The Florida legislature is spending valuable time this session attempting to enact a law preventing chemtrails and human manipulation of the weather, something that doesn't exist except in the mind of loony right-wingers. 

Something that does exist in Florida is black bears. Arix Zalace is a long-time Panhandle resident and Co-Founder, Director & Board Member at The Paper Bear nonprofit which has produced a feature film of the same name. The movie is a love letter to the biodiversity of the Florida Panhandle as told through the story of a black bear. The film debuts at the upcoming Florida Film Festival.

Zalace also advocates on behalf of black bears in Florida, attempting to educate the public and politicians. Florida wildlife officials continue to have a crazed obsession with a bear hunt in state, and it looks like this December will be the start.

Remember to visit the new "Welcome to Florida" Florida Black History channel on YouTube. 

Every week we send a "Florida Conservation Newsletter" exclusively to "Welcome to Florida" patrons at patreaon.com/welcometoflorida. The newsletter is a recap of the top conservation and environmental headlines from around the state, and those around the nation impacting Florida.