Environment

Florida is preparing a new statewide ban on the practice by fishermen along the state’s iconic beaches of dumping bloody fish guts into the ocean to lure sharks closer to shore – and possibly closer to swimmers and waders. Land-based anglers say the ban threatens long traditions of shark fishing and penalizes fishermen who can’t afford their own boats or expensive charters.

The City of Gainesville passed a plastic ban earlier this year. Some local scientists see this ordinance as a good first step, but don't think it goes far enough. Here are their proposals:

Excessive rainfall has damaged vegetation, flooded three koi ponds and made the entire lower level of the botanical garden inaccessible.

A glimpse into the life of Ron Bergeron, the newest board member of South Florida Water Management District.

Republican State Representative Stan McClain attributes much of his education on water policy to the 12 years he served on the Marion County Commission.

A Fish Island property owner told Regan they intended to sell the land to the North Florida Land Trust for conservation, he said.

Heavy rains and flooding have resulted in what state park officials are calling a "brown out" and the closure of the swimming area at Manatee Springs State Park near Chiefland.