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Outdoors

  • New manatee, sea turtle decals supports conservation

    New editions of manatee and sea turtle decals are available at local tax collectors’ offices across the state. The popular decals, produced annually by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), provide an important source of funds for the state’s efforts to conserve Florida’s manatees and sea turtles.

    Anyone donating $5 will receive a decal. Donations support manatee and sea turtle research, rehabilitation and educational programs, as well as FWC conservation efforts.

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  • Group kayak and picnic event set

    The Friends of the Lower Suwannee & Cedar Keys National Wildlife Refuges will hold a Group Paddle and Picnic in the town of Suwannee. Join us for an easy (beginners welcome), short (3.8 miles, two hours), fresh water paddle on Lock Creek, through Riverine swamp along the Suwannee River. 

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  • Fishin’ after the storm

    To everyone that didnt get blown away or floated off, I hope any recovery is going well. Sorry, I was out last week. Truth of the matter, I don’t really know what to say.
    Truth is, after seeing these storms over the years, you really never know what to expect out on the water. It would be a bunch of guesses.
    This is what I saw this week, post-Debby: the water was dirty and a little dark to the north end of our waters. As you swung to the west and south, it began to clean up but stay cloudy.

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  • Snook to remain closed for another year in Gulf waters

    The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) voted to keep the recreational harvest of snook in Gulf of Mexico waters closed for another year to offer the species additional protection after a 2010 cold kill detrimentally affected the population.
    The decision came at the June 28 Commission meeting in Palm Beach Gardens after staff presented an updated stock assessment that showed snook populations are improving in the Atlantic and are not in biological jeopardy in the Gulf. The next assessment is due in 2015.

    Click here to read more...
  • Bay scallop season opened July 1

    It’s time, bay scallop harvesters! Get your snorkels, masks and dive flags ready. The recreational bay scallop harvest season began July 1.
    The season is regularly open through Sept. 10, but at its June 28 meeting in Palm Beach Gardens, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) discussed extending the season by two weeks.
    Bay scallops can be recreationally harvested in Gulf of Mexico state waters (shore to nine nautical miles) from the Pasco-Hernando County line to the west bank of the Mexico Beach Canal in Bay County.

    Click here to read more...
  • Boat ramps open, high water coming

    From the Levy County Sheriff's Office: 
    NWS Tallahassee has advised that local flood warnings are still in effect for the Suwannee River basin. Sheriff Johnny Smith has decided to re-open all launch sites in the county. Should that prediction of rising water begin to cause problems on the Suwannee River, it could prompt a second closure. The situation will be closely monitored daily and advance warning of any impending boat ramp closures will be announced.

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  • Dead manatee found on Atsena Otie

    A recently deceased sub to young adult manatee was found on the Atsena Otie beach Thursday, by Laura O'Dell and the crew of a Tidewater Tours boat.

    The tour company reported the finding to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.

    No obvious signs of trauma were seen at the time it was first found, except for signs of prior bleeding from the nose.

     The FWC sent an officer out to the scene quickly, but weather, tide, and boat problems caused difficulty with its recovery.

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  • Free Kids Photo Safari planned

    The Lower Suwannee National Wildlife Refuge will host a Kids Photo Safari on Tuesday,  June 19, from 9-1 p.m. at Refuge headquarters for grades 3 – 9.  Digital cameras and nature journals are provided for the photographers to keep notes on what they see. Reserve your child’s camera now. Ten slots are available - and it’s all free.

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  • Chiefland woman struck by sturgeon

    A Chiefland woman was airlifted to Shands Hospital in Gainesville Saturday afternoon after a 70-pound sturgeon jumped out of the Suwannee River and knocked her out of her family’s boat.
    Thirty-two-year-old Brianne Megargel was enjoying a relaxing afternoon boat ride on the river with her husband, Stephen, and 10-year-old son, Greyson Elmore, at about 4 p.m. near Manatee Springs when the accident occurred, according to Michael Hart, Megargel's father.

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  • Anglers: FWC needs data on red snapper

    By filling out a survey card or making a phone call, anglers can provide Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) biologists valuable information about red snapper and other reef fish.
    Biologists distribute survey cards year-round to anglers along the Gulf coast, to gather information about fishing trips targeting red snapper.

    Click here to read more...