Habitat

A strange-looking endangered species that swims Southwest Florida waters could be getting some new protections. Full story »

Conservation groups are petitioning the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to revise the boundaries of critical habitat for the endangered Florida manatee in Southwest Florida. Full story »

To further Collier County’s green lodging initiative, the Collier County Hotel & Lodging Association has formed a Green Committee to grow and enhance the benefits of sustainable lodging practices in the region and assist other hotels that wish to gain certification. Full story »

Two feathered residents on Tract K may delay development of a solar project. The pair of American bald eagles on Tract K near Tigertail Court is drawing increased attention with the recent release of a development plan between the Collier County School District and United Energy Technology, a Marco based solar energy company. Full story »

Talk about a mess. Marco Island work crews spent about seven hours Friday cleaning up after a geyser of raw sewage erupted from a pump near a wastewater lift station on San Marco Road. Cleaning the waterway near the spill will be up to nature’s tidal flush. “I woke up and saw sewage blowing in the air about 10 to 12 feet high. The front lawn was 2 feet deep in sewage and toilet paper was hanging off his car,” said Bill McManus of San Marco Road as he pointed to his neighbor’s house. The pump, which was installed temporarily while upgrading an older lift station, broke down before 6 a.m. Friday morning, said city Public Information Coordinator Lisa Douglass. Full story »

Deputy Secretary of the Interior Lynn Scarlett will be in Miami to discuss the restoration process of the Everglades. She is scheduled to speak at Everglades National Park Friday morning. Full story »

“We found the usual stuff, plastic bottles, Styrofoam and cans, but the beach was cleaner than last time. People could be caring more, there were fewer storms this year to wash up debris or we’re doing a better job.”
Burt Robbins, volunteer Full story »

Building a road where endangered Florida panthers roam won’t cost Collier County taxpayers as much to meet federal environmental mitigation requirements under a plan approved Tuesday. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service requires the county, or any private developer in panther country for that matter, to offset habitat loss in the form of so-called Panther Habitat Units. Full story »

There were 16 named storms this season. Six made landfall in the United States. Only one of those hit Florida, something officials are thankful for as the season comes to a close. Tropical Storm Fay made landfall Aug. 19. The storm came ashore early that morning over Cape Romano near Marco Island with tropical storm force winds that stretched for 125 miles from the center.
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To say the completion of the Lely Main Canal Improvement Project was overdue would be an understatement. “It’s been a long time coming, hasn’t it?” said Collier County Commissioner Donna Fiala during the canal’s brief dedication ceremony Thursday. “We are very pleased. It (the canal) is really an asset to the community.” Full story »

Iguana hunting may sound like a new sport, but for Chris Harlow it’s just another day at work. The city of Marco hired Christopher Harlow’s Wildlife Removal Services, based out of Cape Coral, in October after receiving council approval to seek bids on iguana removal services. Harlow’s $7,500 contract is for catching as many iguanas as possible in the next six months. He comes to the island one day each week and if city officials find the program is successful, his contract may be extended. Full story »

Red tide is present at Marco Island's South Beach according to Collier County Pollution Control and Prevention announcement. Very low levels of the bacteria indicate respiratory irritation is possible, but fish kills are unlikely. Full story »

Drought tolerant landscaping — popular with many Marco Islanders — isn’t simply a matter of jamming hardy plants into the earth and letting nature take care of the aesthetics. The trend is better known as Xeriscaping, and planned design is all important, said Karen Anglin of the Island Garden Center. Full story »

Fourth generation crabber Douglas Doxsee pulled his boat quayside at Capri Fisheries late Wednesday afternoon on the first day of stone crab season and shook a small bucket to signify he’d hauled in just a handful of the precious claws. Full story »

Lawn lovers eager to crank up their irrigation systems after months of drought-induced watering restrictions might want to give it up. The governing board of the South Florida Water Management District, meeting Thursday in West Palm Beach, voted 7-1 to enact permanent two-day-per-week restrictions in the 16-county district as a way to instill a year-round water conservation ethic and end the on-again, off-again restrictions that have become a seasonal rite in South Florida. Full story »