November 2025

Florida's Apalachicola Bay once supplied 90% of the state's oysters, but the fishery collapsed in 2013, leading to a complete closure in 2020. This month brings welcome news for oyster lovers: the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission has announced that oyster harvesting will resume on January 1st for an initial two-month season.

The cautious approach reflects a commitment to long-term sustainability. Initially, just 500 acres will be open for harvesting, with plans to expand to 2,000 acres by 2032. This stands in stark contrast to the bay's mid-2000s heyday, when 10,000 acres were actively harvested. The gradual reopening aims to ensure the delicate ecosystem can support a thriving oyster population for years to come.

A groundbreaking study from UC Santa Cruz's Center for Coastal Climate Resilience and East Carolina University has put hard numbers on something we've long known: nature is one of our best defenses against extreme weather. Researchers found that mangrove trees significantly reduced storm surges and property damage during Hurricanes Irma (2017) and Ian (2022).

Using industry-standard catastrophe risk modeling, the study valued the protection mangroves provided at $725 million during Hurricane Irma and an impressive $4.1 billion during Hurricane Ian. Even more remarkable, researchers calculated that mangroves could provide $67 million worth of storm surge protection annually in Collier County alone.

Following sharp increases in ocean temperatures, two of the most important coral species in Florida's reefs have been classified as 'functionally extinct'—the stage before global extinction. Scientists warn this represents a critical tipping point, signaling that corals worldwide face complete extinction, which would devastate ocean ecosystems globally.

In response, scientists are cultivating elkhorn coral—one of the two most severely impacted species—in aquariums and coral nurseries. However, they caution that major interventions will be necessary before these corals can safely thrive in ocean waters again.

Florida may be famous for its sun-drenched beaches and tropical landscapes, but maintaining all that greenery presents challenges unlike anywhere else in the country. Behind every perfectly manicured golf course and thriving commercial landscape lies a complex balancing act between water conservation, unpredictable weather, and rapidly growing demand.

In this blog post, we dive deep into the unique obstacles facing commercial irrigation in Florida. From the devastating impact of hurricanes on pumping infrastructure to the alarming rate of saltwater intrusion in coastal aquifers, Florida's irrigation professionals are navigating a perfect storm of environmental pressures.

Did you know that Florida's residential and commercial irrigation systems consume 900 million gallons of fresh water every single day? Or that Central Florida could face a water shortfall of over 1 billion gallons per day by 2035? The numbers paint a sobering picture, but they also highlight why smart, sustainable irrigation solutions have never been more critical.

Whether you're managing a property development, maintaining a business park, or overseeing a golf course, understanding these challenges—and the innovative solutions available—is essential for protecting your investment and Florida's precious water resources.

Despite its status as Florida's unofficial mascot, the flamingo was nearly wiped out by hunters in the early 1900s. Now, with flamingo populations rebounding globally and sightings increasing across Florida, the iconic pink bird may be staging a comeback.

The primary driver behind this resurgence is the ongoing restoration of the Everglades, described by experts as "flamingo heaven." The growing number of flamingos spotted by scientists during winter months provides visible, vibrant proof that Everglades restoration efforts are delivering real results.

Four engineering students from the University of Miami have developed an innovative solution to coral bleaching: a floating shield called the Kanopi that protects corals from harmful ultraviolet rays during summer months. Without protection, these rays cause corals to bleach and die.

The Kanopi consists of interlocking hexagons that can expand or contract to shade reefs of varying sizes. During summer, it floats on the surface above reefs, providing protection for corals up to 20 meters deep without disrupting other marine life. A prototype is scheduled for testing in Florida waters soon.