By Brendan Rivers Communities across Florida are already grappling with aging septic tanks, which leak into groundwater and are considered a leading cause of toxic algae blooms. As sea level rise is expected to worsen that situation, the state and cities are beginning to tackle the expensive task of converting septic systems to sewer or newer septic technologies. It’s no small challenge. Floridians are estimated to be using 2.6 million septic systems, most of them the conventional variety with two
Read More »As Seas Rise, Florida Will Likely Lose More Coastal Property Value Than Any Other State
By Melissa Ross, Brendan Rivers & Bill Bortzfield Long before rising seas permanently swamp homes, millions of Americans living in coastal communities will likely face more frequent and disruptive high-tide flooding — and the effects will ripple through the local economy. As the flooding increases over time, coastal residents will be forced to make difficult and costly choices. And if home values decline, an eroding property tax base would jeopardize funding for local services and infrastructure, such as roads, schools, and
Read More »Real Estate And Sea Level Rise: A Buyer’s Guide
By Brendan Rivers In the Tampa Bay area, Pinellas County is teaching real estate agents how to field questions about flooding — an increasingly common concern when homebuyers talk to Realtors. “They really are the boots on the ground for all of the floodplain managers everywhere,” said Lisa Foster, the county’s floodplain administrator. She developed the Real Estate Flood Disclosure training program, a first of its kind in Florida. Realtors are eager, she said, to take the classes on everything
Read More »All Alachua, Marion County Nursing Homes Comply With State’s Generator Requirement As Hurricane Season Begins
Most counties in north central Florida are compliant, including Levy, Gilchrist, Columbia, Union, Bradford and Putnam.
Read More »Storm Season Could Be Met With ‘Skittishness’
Saturday marks the start of the six-month long Atlantic hurricane season, and with the destruction of Hurricane Michael still visible, Florida residents may have a heightened sense of skittishness when it comes to perceived hurricane threats.
Read More »Anglers Line 441 As Fish Flood Canals
Since Hurricane Irma in 2017, water levels have risen in Paynes Prairie, fishing along 441 has become popular regardless of the 'No Fishing' signs.
Read More »CRA Hopes Heartwood Will Be ‘Catalyst For More Investment’ In East Gainesville
The lot located at 1717 SE 8 Ave. in East Gainesville is slotted to hold 34 new homes, 11 of which will be affordable housing.
Read More »A Drowning Subdivision Reaches For The County’s Help As Hurricane Season Approaches
The Hills of Santa Fe consistently suffers extreme flooding, especially during hurricane season. Residents are lobbying the county commission to make changes before it happens again.
Read More »Alfred. A. Ring Park South Entrance Closed for Stabilization Project
It’s yet another ongoing county effort to recover from Hurricane Irma’s effects.
Read More »Devil’s Millhopper Geological State Park Continues To Serve Gainesville Locals Despite Construction
Devil’s Millhopper Geological State Park has seen a decrease in visitors since its most popular attraction, the sinkhole, has been under construction. However, Gainesville locals continue to enjoy the park through other outdoor activities and classes.
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