Environment

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ENVIRONMENT  |  ENTERPRISE

Cleanup of Gainesville hazardous waste site continues to stall

By Kylie Williams | Mar. 4, 2024

Since the 1990s, the companies responsible for the Cabbot Koppers Superfund site cleanup have been working to remove contaminants from the site and the surrounding Stephen Foster neighborhood. The hazardous chemicals from the site have raised concerns for Pearce and other residents, who worry about potential risks to human and environmental health. The future of the site is also in question, as remedial efforts are extending years longer than originally planned.  The superfund site contains two properties: a charcoal and pine tar plant previously owned by Cabot Carbon, and a wood treatment facility operated by Koppers Inc. Activity at the site began in the early 1900s and lasted almost a century, with Koppers being the last to end operation in 2010.

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ENVIRONMENT  |  ENTERPRISE

Alachua County initiatives work to protect land from increasing development

By Kylie Williams | Feb. 19, 2024

In Alachua County, more than 30,000 acres have been protected under similar land agreements. In January, the trust facilitated an agreement with a 550-acre dairy farm in Gilchrist County. The farm has been owned for multiple generations by the Watson family, who will receive $1.54 million through the easement. 

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ENVIRONMENT  |  ENTERPRISE

Gainesville community implements urban farms to fight food insecurity

By Kylie Williams | Feb. 12, 2024

In Alachua County, 11.1% of the population is food insecure, according to the Florida Department of Health. In the last decade, several urban farms have sprouted in an effort to combat local food insecurity. These community gardens also tackle other issues stemming from food insecurity, including educating citizens and addressing systemic inequality. 

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ENVIRONMENT  |  ENTERPRISE

Gambling revenue may be used for Florida’s environment under new bill

By Kylie Williams | Jan. 29, 2024

In 2021, Gov. Ron DeSantis signed a gaming compact with the Seminole Tribe of Florida. The compact provided the Seminole Tribe exclusive rights in running gambling activities on tribal lands. In exchange, the tribe agreed to give $2.5 billion of its revenue to the state for the first five years the compact is in place.  Under SB 1638, 96% of these annual funds would go to Florida’s environmental resources. 

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ENVIRONMENT  |  ENTERPRISE

The manatee may re-enter endangered species list after population decline

By Kylie Williams | Jan. 16, 2024

Florida’s manatee population has struggled over the past few years, leading many petitioners to call for its re-entry to the endangered species list. In 2017, the manatee was reclassified from “endangered” to “threatened” by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Save the Manatee Club filed a joint petition in 2022 to put the Florida manatee back on the endangered species list. 

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ENVIRONMENT  |  ENTERPRISE

North central Florida farmers, experts find new ways to combat citrus greening

By Kylie Williams | Jan. 8, 2024

Huanglongbing, or citrus greening disease, has ravaged the citrus industry in Florida over the past two decades. Since the disease was first detected in 2005, it has reduced citrus production by over 75% and cost the industry billions of dollars in lost revenue.  Researchers have studied the disease for decades but have yet to find a lasting solution to citrus greening. 

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ENVIRONMENT  |  ENTERPRISE

UF graduate student locked in legal battle over Spruce Creek

By Kylie Williams | Nov. 20, 2023

A UF student filed a lawsuit with Bryon White, Bear Warriors United and The Sweetwater Coalition of Volusia County April 18. The case was filed against the Florida Department of Transportation and the St. Johns River Water Management District, with the primary concern an I-95 interchange will cause excess environmental harm. 

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ENVIRONMENT  |  ENTERPRISE

Activists and officials fear irreversible damage to Alachua County’s Springs

By Kylie Williams | Nov. 6, 2023

Dozens of springs are nestled in or near Alachua County, serving as a valued resource and a recreational draw. However, Florida’s springs have been a battleground for decades. Activists, local and state government officials, corporations and citizens often disagree on the extent to which the springs should be protected. 

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ENVIRONMENT  |  ENTERPRISE

Gainesville’s inaugural Bee City USA native garden installed at community planting event

By Kylie Williams | Oct. 23, 2023

The Grow Hub garden, teeming with native plants that are pollinator-friendly, is the first Bee City USA green space in Gainesville. The City of Gainesville was certified as a bee city in January and is now working toward installing local pollinator landscapes.  

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ENVIRONMENT  |  ENTERPRISE

UF hosts first round of Lake Alice watershed management workshops

By Kylie Williams | Oct. 9, 2023

Watershed management workshops are the first step in an initiative to develop a comprehensive watershed management plan with Lake Alice in mind. Sixty percent of all stormwater on UF’s campus drains into the lake, which has suffered a long history of mismanagement and poor infrastructure. 

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ENVIRONMENT  |  ENTERPRISE

Alachua County community debates ethics of local meat production

By Kylie Williams | Sep. 25, 2023

For many, agriculture and animal farming is a way of life. Supporters of animal agriculture claim it provides a wealth of jobs and economic benefits. Yet, a growing number of activists and scientists say the local meat production industry harms the environment and subjects animals to severe abuse. 

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ENVIRONMENT  |  ENTERPRISE

Activists clash with FDEP over springs regulations

By Kylie Williams | Sep. 11, 2023

Florida’s freshwater springs overflow with life, combining rich biodiversity with community recreation. Yet, springs activists argue a once-pristine environment is at risk of being ruined. For nearly a decade, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection has been locked in legal battles with springs activists about Florida spring preservation. On Aug. 11, the FDEP proposed revisions to Chapter 62-41.400-403, F.A.C., which the agency claims will limit excessive harm to springs. 

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ENVIRONMENT  |  ENTERPRISE

Gov. Ron DeSantis issues state of emergency for Alachua County ahead of Tropical Storm Idalia

By Kylie Williams | Aug. 28, 2023

Tropical Storm Idalia, which started brewing in the Gulf of Mexico, is showing signs it could organize into a hurricane. The storm is projected to hit the Florida Big Bend region by early Wednesday, though its exact path is still uncertain.