Florida’s budget ensures conservation remains priority
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Florida’s budget ensures conservation remains priority

BySpecial to the Times

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission is applauding Governor Ron DeSantis for his commitment to supporting and bolstering the mission of safeguarding Florida’s natural resources in the 2024-25 Focus on Florida’s Future Budget.  Budget highlights include: “Under Governor DeSantis’ bold leadership, Florida remains one of the nation’s premier destinations for top-tier fishing and unique…

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FWC Report

BySpecial to the Times

During the week of April 26 through May 2, Officers Nelson, Hartzog, L. McLeod, Johnson II, and Allen observed a commercial vessel trawling while they were on night patrol on Apalachicola Bay in Franklin County. The officers stopped the vessel to conduct a resource and turtle excluder device (TED) inspection, during which the commercial anglers…

Encountering bears in unexpected places
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Encountering bears in unexpected places

BySpecial to the Times

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission is sharing the annual reminder that juvenile black bears might be seen in unexpected areas as they leave their mothers’ home ranges in search of new locations of their own to settle down. Spring also marks a general increase in activity for bears after limited movements in winter. …

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FWC Report

BySpecial to the Times

During the week of April 26 through May 2, Officers Nelson, Hartzog, L. McLeod, Johnson II, and Allen observed a commercial vessel trawling while they were on night patrol on Apalachicola Bay in Franklin County. The officers stopped the vessel to conduct a resource and turtle excluder device (TED) inspection, during which the commercial anglers…

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FWC Report

BySpecial to the Times

During the week of April 12 through 18, Officer J. Will, Regional Bear Biologist C. Spencer and Northwest Regional Director J. Creamer represented the FWC at the Franklin County “Cops and Kids” event. They spoke about the duties of biologists and law enforcement officers and answered questions about wildlife. They interacted with approximately 600 students…

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FWC Report

BySpecial to the Times

During the week of March 29 through April 4, Officers Lipford and Gerber were on patrol in Gulf County and checking wild turkey hunters when they observed one individual hunting within 100 yards of a game feeding station with bait present. The individual was issued the appropriate citation. During the week of April 5 through…