Environment
The students try unsuccessfully to tag the great white shark.
A shark-tagging expedition Monday off the Middle Keys provided a toothy surprise for Coral Shores High School students when a great white shark took the bait.
"I got to cross 'seeing a great white shark' off of my bucket list without leaving my hometown," said Coral Shores senior Mallory Wiecjorek, who helped bring the shark close to the RV Endsley, a boat run by Curt-A-Sea Adventures of Islamorada.
It also was an Atlantic Ocean first for Capt. Curt Slonim, running the boat trip in 130 feet of water off Duck Key for the R.J. Dunlap Marine Conservation program, based at the University of Miami.
Posted: Saturday, May 18, 2013 10:45 AM EDT
A controversial proposal to dredge a boating channel through a Florida Keys seagrass flat sank like a stone Thursday.
Posted: Saturday, April 20, 2013 10:35 AM EDT
Advisory panels working to update the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary management plan expect to unveil their first proposals this summer.
Posted: Wednesday, May 08, 2013 11:01 AM EDT
A nearshore channel last dredged half a century ago may stir up muddy waters Thursday in Marathon.
Posted: Saturday, April 13, 2013 06:00 AM EDT
A final plan for managing Florida Bay waters will change from the National Park Services preferred alternative now being publicly reviewed, Everglades National Park's superintendent said Wednesday.
Posted: Saturday, April 13, 2013 10:50 AM EDT
Neugent proposes another BP restoration plan
A proposal to map and restore Florida Keys shallow-water habitats needed by tarpon and bonefish will be submitted to the Monroe County Commission on April 17.
Posted - Wednesday, April 10, 2013 09:34 AM EDT
Shirley Gun holds reusable shopping bags that are part of a recyling program called 'Got Your Bags?'
Effort to reduce plastic bags gaining steam
It's been nine months since I joined a group of residents interested in reducing the number of plastic bags floating around, literally and figuratively, in the Keys.
The group runs a program called Got Your Bags? Florida Keys, a program sponsored by Green Living and Energy Education (GLEE). We are a small group with lots of support judging from the number of businesses and individuals that have given money, bags, in-kind services, time and personal pledges to reduce their use of plastic bags in the Florida Keys and help prevent marine debris and litter.
Posted - Friday, April 12, 2013 04:13 PM EDT
The croc is believed to be living around this kayak launch. An FWC crocodile expert plans to swing by to see if there are any eggs there.
Croc possibly a nesting mom
Sightings of American crocodiles used to be rare in the Florida Keys, but as their state population rebounds, the animals are encroaching more and more into residential areas.
The latest is a roughly 6- to 7-foot croc that's taken up residence in a canal behind Tingler Lane in Marathon. Longtime resident Georgina Hosek had a close encounter Saturday evening as she attempted to launch her kayak from a small ramp on the canal.
Posted - Wednesday, April 10, 2013 05:30 AM EDT
State workshop on bonefish, tarpon is April 3
Already protected by strict catch rules, renowned sportfishing species tarpon and bonefish could get more safeguards under a new state proposal.
Posted - Wednesday, April 03, 2013 09:00 AM EDT
Marlberry plants are among those likely to be on display at Native Plant Day on Saturday. It's a great plant -- dark green leaves, white flowers and berries. It also attracts a variety of wildlife such as butterflies.
Keys embracing the planet
Although April 22 marks the worldwide commemoration of Earth Day, in the Florida Keys outdoor events and volunteer activities for visitors take place up to, including and beyond the one-day planetary celebration.
Native Plant Day is planned for 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. April 6 at John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, mile marker 102 oceanside.
Posted - Wednesday, April 03, 2013 11:00 AM EDT
