to Taylor Lovejoy and Corey Beltran.

Theme music, Fresh06, by Stian via archive.org – CC-BY-NC-SA 2.5
https://archive.org/details/jamendo-001084/02.mp3
The Scoop logo by Robin Milcowitz / Greener Pixels / greenerpixels.com / WMNF

The post The Scoop: Fri. Dec. 5, 2025 Tampa Bay and Florida headlines by WMNF appeared first on WMNF 88.5 FM.