Waterfront Times

Random boat inspections to come to an end July 1

NEWS SERVICE OF FLORIDA — Starting July 1, boaters will no longer be stopped by state wildlife officers for random boat-safety inspections. The bill SB 1388), signed in late May by Gov. Ron DeSantis, now requires Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission officers to have probable cause to halt boaters.

UF develops forecast system for toxic algae

The slimy algae topping Florida’s waterways are more than just unsightly. They are often toxic to humans, animals and the environment.

Termite swarm: The battle aboard S. Florida’s boats

There are signs that a battle is brewing.

Survey: Floridians worried about worsening climate change

More than two-thirds of Floridians are moderately or extremely concerned about hurricanes increasing in strength and frequency, according to a new Florida Atlantic University survey.

Tougher boating safety laws backed by legislators

TALLAHASSEE — An effort to impose stricter penalties on reckless boaters, spurred by a 2022 crash in the Florida Keys that resulted in the death of a 17-year-old girl, continued moving forward in the Senate in March.

Scientists breeding pet fish to help reefs, state economy

Florida’s pet fish industry is booming, but many saltwater species in home aquariums are still taken from the wild. Researchers at UF/IFAS want to change that by helping fish farmers breed popular species like clownfish and blue tangs — reducing pressure on reefs while creating jobs in the state’s growing aquaculture industry.