Grab a snorkel, a swim mask and some fins — because recreational scallop season is right around the corner in Pasco County. The annual 10-day bay scallop season this year in Pasco runs July 17 through July 26. It begins annually on the third Friday in July. The county’s scallop zone encompasses all state waters south of the Hernando-Pasco county line and north of the Anclote Key Lighthouse … [Read more...]
Campgrounds reopen to reduced capacity
June 16, 2020 By
As part of a phased approach, the Southwest Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) has reopened all campgrounds throughout its 16-county region, as of June 3. The reopening of SFWMD campgrounds is consistent with the Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s reopening of camping at many Florida State Parks. To help protect staff and visitors from the spread of COVID-19, the following … [Read more...]
Wildlife is on the move in the Sunshine State
March 11, 2020 By
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission wants to remind residents and visitors that spring has sprung in the Sunshine State. This is an important time of year for wildlife. Manatees will leave their winter warm-water refuges. Black bears will teach their young to forage for food. Many species will begin to migrate, mate, feed and nest. This wildlife activity means people … [Read more...]
Lawsuit challenges Ridge Road extension
February 19, 2020 By
The Sierra Club Florida Conservation has filed a lawsuit against the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for issuing a permit to Pasco County, to allow the construction of an extension of Ridge Road. The legal action aims to halt the project, which is a 9-mile corridor that would add an additional transportation link in the county. The extension would give another option to motorists who now … [Read more...]
Landowners who preserve wildlife to be recognized
January 15, 2020 By
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s (FWC) Landowner Assistance Program has created a program to recognize landowners who are actively managing and improving their property to benefit wildlife. The Wildlife Habitat Recognition Program was developed to show appreciation for the important contributions to wildlife conservation made by private landowners. Private … [Read more...]
Ridge Road extension gets green light
January 2, 2020 By
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has granted Pasco County’s permit request to allow the extension of Ridge Road. The approval marked a major milestone in a process that’s been two decades in the making. As it stands now, motorists use State Road 52 or State Road 54, if they want to head east or west in Pasco County. The extension of Ridge Road will give them a third option. “It’s a … [Read more...]
Ridge Road Extension granted modifications, added funds
September 11, 2019 By
The Pasco County Commission has approved a revision to the Ridge Road Extension project – to provide additional funding and services connected to the project. The board approved a change order on Aug. 6 to pay for post-design assistance from the project engineer, and to analyze possible impacts to gopher tortoises. The county also is allocating an additional $1.4 million toward the first … [Read more...]
Boaters can safely enjoy time on the water
May 22, 2019 By
National Safe Boating Week is May 18 to May 24, and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is encouraging boaters to focus on simple, effective steps that make boating safer. Though Florida’s boating season never really ends, Memorial Day weekend marks the traditional start nationwide. With nearly 1 million registered boaters in the state, people safely enjoy boating … [Read more...]
Sea turtle nesting season is here
May 1, 2019 By
The month of May marks the beginning of sea turtle nesting season on many of Florida’s beaches. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is asking property owners and beach visitors to help nesting turtles and hatchlings by turning off or shielding lights that are visible from the beach at night. Helping to keep the beaches dark at night is one of the most important things … [Read more...]
Close encounters with manatees on the rise
March 28, 2018 By
Chances of a close encounter between Florida manatees and boaters increase in the spring. That’s when manatees leave their winter refuges and travel along the Atlantic and Gulf coasts, and through inland waters. For boaters, it is the time to be especially vigilant to avoid colliding with these large aquatic mammals. From April 1 through Nov. 15, seasonal manatee zones require boaters … [Read more...]
