Eyes on the Florida Senate: the WatchPups’ Legislative Watchlist
The 2024 Florida legislative session is well underway and News Watch students are keeping a close eye on a handful of environmental bills.
ICYMI: Leon County passed a climate emergency resolution in 2023
After four years of advocacy work, young climate activists can now celebrate in Florida’s capital county.
The Florida Bear’s Search for the Bare Necessities
Black bear encounters are on the rise as development projects replace natural Florida habitats.
Why Lettuce?
While seagrass populations are diminishing, manatee populations are plummeting as well. State officials decided to combat this loss by feeding the manatees lettuce.
For the Love of a River
A look at the changes over the writer's life in the St. Johns River.
Backyard Surveillance State and the Birds Who Frequent It
A writer spies on his neighbors and reflects on his connection to nature.
Florida’s natural springs are overflowing with social media-driven tourists
Silver Springs State Park is a beautiful spot to escape into Florida’s wilderness. Skip the crowds and the World Famous Glass Bottom Boats to paddle downstream into Wild Florida. A manatee huffs to the right, munching on water lettuce and blooming water hyacinth. On shore, an alligator basks in the sun.
Caught on Camera: Whale shark surfaces off the coast of North Florida
The rare sighting was shared widely on social media.
Commentary: Florida’s Sea Turtles and Our Changing Tides
A combination of childhood fondness for the ocean and sheer proximity sparked marine biologist Cheryl Zaricki’s passion for sea turtles. Now semi-retired, she leads study-abroad courses in Panama and Costa Rica for students studying marine biology.
Amy Brady Uncovers America’s Icy Obsessions
“It’s a history of innovation, and how quickly humans can make changes if we just become obsessed with something enough.”
A Climate in Crisis: Conversation with Jeff VanderMeer about Florida's resilience
With its miles of stark white beaches and enchanting rural swamplands, Florida is a home, a biodiverse wonderland, a playground for travelers, a retreat for the retired. Often – in the minds of many developers – a nuisance to be built over for profit.
In ongoing battle over books, two moms become word warriors to protect Florida students
In ongoing battle over books, two moms become word warriors to protect Florida students
The last day: Revisiting Leon County Schools students
Sadie Beshara, a student at Kate Sullivan Elementary School, attended her whole first grade via computer screen.
The future of one after school program looks uncertain because of COVID-19
After-school programs such as Nims’ STEM OUT are trying to find new life after the pandemic.
Maya’s Book Nook: 5-year-old and her mom run a website dedicated to diverse books for kids
Changing the way we approach children’s books, Florida State University professor Lakeisha Johnson and her five-year-old daughter Maya developed their own website to promote books by Black, Hispanic and an array of diverse authors.
Leon Schools students say it's time to end 'period poverty' with free pads, tampons
“Menstruation matters and it shouldn’t be taboo," a Rickards High School student said.
Black History Month retrospective: Leon Schools students weigh in, share curriculum hopes for future
"To me, Black History Month is a month to celebrate," one student said.
'The kids deserve my best': How one teacher inspires art at Nims Middle School during a pandemic
For R. Frank Nims Middle School chorus teacher Andrew Thompson, this year has been challenging in more ways than one.
Nims Middle School unveils pre-law magnet program for Leon County middle schoolers
R. Frank Nims Middle School now has a program for students who aspire to become lawyers, judges, legal writers, forensic scientists and more.
'I could see the hope': Leon County Schools ranks 3rd in Florida for number of Black principals
An educator's gift is the ability to inspire. For the 16 Black men and women who serve as principals in Leon County public schools, that influence becomes an even greater charge.