Latest news with #USATodayNetwork-Florida
Yahoo
16-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
How did most the popular baby names in Indiana compare to US? See the list
There's nothing like the excitement — or pressure — of deciding on a name for a new baby. The Social Security Administration keeps track of the most popular baby names and you can look up those names back to 1960, not only for the entire United States, but also by state. How does the Social Security Administration know the most popular names? For parents to be able to claim that new bundle of joy as a dependent, the baby needs to have a Social Security number, and parents apply for that number and card on their behalf. You did remember to do that, right? The list of the most popular baby names in 2024 is out. See the most popular names in the U.S. and how they compare to the most popular names in Indiana. Top 10 most popular boys' names in 2024 were: Liam Noah Oliver Theodore James Henry Mateo Elijah Lucas William It's the eighth consecutive year Liam and Noah were ranked No. 1 and No. 2. In 2016, Noah ranked No. 1 and Liam ranked No. 2. Most popular girls' names in 2024 were: Olivia Emma Amelia Charlotte Mia Sophia Isabella Evelyn Ava Sofia It's the sixth consecutive year Olivia and Emma ranked No. 1 and No. 2. In 2018, Emma was No. 1 and Olivia was No. 2. Top 10 most popular names for boys, with the number of babies with that name in 2024, in Indiana were: Oliver, 397 Liam, 384 Theodore, 341 Noah, 303 Henry, 293 Elijah, 265 Hudson, 250 James, 245 Asher, 239 Benjamin, 237 Top 10 most popular names for girls in Indiana, with the number of babies with that name in 2024, were: Charlotte, 354 Amelia, 346 Sophia, 254 Olivia, 251 Emma, 248 Evelyn, 233 Eleanor, 226 Harper, 195 Mia, 194 Ava, 191 Tiffany Trump, only child of President Donald Trump and Marla Maples, and her billionaire husband, Michael Boulos, welcomed their son at 4:44 a.m. May 15, Alexander is the 11th grandchild of Donald Trump and the first for Maples, a former model and second ex-wife to President Trump. ➤ Tiffany Trump, Michael Boulos welcome baby boy, Trump's 11th grandchild, first for Marla Maples According to the Social Security Administration, Alexander ranked No. 25 for boy names in Indiana in 2024. A total of 531 babies received the name in 2024. Across the U.S., Alexander ranked No. 27. Contributing: Jennifer Sangalang, USA Today Network-Florida This article originally appeared on The Times-Mail: Most popular baby names 2024 in United States, Indiana
Yahoo
12-05-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
National Hurricane Center tropical outlooks start soon. Here's why they're important to Florida
The 2025 hurricane season is less than a month away. Later this week, on May 15, the National Hurricane Center will begin issuing daily "tropical outlooks," highlighting areas showing potential for tropical development over the next seven days. As happened in March, an outlook will be issued ahead of May 15 if forecasters think something may develop earlier. ➤ Weather alerts via text: Sign up to get updates about current storms and weather events by location Look for daily stories from USA Today Network-Florida on conditions in the tropics using those advisories, along with forecasts from other hurricane experts, including AccuWeather, Florida meteorologist Dr. Ryan Truchelut and Philip Klotzbach, meteorologist at Colorado State University. Now is the time to prepare for hurricane season. To help people get ready, NOAA issued daily advice May 4-10 as part of Hurricane Preparedness Week. The first named storm of the season will be Andrea. The Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 through Nov. 30. The Atlantic basin includes the northern Atlantic Ocean, Caribbean Sea and Gulf of America. NOAA changed its naming convention for the Gulf of Mexico after the U.S. Geological Survey changed the name on U.S. maps per President Trump's order. Tropical outlooks are issued by the National Hurricane Center starting May 15 through Nov. 30. A map highlights "significant areas of disturbed weather and their potential for development during the next seven days," said Larry Kelly, hurricane specialist with the National Hurricane Center, in an email. Contained in the outlook are the probabilities the area could develop into a tropical cyclone over the next 48 hours and seven days: A low probability of development ranges from 0-30% A medium probability of development ranges from 40-60% A high probability of development ranges from 70-100% "The hatched areas on the graphic represent the potential formation area during the forecast period. It is important to note that it is not a forecast track and just a formation area," Kelly said. The hatched areas on the tropical outlook map indicate "areas where a tropical cyclone — which could be a tropical depression, tropical storm or hurricane — could develop," said National Hurricane Center Deputy Director Jamie Rhome said in an interview in 2024. The colors make it visibly clear how likely a system could develop with yellow being low, orange medium, and red high. The National Hurricane Center generally doesn't issue tropical advisories until a there is a named storm, but there is an exception. "If a system is near land and there is potential for development, the National Hurricane Center won't wait before it issues advisories, even if the system hasn't become an actual storm. This gives residents time to prepare," Rhome said. "The tropical weather outlook provides forecasts on areas of disturbed weather that could develop into tropical cyclones," Kelly said. "It highlights the location, movement, and development potential of these systems over the next two to seven days. "This information is important for early preparation and awareness during hurricane season so you can be prepared for the hazards that systems can bring, including storm surge, flooding, strong winds, tornadoes and hazardous marine and beach conditions." The National Hurricane Center announced earlier this year a few changes will be coming in 2025. Among the changes will be another tweak to its cone of uncertainty, sometimes nicknamed the cone of death. In 2024, the cone underwent a major change, with watches and warnings displayed for inland counties instead of just coastal counties. ➤ National Hurricane Center lays out changes coming for 2025 season. See what to expect Here are the changes coming this year: New addition to cone of uncertainty Based on feedback on the experimental cone, this year the National Hurricane Center said it would add a specific symbol — diagonal pink and blue lines — for counties where both a hurricane watch and tropical storm warning are in effect. Cone getting smaller The size of the tropical cyclone track forecast error cone for the Atlantic basin in 2025 will be about 3% to 5% smaller compared to 2024. The cone represents the probable track of the center of a tropical cyclone. This year's cone will reflect historical official forecast errors from 2020 to 2024. Earlier advance warning In 2025, the National Hurricane Center will be able to issue an advisory up to 72 hours — instead of 48 hours — before the anticipated arrival of storm surge or tropical-storm-force winds on land. Addition of rip current risk map This new addition provided by the Hurricane Center will be provided for the current day, the next day, and as a composite showing the highest risk over both days for areas along the East and Gulf coasts of the United States, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, and the coast of southern California. Storm surge info for Hawaiian Islands New in 2025 will be a "probabilistic storm surge guidance" for the Hawaiian communities of Kauai, Maui, Oahu, and Big Island. The information will be posted 72 hours before hurricane impacts are expected. Forecasters can't emphasize enough the importance of preparing for tropical storms and hurricanes, even before the season begins. May 4-10 was designated as Hurricane Preparedness Week and NOAA chose a different topic each day to help people know what to do before, during and after a storm. ➤ New to hurricanes? Everything to know about NOAA tips from Hurricane Preparedness Week "Now is the time to prepare before the season begins," Kelly said. "Take action TODAY to be better prepared for when the worst happens. Understand your risk from hurricanes, and begin pre-season preparations now. Make sure you have multiple ways of receiving forecasts and alerts, and know what to do before, during, and after a storm. Stay informed throughout the season." Colorado State University meteorologists are predicting the following for the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season: 17 named storms 9 hurricanes 4 major hurricanes AccuWeather is predicting the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season could bring: Named storms: 13 to 18 Hurricanes: 7-10 Major hurricanes: 3-5 Direct U.S. impacts: 3-6 Truchelut predicted the 2025 season has a 50-50 shot of landing in the ranges of: 16-21 tropical storms 7-9 hurricanes 3-4 major hurricanes Based on a 30-year period from 1991 to 2020, an average Atlantic hurricane season has 14 named storms, seven hurricanes and three major hurricanes, according to NOAA. Here are the names for the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season, along with how to pronounce them: Andrea: AN-dree uh Barry: BAIR-ree Chantal: shahn-TAHL Dexter: DEHK-ster Erin: AIR-rin Fernand: fair-NAHN Gabrielle: ga-bree-ELL Humberto: oom-BAIR-toh Imelda: ee-MEHL-dah Jerry: JEHR-ee Karen: KAIR-ren Lorenzo: loh-REN-zoh Melissa: meh-LIH-suh Nestor: NES-tor Olga: OAL-guh Pablo: PAHB-lo Rebekah: reh-BEH-kuh Sebastien: se-BAS-tee-en Tanya: TAHN-yuh Van: van Wendy: WEN-dee We will start our daily tropical weather coverage on May 15. Download your local site's app to ensure you're always connected to the news. And look for our special subscription offers here. This article originally appeared on Fort Myers News-Press: Hurricane season's 2025 NHC tropical outlooks to start May 15
Yahoo
09-05-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Ready for hurricane season? National Hurricane Center close to starting daily tropical outlooks
Are you ready for the 2025 hurricane season? Me neither. But it's coming and predictions as of this writing are for an above-normal season. When you consider an "average" season has 14 named storms, seven hurricanes and three major hurricanes, well, I guess the best thing we can say is to make things "easier" on yourself and prepare now. On Thursday, May 15, the National Hurricane Center will begin issuing daily "tropical outlooks," highlighting areas showing potential for tropical development over the next seven days. As happened in March, an outlook will be issued ahead of May 15 if forecasters think something may develop earlier. Look for daily stories from USA Today Network-Florida on conditions in the tropics using those advisories, along with forecasts from other hurricane experts, including AccuWeather, Florida meteorologist Dr. Ryan Truchelut and Philip Klotzbach, meteorologist at Colorado State University. ➤ Weather alerts via text: Sign up to get updates about current storms and weather events by location As forecasters like to say, "It only takes one" to make the season real if you're the one hit by a storm. And if not, think about working your way through those hurricane supplies over the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays. Note to self: Find recipes that use the most of uneaten food in my emergency kit. AccuWeather predicted May 6 there's already a (low) possibility the season's first tropical storm could form before the official start of hurricane season June 1. Hurricane season starts June 1. The National Hurricane Center will issue daily tropical outlooks May 15. An exception to that date is if forecasters spot an area showing potential for tropical development earlier than May 15. Tropical outlooks highlight areas showing potential for tropical development over the next two to seven days. The areas are colored yellow, for low probability for development; orange for a medium chance; and red for a high chance for tropical development. Odds of Florida being impacted by a named storm in 2025: 92%. The Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 through Nov. 30. The Atlantic basin includes the northern Atlantic Ocean, Caribbean Sea and Gulf of America. NOAA changed its naming convention for the Gulf of Mexico after the U.S. Geological Survey changed the name on U.S. maps per President Trump's order. Tropical outlooks are issued by the National Hurricane Center starting May 15 and ending Nov. 30. A map highlights "significant areas of disturbed weather and their potential for development during the next seven days," said Larry Kelly, hurricane specialist with the National Hurricane Center, in an email. Contained in the outlook are the probabilities the area could develop into a tropical cyclone over the next 48 hours and seven days: A low probability of development ranges from 0-30% A medium probability of development ranges from 40-60% A high probability of development ranges from 70-100% "The hatched areas on the graphic represent the potential formation area during the forecast period. It is important to note that it is not a forecast track and just a formation area," Kelly said. The hatched areas on the tropical outlook map indicate "areas where a tropical cyclone — which could be a tropical depression, tropical storm or hurricane — could develop," said National Hurricane Center Deputy Director Jamie Rhome said in an interview in 2024. The colors make it visibly clear how likely a system could develop with yellow being low, orange medium, and red high. The National Hurricane Center generally doesn't issue tropical advisories until a there is a named storm, but there is an exception. "If a system is near land and there is potential for development, the National Hurricane Center won't wait before it issues advisories, even if the system hasn't become an actual storm. This gives residents time to prepare," Rhome said. On March 17, the National Hurricane Center posted on its website a map showing an area with a low potential for development. While the daily tropical outlooks will start on May 15, the exception — as was the case in March — is if forecasters spot an area showing potential for development. Forecasters highlighted a "non-tropical area of low pressure" located about 700 miles northeast of the northern Leeward Islands. The system was not expected to develop, and the Hurricane Center issued no additional advisories. "The tropical weather outlook provides forecasts on areas of disturbed weather that could develop into tropical cyclones," Kelly said. "It highlights the location, movement, and development potential of these systems over the next two to seven days. "This information is important for early preparation and awareness during hurricane season so you can be prepared for the hazards that systems can bring, including storm surge, flooding, strong winds, tornadoes and hazardous marine and beach conditions." Forecasters can't emphasize enough the importance of preparing for tropical storms and hurricanes even before the season begins. May 4-10 was designated as Hurricane Preparedness Week and NOAA chose a different topic each day to help people know what to do before, during and after a storm. ➤ New to hurricanes? Everything to know about NOAA tips from Hurricane Preparedness Week "Now is the time to prepare before the season begins," Kelly said. "Take action TODAY to be better prepared for when the worst happens. Understand your risk from hurricanes, and begin pre-season preparations now. Make sure you have multiple ways of receiving forecasts and alerts, and know what to do before, during, and after a storm. Stay informed throughout the season." Colorado State University meteorologists are predicting the following for the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season: 17 named storms 9 hurricanes 4 major hurricanes AccuWeather is predicting the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season could bring: Named storms: 13 to 18 Hurricanes: 7-10 Major hurricanes: 3-5 Direct U.S. impacts: 3-6 Truchelut predicted the 2025 season has a 50-50 shot of landing in the ranges of: 16-21 tropical storms 7-9 hurricanes 3-4 major hurricanes Since 2003, there have been 15 tropical cyclones that have formed before June 1. Eleven of those storms formed in May. There have even been occasions when a tropical cyclone has formed in January. Here's a look back at a few of them: Jan. 16-17, 2023: Unnamed subtropical storm. May 22-23, 2021: Tropical Storm Ana. May 16-19, 2020: Tropical Storm Arthur. May 27-28, 2020: Tropical Storm Bertha. May 20-21, 2019: Subtropical Storm Andrea. May 25-31, 2018: Tropical Storm Alberto. April 19-21, 2017: Tropical Storm Arlene. Jan. 12-15, 2016: Hurricane Alex May 27-June 4, 2016: Tropical Storm Bonnie May 8-11, 2015: Tropical Storm Ana. May 19-22, 2012: Tropical Storm Alberto. May 26-30, 2012: Tropical Storm Beryl. May 31-June 1, 2008: Tropical Storm Arthur. May 9-11, 2007: Subtropical Storm Andrea. April 20-24, 2003: Tropical Storm Ana. Florida ranked No. 1 when it came to the probability of a hurricane coming within 50 miles, at 65%, according to Colorado State University hurricane forecasters. The climatological average for a hurricane — based on the average from 1880-2020 — to come within 50 miles of Florida is 56%, nine percentage points lower than the chances of a hurricane in 2025. Florida ranked No. 1 when it came to the probability of a named storm coming within 50 miles, at 92%, according to Colorado State University hurricane forecasters. The climatological average for a named storm — based on the average from 1880-2020 — to come within 50 miles for Florida is 86%, six percentage points lower than the chances of a storm in 2025. Based on a 30-year period from 1991 to 2020, an average Atlantic hurricane season has 14 named storms, seven hurricanes and three major hurricanes, according to NOAA. Five hurricanes and one unnamed subtropical storm made landfall in the U.S. in 2024. Three hurricanes made landfall in Florida: Debby, Helene and Milton. In 2024, there were: 18 named storms 11 hurricanes 5 major hurricanes Here are the names for the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season, along with how to pronounce them: Andrea: AN-dree uh Barry: BAIR-ree Chantal: shahn-TAHL Dexter: DEHK-ster Erin: AIR-rin Fernand: fair-NAHN Gabrielle: ga-bree-ELL Humberto: oom-BAIR-toh Imelda: ee-MEHL-dah Jerry: JEHR-ee Karen: KAIR-ren Lorenzo: loh-REN-zoh Melissa: meh-LIH-suh Nestor: NES-tor Olga: OAL-guh Pablo: PAHB-lo Rebekah: reh-BEH-kuh Sebastien: se-BAS-tee-en Tanya: TAHN-yuh Van: van Wendy: WEN-dee We will start our daily tropical weather coverage on May 15. Download your local site's app to ensure you're always connected to the news. And look for our special subscription offers here. This article originally appeared on Naples Daily News: National Hurricane Center tropical outlooks start May 15, development
Yahoo
10-04-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Do you care about protecting Florida's state parks? Here's what you said.
Six weeks ago, Florida Opinion journalists of the USA Today Network asked you, our readers, to join us in a legislative advocacy campaign to protect and preserve our beloved state parks. And you responded, with dozens and dozens of emails (letters) not only expressing your support, but encouraging us to keep going. From Pensacola to Palm Beach, our state is blessed with 172 parks, trails and historic sites encompassing more than 800,000 acres of pristine land and water for our enjoyment, and our appreciation. No one should be allowed to spoil that for us, or our children and grandchildren. That doesn't mean they don't try. Following last summer's low-key fiasco to do just that with nine of Florida's most popular state parks, state Sen. Gayle Harrell of Stuart filed Senate Bill 80 to protect our beloved parks from development. The USA Today Network-Florida wanted to make sure that bill — House Bill 209 sponsored in the state House by Rep. John Snyder of Stuart — passes into law. We launched a campaign — in print and online — to run during the current legislative session to remind Florida lawmakers that they should vote for this bill protecting some of our most prized assets, and send it to Gov. Ron DeSantis' desk for him to sign. But, we reminded, this campaign isn't mainly for our voices, it's for yours. Again, we asked you to email letters, op-eds, even photos in support to us, and we would publish them. That's what we're doing today (at least for those that shared their city of residence). We've still got a couple of weeks left in the 60-day session. A couple of weeks to reach out to your state lawmaker and let them know that this is an issue that cuts across all groups — young, old, rich, poor, liberal, conservative, rural and urban. We still aim to prove that to them, and the governor. I've been a permanent resident of Florida for over seventy years. My wife and I added to our bucket list to visit each of Florida's state parks because they offer opportunities such as fresh air, a place to relax away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life communing with nature, and a place for hiking, biking, fishing, birding and of course, camping. What a wonderful opportunity for our three boys to learn the basics of survival in the wilderness. Camping especially at Jonathan Dickinson State Park for the last 60-plus years provided us with many great memories. I have vivid pictures in my mind of when it was Camp Murphy and some of the buildings, such as the barracks, were still standing. Hobe Mountain was home to a telescope that tracked satellites. We camped in an area among some of the old building foundations. Then came Pinegrove with designated campsites, and later, someone thought it a good idea to border each campsite with Australian pines (LOL!). For these reasons and more, I am strongly supporting Senate Bill 80/House Bill 209 so that our beautiful state parks may be preserved for current and future generations. Robert Newell, North Palm Beach * I just wanted to register that I agree totally with your Opinion piece about the Florida state parks. It is way overdue for Florida lawmakers to show backbone. Right now they are looking like cowards with no minds of their own on a number of issues. Thank you for the opportunity to comment. Esther F. Schaeffer, Boynton Beach Read your article on Florida's state parks and it was excellent. We need our environment protected. The last thing Floridians want is for us to become another concrete/asphalt jungle state. Those of us that lived here when we had lots of green space and clean water, know the reason why Florida was a great place to live. Now our state officials are more interested in promoting unchecked growth — residential and commercial — for the sake of a dollar, instead of focusing and protecting the treasures that make Florida a superior place to live and raise families. J Martinez, Melbourne * I totally support Florida SB 80, also known as the 'State Park Preservation Act,' which aims to protect Florida's state parks from development. And I appreciate your efforts in this area. We need our parks. Let them put their golf courses, pickleball courts and hotels elsewhere. Keep up the good work. Eileen Freund, Boca Raton * Jonathan Dickinson is the 'go-to' state park for me and my friends in the cycling and kayak-paddling clubs in the Stuart area. The record of our bicycling yesterday is attached (to the email). But what is not attached is the beautiful day, light breezes, spring blooms and wildlife that we saw. Also attached is the flyer for the Loxahatchee River Race. Again, not shown is paddling past the mansions of Tequesta, or going upstream to the Trapper Nelson homestead site, enjoying the great out of doors as we go. Ospreys, gators, turtles and more always greet us. And the pavilions in the park are the venues for our picnics and social events: for good times together! The recreation opportunities are great, and communing with nature always restores our psyches. Please don't take this away! Bruce Doll, Palm City * Florida's state, as well as national parks were purchased and/or set aside by and for the people. That is, all of the people, certainly not Realtors and developers. These are the lands that are needed for recreation in the open natural area. That should not include golf, pickleball, tennis or any activity which decreases natural habitat. Above all, our natural parks are habitat for wildlife, many species either already endangered or on the brink of being endangered. As a professor of Environmental Chemistry (at Florida Atlantic University) studying harmful algal blooms and nutrient pollution, I fully understand the need for increased wild areas as they do not pollute and often aid in nutrient removal, thus protecting our surface waters. J. William Louda, Boca Raton * Please protect our state parks! This state is becoming pure asphalt and concrete with little shade. We need these state parks for a break from the craziness on our roads and for more natural beauty! Anything we can do... please keep publishing articles to keep us informed. Holly Ruble, Riviera Beach * My first visit to a Florida state park was Cayo Costa State Park in March 2014. It's on a barrier island with boat-only access. The pristine nature of this island is what we need to preserve. Wildlife observations I've had here were fantastic. The incredible experiences and the photo captures I managed were a major catalyst to getting me hooked on wildlife photography as serious hobby. We should not allow commercial development here or in any Florida state park. We must preserve and protect the natural beauty in all our state parks. We need this to ensure that my children/grandchildren/great-grandchildren have the opportunity to see and appreciate the majesty of Florida's wildlife in Florida state parks. I intend to contact my state senator and state representative, and encourage their support for these bills. Frank Kover, Cape Coral * I fully support and urge you to support SB 80 and HB 209 to preserve and fully protect our state parks from developers once and for all. And I am a registered voter. John Walker, Jupiter * My family loves to visit our state parks either for a day trip or overnight camping. We benefit from being in nature, and enjoy observing the wildlife. We stand with you that our parks should be preserved and not developed. Thank you for standing up to ensure that our parks will continue to provide enjoyment of our natural surroundings. Debra Sherman, Delray Beach * My husband and I, having been full-time residents of Florida for 30 years come August (2025), support 100 percent the effort (and legislative bills) to protect and preserve our state parks (as well as protecting state forests and wildlife protection areas) from development via the State Park Preservation Act. Linda C. Gilday and Robert J. Gilday, Vero Beach * Please do not allow our precious state parks to be spoiled by unnecessary commercial development such as hotels and golf courses, and by excessive clearing and paving. Thank you. Gale Lynch, Sanibel * Florida SB 80 sponsored by state Sen. Gayle Harrell absolutely must be passed to prevent future development of our state parks. These parks were set aside to preserve and protect these beautiful lands, and the natural habitat. This bill, plus HB 209, sponsored by state Rep. John Snyder must be approved together in their original form so as not to allow them to be watered down by greedy special interests (developers). Michael and Patricia White, Coral Springs * Thank you for bringing awareness to the State Parks Preservation Act. I enjoy the state parks in Florida, and visit them frequently. Please let me know what I can do to help. Who should I call and/or write to?Julie Waldon, Bonita Springs * I'm a snowbird residing in North Naples. As a U.S. military veteran, I benefit from the state of Florida's lifetime park pass. I am grateful for that. I have experienced the rapid expansion and attendant congestion because this region attracts so many people. I have also enjoyed the solace of spending time on the beach at Delnore Wiggins Pass State Park. My family has celebrated Thanksgiving at a picnic table there together with many others. The joyful noise, in many languages, of people enjoying life and each other in such a beautiful, natural setting is unforgettable. That public beach enabled that experience, a bit of solace amidst the congestion. That is worth protecting. Tom Wonsiewicz,, North Naples * Please support SB 80 (HB 209) to protect our state parks, and keep hotels and recreation facilities (golf courses, tennis and other courts, etc.) out of them! Florida's developers are doing enough damage to this state as it is; they do not need to build in the places we go to escape them: our state parks! The recreation should be hiking, kayaking and simply enjoying nature, not engaging in activities normally reserved for our urban and suburban areas. Elizabeth Deane, Sarasota * Thank you for pushing this important issue. Your (Sunday, March 2) cover, which stated: "Too Much at Stake," is so true. Florida lawmakers should please vote for the State Park Preservation Act. They should do it for Florida, and for the future of Florida and the wildlife that inhabit these areas. I think the guest op-ed makes a valid point in that the current bill should also include state forests and wildlife protection areas. Someone needs to amend and include these areas. Kindly continue to press this issue and keep us informed. Thank you. Kellie Peterson, Sarasota * Thank you for this campaign. Protecting nature and our natural resources is of utmost importance. I will contact my legislators. Maryalice Keller, Venice * Protect and preserve our parks! Bonita Blankenship, Palm Coast * For my 81 years on this planet I have visited many of Florida's state parks. Last year, when I read of plans to expand nature into "amenities," I was appalled. For the sake of generations to come, please do not allow our state's natural areas to fall to development. In the past two weeks, I have made two visits to DeLeon Springs State Park, taking out of town visitors to enjoy a walk on the wild side. HB 209 needs to be passed to restrict development in our parks. Rachel Ramsey, Ormond Beach * Please keep up the pressure to save our state parks and beautiful natural Florida! Lynellen Bueter, Ormond Beach * Please, please protect our beloved parks and historic sites. Our children and beyond deserve it. Thank you sincerely. Laura Gross, Tallahassee * I am in full support of state Sen. Harrell's bill to prevent the development of Florida state parks. I worked for the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) as a park ranger for two years, and also served as the Park Safety Officer for T.H. Stone Memorial St. Joseph Peninsula State Park. My wife at the time worked in administration at that park, as well. We referred to DEP as the "Department of Environmental Prostitution" because that's exactly what they do. If the issue involves money, then it's a no-win situation for the environment. Their mission statement is not to be believed, as the emphasis is always on making money. The Florida state parks represent less than 5 percent of the real Florida that I grew up with. We saw constant development at St. Joe State Park. Controlled burning has done permanent damage to a lot of state parks. There is enough development in this state. It's out of control, and is fast becoming an environmental disaster. When I was a Park Safety Officer, there was very little emphasis on protecting park visitors from some of the marine hazards. No interpretive programs to help visitors learn about the park. Even though I was sent to Tallahassee and received certifications in Archeological Resource Management, the cultural sites within the park were never monitored. The emphasis was on whacking and burning the camping areas to accommodate the larger and larger RV crowd, with tent campers being pushed out. I now live on Ochlockonee Bay across from Bald Point State Park, where (the state) recently went in and virtually clear-cut a huge area of the park allegedly as part of habitat restoration. This project appears to be similar to what you see when a golf course is being planned. It was a mixed lush forest where bear, deer and bobcats lived. In my opinion, nothing could live there now. I lasted two years with DEP and had enough of their environmental destruction. This agency will lie to the public to push their agenda, which is to make money off the so-called preserved state parks. Dana Hunsley, Panacea * Please pass Florida SB 80 to protect our state parks. It's been proven by psychologists and healthcare professionals that being in nature helps our mental health. So again, we need to pass SB 80. Marcia Toole, Jacksonville * I support SB 80 and HB 209, and am opposed to any future plans which would allow hotels, golf courses, including disc golf, and pickleball courts as well as other developments such as these in any Florida state park. There should be limits to add additional cabins beyond what currently exists. We should be preserving our state parks and increasing transparency related to any future park proposals. Our state parks should only be used for conservation-based public outdoor recreational use such as birding, hiking, camping, kayaking and other similar uses. Any changes beyond the current usage to any Florida state park should not be permitted without adequate public notice. Land management plans need to be developed and regularly updated with public input. David Cameron, St. Augustine * I support protecting our Florida state parks. Viva Florida Senate Bill 80! Lynn Miller, Ocala *** Rick Christie is the Florida State Opinion Group Editor for the USA Today Network-Florida. He can be reached at RChristie@ and followed on X (formerly Twitter) @rchristiepbp and Facebook @Rick Christie. This content was compiled as part of a campaign by the USA Today Network Florida Opinion Group to support Senate Bill 80 and protect Florida's state parks from development. Email letter, op-eds, even photos to , and we will publish them. This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Why should we protect Florida state parks? You told us | Opinion
Yahoo
27-02-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Should Florida's State Parks be developed?
Florida's state parks offer some of the most unique experiences in the country. From fishing, camping, hiking and horseback riding to spotting and admiring some of our more unique wildlife like manatees and alligators there is literally something for everyone. Not to mention only a handful of states can offer pristine surfing locations in their state parks. That's why we here at the USA Today Network-Florida feel so strongly about preserving our state parks and supporting , or the "State Park Preservation Act." The bill would protect our state parks from developers, and prevent the construction of things like hotels, golf courses, pickleball courts and other commercial buildings in Florida state parks. Protect our Florida state parks: Florida must protect state parks. New bill is a step in the right direction. | Our View The bill, sponsored by state Sen. Gayle Harrell, is in response to a proposal last summer by Gov. Ron DeSantis called the "The Great Outdoors Initiative," that would allow commercial development in parts of Florida's state parks. We want to hear from you. Please take part in our poll which will stay open until April 10: Do you support the State Parks Preservation Act? Have you visited a Florida state park in the last year? Please let us know in the comments section which state park is your favorite and why. Contact Torres at jtorres@ You can follow him on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter @johnalbertorres or on Facebook at This article originally appeared on Florida Today: Poll: Should developers be allowed to build in Florida state parks?
