Author: EcologyFlorida
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Gerrymandering Trial Awaits Judgment
Summary The Gerrymandering trial is over, and it is now up to Circuit Judge Terry Lewis to render a judgment in the case. Whatever his ruling, the impact of the actions prompting this trial have already been detrimental to fair elections, good legislation, and public trust in government. Although we have no way of knowing…
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EDITORIAL: Gerrymandering Takes the Stand
The Biggest Trial in Florida That Few Are Following Summary One of the most important trials in recent Florida history is currently occurring in Tallahassee. Most Floridians are not following it very closely – if at all. The trial grows out of a suit contending that the design of Florida’s congressional districts violates the state’s…
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EDITORIAL: New Toxins and GMOs Headed Our Way
New Toxins and New GMOs Headed Our Way: The Next Roundup for the GMO Corral Summary A new poison may soon be coming to an ecosystem near you. This is Dow Chemical’s Enlist Duo, a close relative to Monsanto’s aggressively marketed and wildly popular Roundup. Dow’s powerful herbicide is on the fast track to approval…
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OPINION: Teachers Say VAM Evaluations Are Flawed
Teachers Say VAM Evaluations are Flawed Marc Yacht, MD, MPH Many of Florida’s public school teachers see little value in the value-added-model (VAM) teacher evaluation process that’s being used this year. Also labeled “value added analysis” or “value added assessment,” the evaluation tool is tied to student testing results. VAM assesses how one student’s scores…
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EDITORIAL: Do the Math (but not the Science)!
Editorial Do the Math (but not the Science) There are at least 164 voucher-eligible schools in our state teaching Creationism, according to Brandon Haught’s recent op ed in the Tampa Bay Times. Haught is communications director for Florida Citizens for Science. He explains that FCS takes “a strong, determined stand for sound science education in…
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FEATURE: Key West Votes “NO” to Sanctuary Dredging
Key West Votes NO to Sanctuary Dredging by Lynn-Marie Smith Residents of Florida are used to battling developers and businesses that threaten the environment and quality of life in their communities. Key West is certainly no exception. Even if the City Commission tries to pass laws to protect things of value here, some with deep pockets…
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Florida Loquat Festival: Celebrating Florida’s Urban Fruit
The Florida Loquat Festival: Celebrating Florida’s Urban Fruit Inaugural Event April 5, 11:00 – 2:00 Market Off Main, New Port Richey Hosted by Market Off Main, Ecology Florida, and Friendship Farms & Fare The Inaugural Florida Loquat Festival is a learning and sharing event dedicated to expanding knowledge and appreciation of the Loquat Tree and…
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FEATURE: Make Meadows Not Lawns for Honey Bee Colony Health
Scott P. Roberts The honey bee is just one of the many kinds of bees endemic to Florida. However, it is the most important bee to Florida agriculture and to that of the United States as a whole. The honey bee is credited with approximately 85% of the pollinating activity necessary to supply about one-third…
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FEATURE: Waking Up to the Demise of the Indian River Estuary
Written by Scott P. Roberts My earliest memory of Florida is waking up to the view out a window of the Holiday Beach motel on Seaway Drive in Ft. Pierce. A gleaming white ship was passing just outside, moving quickly and quietly. As it glided out of sight my focus jumped to its white foam…
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The Natural Price For The Florida Dream: Life In The Indian River Estuary
For many, life in Florida would seem incomplete without rich green golf courses and lush front lawns. That’s because along with the astronomical population growth the state has seen since 1950 has come the heavy use of fertilizers. Much of this history has also been marked by the use of septic systems for removing sewage…