Thick orange smoke haze over homes — Courtesy: Shutterstock — SvetlanaSF According to a live map from AirNow, residents in areas of Florida, Georgia, and Oregon could experience dangerous levels of air pollution early on Friday. The image depicts a region of northern Florida that includes communities like Sanderson and Lake Butler and has fine
Patient receiving a vaccination – Courtesy: Shutterstock – Image by Prostock-studio Panama City Beach, FL. — On Wednesday, the Florida Department of Health took a step toward doing away with four childhood vaccination requirements. The department can do this without the governor’s or the Legislature’s approval. The idea is the first concrete step in Florida
Deer — Courtesy: Shutterstock — moosehenderson Florida wildlife officials are implementing emergency measures in an attempt to stop the spread of a deadly ailment known as “zombie deer disease,” after finding only the second case in the state. During normal screening, the carcass of a young white-tailed doe that was hit by a car in
Fuzzy Caterpillar – Courtesy: Shutterstock – Satyashutter After all, Florida wouldn’t exist without another spooky crawler to be concerned about, would it? According to wildlife officials, puss caterpillars, one of the most poisonous insects in the United States, are on the rise. Florida puss caterpillars According to the Fish & Wildlife Foundation of Florida, the
Child Vaccination — Courtesy: Shutterstock — Ira Lichi Florida Surgeon General Dr. Joseph Ladapo declared Wednesday that the state will take action to repeal all vaccination requirements. Florida would become the first state to do away with the long-standing, constitutionally supported practice of mandating specific immunizations for schoolchildren. During a press conference, Ladapo declared that
Flesh-eating bacteria – Pictured: No swimming advisory sign on beach – Courtesy: Shutterstock – Image by Jean Faucett The number of deaths from “flesh-eating” bacteria is increasing in the U.S.’s southeast coast. This year, infections that can result in necrotizing wounds have killed at least five people in Florida, four in Louisiana, and one in
Researcher is holding Petri dish of Vibrio vulnificus (flesh-eating bacteria) – Courtesy: Shutterstock – Image by Arpon Pongkasetkam According to state health officials, four people in Florida have died and over six others are ill after catching a rare “flesh-eating bacteria” this year. The Florida Department of Health (FDOH) reports that deaths in Bay, Broward,
Rusted lead pipes – Courtesy: Shutterstock – Image by mvdesign Due to the worries of public health advocates and dentists who believe fluoride is a safe and effective approach to prevent cavities in people of all ages, Florida is on the verge of becoming the second state to outlaw the mineral in public drinking water.
Large marijuana grow operation – Courtesy: Shutterstock – Image by Canna Obscura The Hope Florida Foundation reversed course and donated $5 million each to groups that donated millions to a political committee that supported the governor’s anti-marijuana campaign, just weeks after the DeSantis administration diverted $10 million from a legal Medicaid settlement to a charity
Water testing – Courtesy: Shutterstock – Image by Irina Kozorog Two comprehensive measures that would forbid local governments from fluoridating drinking water are now making their way through Florida’s legislature. Both HB 651 and SB 700 are comprehensive legislation that address a wide range of issues, from funding for mosquito control to regulations governing the