In this episode, Mae and Kaylee dive into the upcoming Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) meeting and what it means for the future of Florida’s black bear population. They unpack the complex issues of wildlife management, including bear population estimates, proposed hunting regulations, and the role of public engagement.

You’ll hear about:

The growing Florida black bear population and how it's being measured

The FWC’s current management strategies and concerns over potential conflicts of interest

Proposed regulated bear hunts and the public’s reaction

The importance of habitat preservation alongside population control

How you can get involved and make your voice heard

Whether you’re a conservation advocate or simply curious about Florida’s wildlife, this episode sheds light on the pressing questions around how we manage and protect our wild spaces.

🎤 Topics Covered:

May FWC Commission meeting details

Public participation and oversight challenges

Capture-mark-recapture bear population methods

Impacts of human development on wildlife

Public opinion, alternative solutions, and the power of advocacy

📌 Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with others who care about wildlife conservation in Florida.

https://myfwc.com/about/commission/commission-meetings/

Chapters
00:00 Introduction to the May Commission Meeting
05:06 Public Participation and Meeting Logistics
09:58 Concerns About FWC and Bear Management
15:03 Future of Florida Black Bears
19:51 Bear Population Management Strategies
30:02 Research Methods for Bear Population Estimation
32:11 Estimating Bear Populations
34:14 Community Engagement and Stakeholder Involvement
37:36 Regulated Bear Hunts: Purpose and Management
40:12 Habitat Preservation vs. Population Control
44:27 Hunting Regulations and Permit Management
48:03 Concerns and Questions from the Public
51:30 Exploring Alternative Population Control Methods
53:29 Regulatory Oversight and Enforcement Challenges
55:30 Final Thoughts on the Bear Hunt Discussion
01:00:46 Looking Ahead: Future Meetings and Community Involvement

#Floridablackbear #blackbearhunt #flblackbearhunt2025 #fwc #floridawildlife #floridastateparks #bearmanagement #flblackbearhunt2015

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If you have any recommendations or Florida Experiences you'd like to share, email us at ourfloridapodcast@gmail.com

In this episode of the Florida Wildlife Podcast, hosts Mae and Kaylee delve into the fascinating world of the Florida Black Bear, discussing its unique characteristics, breeding and hibernation patterns, diet, and habitat. They also explore the controversial 2015 bear hunt that lasted only 48 hours due to the high number of bears killed, raising questions about wildlife management and conservation efforts in Florida. The conversation highlights the complexities of balancing wildlife populations with human interactions and the ongoing challenges faced by the Florida Black Bear.

Episode Timestamps:

📍00:00 Introduction to Florida's Wildlife Podcast

📍02:20 Exploring the Florida Black Bear

📍22:29 The 2015 Florida Black Bear Hunt and Its Impact

📍27:11 Understanding Bear Population Management

📍30:28 The Economics of Bear Hunting

📍32:31 Regional Breakdown of Bear Harvests

📍37:34 Hunting Regulations and Their Impact

📍42:44 Public Sentiment and Controversy

📍48:38 Future of Bear Management and Conservation

Resources & Links:

🔹FWC April 2nd Virtual Public Meeting 2025

🔹FWC April 3rd Virtual Public Meeting 2025

🔹FWC April 5th Virtual Public Meeting 2025

🔹FWC Email Subscription Updates and Alerts

🔹FWC Black Bear Biology

🔹2015 Florida Black Bear Hunt Summary Report

🔹FWC Estimating Bear Abundance

🔹FWC Draft May Meeting

Thank you for listening! To learn more about the podcast, join us on Instagram & YouTube.

https://www.instagram.com/ourfloridapodcast

https://www.youtube.com/@ourfloridapodcast

If you have any recommendations or Florida Experiences you'd like to share, email us at ourfloridapodcast@gmail.com

This episode explores the phenomenon of red tide in Florida, discussing its causes, effects on marine life, historical context, and the ongoing scientific research aimed at understanding and mitigating its impact. The hosts delve into the natural occurrence of red tide, its correlation with human activities, and the importance of public awareness and policy in addressing this environmental issue.

Episode Timestamps:

📍00:00 Introduction to Florida's Wildlife and Ecosystems

📍00:22 Understanding Red Tide: Causes and Effects

📍02:45 The Impact of Red Tide on Marine Life

📍06:00 Human Health and Red Tide: Risks and Precautions

📍09:02 Historical Context of Red Tide in Florida

📍11:30 The Science Behind Red Tide: Myths and Facts

📍15:25 The History of Red Tide Events

📍19:42 Scientific Theories and Research on Red Tide

📍21:34 Economic Impact and Policy Responses

📍27:29 Current Solutions and Future Directions

Resources & Links:

🔹Red Tide FWC Current Status

🔹NOAA What is Red Tide?

🔹Visit Florida Red Info/Questions

🔹Save The Manatee: Red Tide

🔹Water Quality: Red Tide

🔹Red Tide in Florida and Texas

🔹Red Tide Timeline

🔹Clay Red Tide Treatment

Thank you for listening! To learn more about the podcast, join us on Instagram & YouTube.

https://www.instagram.com/ourfloridapodcast

https://www.youtube.com/@ourfloridapodcast

If you have any recommendations or Florida Experiences you'd like to share, email us at ourfloridapodcast@gmail.com

In this episode, Kaylee & Mae explore a Florida tragedy—the collapse of the original Sunshine Skyway Bridge on May 9, 1980. What started as a routine day turned into a nightmare when the MV Summit Venture collided with the bridge, causing a massive section to fall into Tampa Bay, taking the lives of 35 people.

We break down the bridge's history, the maritime challenges of Tampa Bay, and the fateful moments leading to the collapse. We also take a deep dive into the harrowing story of Wesley McIntyre, the sole survivor, and the aftermath of the disaster—rescue efforts, investigations, and the impact on maritime safety. Join us as we discuss the lessons learned, the rebuilding of the bridge, and how this tragedy still resonates today.

Episode Chapters:

📌 00:00 – Introduction to the Sunshine Skyway Bridge
📌 03:01 – The Historical Context of the Bridge
📌 05:22 – Navigating Tampa Bay’s Challenges
📌 09:05 – The Incident of May 9, 1980
📌 11:55 – The Collision and Its Aftermath
📌 31:24 – The Lone Survivor’s Journey
📌 36:35 – The Aftermath and Survivor’s Guilt
📌 39:07 – Search and Rescue Operations
📌 45:02 – The Recovery Mission
📌 46:02 – Investigating the Causes
📌 54:16 – Lessons Learned and New Safety Measures
📌 57:21 – The New Sunshine Skyway Bridge
📌 01:00:00 – Memorializing the Victims

Resources:

🔹https://www.wfla.com/news/pinellas-county/i-was-the-one-who-saw-the-last-expression-on-their-face-sunshine-skyway-bridge-disaster-remembered-44-years-later/

🔹https://gcaptain.com/may-9-1980-tampa-skyway-bridge-disaster/

🔹https://www.wusf.org/show/florida-matters/2024-06-11/remembering-skyway-bridge-disaster-what-happened-44-years-ago

🔹https://www.wtsp.com/article/news/local/pinellascounty/bridge-collapse-baltimore-skyway-tampa-rebuild/67-6f876ecf-4a1e-49f9-a3f8-df5ab340488f

🔹https://stpetecatalyst.com/the-skyway-tragedy-at-40-the-survivor/

🔹​​https://www.ntsb.gov/investigations/AccidentReports/Reports/MAR8103.pdf

🔹https://www.tampabay.com/narratives/2020/05/08/skyway-bridge-disaster-coverage-from-1980-death-rode-in-on-early-morning-storm/

Thank you for listening! To learn more about the podcast, join us on Instagram & YouTube.

https://www.instagram.com/ourfloridapodcast

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If you have any recommendations or Florida Experiences you'd like to share, email us at ourfloridapodcast@gmail.com

This episode explores the Florida Panther, the state animal of Florida, discussing its selection, habitat, physical characteristics, diet, threats to its survival, and ongoing conservation efforts. The hosts delve into the history of the Florida Panther, its decline in population, and the importance of genetic diversity for its survival. They also highlight the challenges faced by the species due to habitat loss and human interference while emphasizing the need for continued conservation efforts to ensure the future of this iconic animal.

Episode Timestamps:

📍00:00 Introduction to Florida's Wildlife Podcast

📍 01:10 The Florida Panther: State Animal Selection

📍02:25 Exploring the Florida Panther's Habitat and Characteristics

📍08:12 Diet and Hunting Behavior of the Florida Panther

📍11:48 Conservation Status and Threats to the Florida Panther

📍16:17 The Ecosystem Balance and Its Complexity

📍17:43 Genetic Diversity and Conservation Efforts

📍19:20 Threats to the Florida Panther Population

📍24:28 Capturing and Tracking Florida Panthers

📍32:06 Public Awareness and Conservation Actions

Resources & Links:

🔹 Story behind choosing The State Animal

🔹 Florida Wildlife Federation: Florida Panther

🔹 Panther Biology FWC

🔹Capturing Florida Panthers for Testing

🔹Panther Pulse 2024

Thank you for listening! To learn more about the podcast, join us on Instagram & YouTube.

https://www.instagram.com/ourfloridapodcast

https://www.youtube.com/@ourfloridapodcast

If you have any recommendations or Florida Experiences you'd like to share, email us at ourfloridapodcast@gmail.com

In this episode, Kaylee & Mae dive into the extraordinary life of Marjorie Stoneman Douglas—writer, activist, and the fierce protector of the Everglades. She wasn’t just an environmentalist; she was a force of nature, fighting for conservation, women’s rights, and urban development reform. We explore her literary legacy, including her groundbreaking book Everglades: River of Grass, which changed how the world saw this fragile ecosystem.

Marjorie’s legacy reminds us why advocacy and community resilience matter. Join us as we uncover the wit, wisdom, and unyielding passion of the woman who dedicated her life to protecting Florida’s wild heart.

Episode Chapters:

📌 00:00 – Introduction
📌 01:52 – Marjorie Stoneman Douglas: The Grandmother of the Glades
📌 10:40 – Marjorie’s Literary Journey and Activism
📌 20:02 – The Fight for the Everglades
📌 24:04 – Marjorie’s Legacy and Lasting Impact
📌 26:35 – The Spicy Grandma of the Glades
📌 28:09 – Marjorie Stoneman Douglas: A Force of Nature
📌 30:35 – The Environmental Impact of Development
📌 32:40 – Community Resilience and Environmental Advocacy
📌 34:36 – Marjorie’s Legacy and Environmental Restoration
📌 36:49 – The Ongoing Fight for Conservation
📌 40:06 – A Life of Purpose and Activism
📌 42:39 – The Everglades: A National Treasure
📌 45:29 – The Interconnectedness of Environmental and Social Issues

Resources:

🔹Marjory Stoneman Douglas Wilderness - Everglades National Park (U.S. National Park Service)

🔹The life of Marjory Stoneman Douglas

🔹Marjory Stoneman Douglas - Division of Arts and Culture - Florida Department of State

🔹Marjory Stoneman Douglas

Thank you for listening! To learn more about the podcast, join us on Instagram & YouTube.

https://www.instagram.com/ourfloridapodcast

https://www.youtube.com/@ourfloridapodcast

If you have any recommendations or Florida Experiences you'd like to share, email us at ourfloridapodcast@gmail.com

In this episode of the Florida wildlife podcast, hosts Mae and Kaylee delve into the fascinating world of manatees, exploring their habitats, diet, physical characteristics, and the impact of human activities on their survival. They discuss conservation efforts, regulations to protect these gentle giants, and the importance of respecting their space in the wild. The conversation highlights the need for awareness and education regarding manatee protection, emphasizing the role of humans in their conservation. In this episode, Kaylee and Mae delve into the fascinating world of manatees, discussing their lifespan, mating habits, and the ongoing research and conservation efforts to protect these gentle giants. They also explore the intriguing folklore surrounding manatees and their historical misidentification as mermaids, drawing connections between myth and marine biology.

Episode Timestamps:

📍00:00 Introduction to Florida's Wildlife Podcast

📍00:29 Exploring the World of Manatees

📍02:40 Manatee Habitats and Diet

📍05:24 Physical Characteristics and Behavior of Manatees

📍08:38 Human Impact on Manatees

📍11:48 Conservation Efforts and Regulations

📍12:12 Protecting Manatees: Boating Regulations

📍17:25 Manatees: A Protected Species

📍20:53 Reproduction and Maturity of Manatees

📍22:36 Manatee Lifespan and Mating Habits

📍24:18 Research and Conservation Efforts for Manatees

📍31:11 The Myth of Manatees as Mermaids

📍38:45 Folklore and Historical Perspectives on Mermaids

Resources & Links:

🔹 FWC Manatee Fun Facts

🔹Origin of Mermaids

🔹Mermaid or Manatee?

🔹Save the Manatee

🔹Blue Springs State Park Manatee Roll Call

🔹Blue Springs Manatee Scar Sheet

🔹Scar Sheet Key

🔹U.S Fish and Wildlife Service

Thank you for listening! To learn more about the podcast, join us on Instagram & YouTube.

https://www.instagram.com/ourfloridapodcast

https://www.youtube.com/@ourfloridapodcast

If you have any recommendations or Florida Experiences you'd like to share, email us at ourfloridapodcast@gmail.com

In this episode, Kaylee and Mae dive into the fascinating world of Florida Springs, exploring their geological formation, the role of the Floridan aquifer, and the rich history of Wakulla Springs. They discuss how ancient marine life shaped Florida’s landscape, the importance of conserving freshwater sources, and how Wakulla Springs has influenced tourism and local culture. From the impact of ice ages to the modern challenges of water conservation, this episode highlights why protecting these natural wonders is crucial.

📌 Chapters:
00:00 Introduction to Florida's Unique Geology
01:56 Formation of Florida's Springs and Aquifer
03:53 The Impact of Ice Ages on Florida's Landscape
06:40 Understanding the Florida Aquifer
09:11 The Role of Springs and Sinkholes
10:57 Water Cycle and Aquifer Dynamics
13:11 Concerns About Water Usage and Drought
15:05 Exploring Wakulla Springs
17:23 Wakulla Springs: A Hidden Gem
23:15 Historical Significance of Wakulla Springs
27:47 The Development of Wakulla Lodge
32:56 Modern Discoveries and Conservation Challenges
40:42 Wrap-Up and Future Discussions

🔔 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more deep dives into Florida’s history and environment!

Resources:

https://www.tallahassee.com/story/news/2019/01/16/submerged-mastodon-may-provide-clues-ancient-mysteries/2575989002/

https://iugs-geoheritage.org/geoheritage_sites/wakulla-spring/

https://chnep.wateratlas.usf.edu/upload/documents/04-aquifer-geology-09282016.pdf

https://chnep.wateratlas.usf.edu/upload/documents/257_Florida_Geological_History.pdf

https://floridasprings.org/springs-101/

Thank you for listening! To learn more about the podcast, join us on Instagram & YouTube.

https://www.instagram.com/ourfloridapodcast

https://www.youtube.com/@ourfloridapodcast

If you have any recommendations or Florida Experiences you'd like to share, email us at ourfloridapodcast@gmail.com