Nearly 7,000 gopher tortoises were relocated across Lake and Orange counties in five years. Most left the properties where they were found, but their exact destinations are not easy to track.

A bizarre blob at a Cape Canaveral beach had beachgoers guessing. Marine experts identified it as a colony of organisms called sea pork.

Kids 12 and younger can visit Sanford’s Central Florida Zoo free throughout August with an adult ticket purchase. The deal arrives as families look for one more summer outing before school resumes.

Biologists released captive‑reared Florida grasshopper sparrows on the DeLuca Preserve this month, pairing ranching and prescribed fire with captive breeding to help the species recover.

A 7.5-foot alligator spent the night on a Palm Bay family's front porch before wildlife trappers removed the animal. FWC urges residents to report sightings to 866‑FWC‑GATOR.

A resident filmed two coyotes in Orlando’s Audubon Park near Chelsea Place, prompting FWC reminders to keep small pets indoors and secure yards. Neighbors are weighing safety steps while officials urge prevention over removal.

WalletHub’s 2026 analysis ranks Atlanta fourth among the 100 largest U.S. cities for recreation, with top marks for parks spending and public pools — but uneven access remains.

State and county grants push DeBary's Alexander Island toward an initial public opening, with parking, trails and river access planned for late 2026.

Blue Spring State Park will require day‑use reservations starting July 15; booking opened July 8 and applies to all visitors, including passholders. Plan ahead and have your confirmation ready.

Oviedo’s Lukas Nursery is expanding its Butterfly Encounter into a larger, climate‑controlled conservatory and adding a learning center as Slavia Road is widened.

A newborn dolphin calf was hurt after a boat sped through a pod near Merritt Island; Hubbs‑SeaWorld and state officers searched the canal and asked the public to report sightings.

A 31-year-old woman was hospitalized after an alligator bite in the Little Big Econ River near Geneva; FWC and local authorities responded to the scene.

A stretch of the Rainbow River briefly closed after a snorkeler was bitten. Crews removed the alligator and reopened the river, officials say.