Sunken Boat Raises Legal Issues
Jacksonville, FL — Two winters ago, a battered-looking boat showed up in the Ortega River just east of the Highway 17 Bridge. Its wooden hull appeared worn through in places. Rotted wood on the cabin had been patched with plywood … Continued
The Proof is in the Produce; How a Community Effort Nourishes a Neighborhood.
Mike Cox is one of those people with the gift of making others happy. His smile invites smiles. He loves Jesus and hymn singing. He’s a Florida farm boy, born and bred, and a pretty terrific spinner of tales. … Continued
Scientists: Seismic Testing Could Be the End of Right Whales
Jacksonville, FL — Has marine life been washing up dead onshore on the Gulf Coast? That’s the question then-councilman Robin Lumb asked an oil industry consultant at the Jacksonville City Council meeting last June when a resolution to ban seismic … Continued
Review: “Rain: A Natural and Cultural History”
It rained and then rained some more on the Sunday afternoon I finished reading Rain: A Natural and Cultural History. Florida author Cynthia Barnett’s descriptions of the drenching joy of India’s monsoon rains made me want to feel the raindrops … Continued
Obama Reverses: No Drilling Off Florida East Coast
The Obama administration reversed course and announced yesterday there won’t be any oil rigs off the Southeast Atlantic coast for at least five years, thanks to protests in states ranging from Virginia to Florida. Objections to offshore drilling by the … Continued
Rodman Rising
Near Palatka, FL — Water at the Rodman Dam will rise again starting today, when the locks are shut after a five month drawdown to clean out choked-up, rotting vegetation. Closing the dam will stop the historic Ocklawaha River from … Continued
Is Jax the 10th Worst City for Drinking Water?
Jacksonville, FL — An internet article listing Jacksonville’s drinking water the 10th worst in the U. S. got another round of sharing and gasping on social media recently, even though the article is five years old and based on questionable data. … Continued
Manatees No Longer Endangered, Feds Say
When Quint White came to Jacksonville University to teach marine biology nearly three decades ago, he was certain he manatees were on their way to extinction. Now, thanks to federal protection, the population is up by 500%. This has prompted … Continued
To Touch the Hand of God
Cross Creek, FL – Bill Brown walked through the soft sand of the old orange grove, his cane pushing several inches into the sand as he walked. The cool and breezy air was pungent with the smell of just-picked oranges … Continued
Whales Are Back!
Ponte Vedra, FL — The first whales of the migratory season were spotted off Northeast Florida’s Atlantic coast last week, according to the Marineland Right Whale Project. Two mother and calf pairs were seen swimming south off the coast of … Continued