June 2025

This June, marking 50 years since "Jaws" paradoxically spurred shark conservation interest, a University of Miami study highlights Biscayne Bay, Florida, as a vital nursery for critically endangered hammerhead sharks.

Young sharks depend on this shallow habitat for their first two years, returning annually in late spring/early summer. Sadly, declining water quality and recreational fishing are harming the population. The study urges protection for Biscayne Bay's waters and calls for sensitive recreational fishing practices from March through July to minimize stress on these vulnerable sharks.

While manatees often dominate Florida's endangered species discussions, the equally imperiled Ghost Orchid faces a silent struggle for survival.

This iconic flower, with an estimated 1500 remaining (fewer than half mature enough to reproduce), is threatened by poaching, hurricanes, human development, and broader environmental changes. Ironically, its distinctive beauty has led to over-collection, forcing conservationists to keep its locations secret until sufficient protections can be established for this vanishing species.

Balancing Florida's environmental protection with our agricultural needs is crucial. Historically, farm fertilizers have caused harmful algal blooms by leaching nitrogen into waterways. However, University of Florida researchers are developing controlled- and slow-release fertilizers to address this.

These innovations use polymer coatings and microbial-induced nutrient release to efficiently feed crops while significantly reducing nutrient runoff into natural waters. The long-term goal is to tailor fertilizers to specific crops, soil, and climate, minimizing environmental impact and fostering more sustainable farming practices.

Wellen Park, an 11,000-acre master-planned community in Southwest Florida, is run and managed by the West Villages Improvement District (WVID) and its scale presented a monumental challenge: providing a comprehensive, sustainable water management solution for its future 60,000 residents and vast landscapes. With approximately 9 million gallons of water allocated daily for irrigation, maintaining consistently healthy green spaces year-round during hot summers and dry winters is paramount. Since 2006, we've served as Wellen Park’s irrigation partner, evolving our approach as this community rapidly expands.

At the time of the case study, we had already installed over 40 best-in-class Hoover pump stations and extensive physical infrastructure integrated with our patented, Flowguard management software. This powerful combination provides 24/7 oversight and remote control, delivering instant notifications and critical data on water use, lake levels, and pump conditions for the community's pump stations across the development.

Here's how our proactive, scalable system ensures operational efficiency, helps conserve water, saves time and money for the WVID, and ultimately keeps Wellen Park's vibrant environment healthy and thriving.

Floridians, even inland, face significant flooding risks from extreme weather, rising sea levels, and storm surges. Historically, South Florida's flood control focused on rain and tides, neglecting the crucial underground water table.

A single storm can dramatically raise the water table, causing 'compound flooding' where rain, tides, and groundwater combine. This new understanding — that flooding can occur with much less rainfall than previously thought — is now shaping storm planning and driving improvements to vital infrastructure like pumps and canals, aiming for more comprehensive flood resilience.

Florida State Parks recently announced the results of the latest "Capture...the Real Florida" photo contest winners. Professionals, hobbyists, and smartphone photographers were invited to submit their best shots of our beautiful state.

The winning entries are now available online, including the "People's Choice" category. These stunning images offer a moment to appreciate Florida's exceptional natural beauty, serving as a powerful reminder of the incredible landscapes and environments found throughout the state.

Take a moment to explore these captivating glimpses of "the Real Florida", and the stories behind them.