Saturday, May 18, 2013
In its latest blog on Patch, the Southwest Florida Water Management District explains what it's doing to protect the natural springs it calls "essential" to our environment and economy.
Florida's natural springs are "essential to the environment, economy, citizens and visitors of the state," according to the Southwest Florida Water Management District. That's why the agency invested more than $2.2 million in springs protection and restoration last year and has approved $3.9 million more for the coming fiscal year, SFWMD spokesperson Susanna Martinez Tarokh explains in her latest blog on Patch. "There are more than 150 documented springs throughout the 16-county District, with five first magnitude spring groups that collectively discharge more than one billion gallons of water per day," Martinez Tarokh writes. Have you ever visited any of these springs? Do you agree with SFWMD's mission to protect them? We want to hear …
Monday, December 10, 2012
Are you in favor of such a law? Do you think it goes too far, or not far enough?
Florida could soon join 39 other states that have banned texting while driving. A bill filed last week by state Rep. Doug Holder, R-Sarasota, would make texting while driving a secondary offense under which a driver can receive a citation, but only after he or she is pulled over for a primary offense such as speeding or reckless driving, TBO.com reports. The bill doesn't prohibit all use of handheld devices while driving, as some state laws do, and cell phone calls would still be permitted. "If you are texting while driving, you are 23 times more likely to have an accident," Holder told TBO. "I think the timing is right. I think we are going to get something passed." Are you in favor of such a law in Florida? Do you think it goes too far, …
Tuesday, November 6, 2012
Polls close in Pinellas County at 7 p.m.
Once you have been to your polling location, or otherwise cast your ballot, you may be wondering when voting results will be announced in Pinellas County. It's hard to predict exactly when the Pinellas County Supervisor of Elections will have all of the county votes in and counted, but here's what we do know: The statewide results for Florida might take a bit longer because portions of the panhandle are in the Central Time Zone and polls will close there at 8 p.m. EST.
Sunday, November 4, 2012
Former President Bill Clinton says President Barack Obama deserves four more years. Watch our video and hear why Clinton backs Obama even more this time around.
Supporters cheered and chanted "four more years" along with Former President Bill Clinton at a rally in downtown St. Petersburg Friday night. About 1,000 supporters packed the Coliseum and showed their support by holding pro Obama signs and waving on the former president during his speech. "I am far more enthusiastic about President Barack Obama this time, and you should be, too," Clinton said. "I feel more strongly this time because, first of all, he has done a much better job with a terrible situation than most people would." Watch our video and hear directly from Former President Bill Clinton.
Thursday, September 27, 2012
The state rolls out a new curriculum today that’s designed to prevent childhood sexual abuse.
Reading, writing and arithmetic aren’t the only things Florida’s kindergarten children will learn in classes from now on. Starting today, they’ll also learn the ins and outs of preventing sexual abuse. The state intends to roll out its new “Safer, Smarter Kids” curriculum today in all of its public kindergarten classes. The addition to the standard ABCs and 123s lineup is meant to help kids avoid becoming targets of abusers. The program will present a variety of topics in a manner that is meant to inform children without being explicit or scary. Topics include safety awareness, self-esteem development, body boundaries and “Listening to your Guiding Voice.” While most parents will agree children need to be educated about and protected from …
Monday, June 25, 2012
A Level 1 state of emergency, the lowest declaration, is in effect as Tropical Storm Debby brings rain, winds and flooding to Florida.
Florida Gov. Rick Scott declared a state of emergency Monday afternoon as the state deals with the effects of Tropical Storm Debby. Scott declared a Level 1 state of emergency, the lowest, which activates storm operations in all 67 counties, the Tampa Bay Times reports. Scott receieved a briefing on the storm's effects before advising Floridians "to be safe, avoid non-essential driving, pay close attention to weather reports and stay away from downed power lines," according to the Times. "I think the most important thing is, one, just use common sense. Be careful," Scott said. "If you're close to a beach, be very cautious. Look at all the beach advisories. If there's any standing water, if there's any flooding, don't drive into it. Be very…
Debbie Ponceti
6:22 am on Saturday, May 18, 2013
I have visited many of the springs. They are such wonderful sanctuaries to retreat to. The water is absolutely clear. You can see the patterns of a leaf in 6 feet of water. The wildlife one can see could include manatees, gators, long nose garr, and an assortment of other aquatic marvels. The water is a bit chilly for swimming during the winter months, but quite refreshing in June, July and … more ›