South Florida Wildlands Association in the News
Since our founding in 2010, South Florida Wildlands has been featured in dozens of news stories focused on the Greater Everglades—its wildlife, habitats, and the many threats facing this remarkable ecosystem. Coverage has appeared in local, national, and international publications, as well as on radio and television.
Topics include oil exploration and drilling, habitat loss, harmful energy projects, endangered and invasive species, public-land management, restoration of the “River of Grass,” outdoor recreation, climate change and the enduring beauty and biodiversity still found in South Florida.
Articles containing opinions and quotations from South Florida Wildlands can be found in the descriptions and links below:
Are Florida's panthers on the decline after decades of growth?
Naples Daily News, December 4, 2025
He hitchhiked from NY to Alaska, then fell in love with Big Cypress National Preserve
Fort Myers News Press, November 5, 2025
Despite strong opposition to Florida bear hunt, controversial FWC draft plan expected soon
Naples Daily News, May 12, 2025
Kingston gets final federal permits for large-scale development in panther country
Fort Myers News-Press, June 17, 2025
Primary panther habitat preserved in Southwest Florida as part of larger state land deal
Naples Daily News, March 6, 2025
Permit issue could stop construction for Wellington development. How long could it last?
WPTV, April 30, 2025
Wellington developer Mark Bellissimo investigated for possibly filling wetlands without proper permit
FOX 29, WFLX.COM, May 29, 2025
Photo of Mystery Animal that 'Looks a Little Bit Wrong and a Little Bit Right' Baffles Florida Wildlife Group
People Magazine, March 19, 2025
https://people.com/photo-mystery-animal-florida-wildlife-group-11700062
Is preserving 34,000 more acres enough to save Florida's panther?
Fox 4 Southwest Florida, March 7, 2025
Primary panther habitat preserved in Southwest Florida as part of larger state land deal
Naples Daily News, March 6, 2025
Federal job cuts impact Everglades, Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge
WPTV, March 5, 2025
Environmental groups worry park cuts will hurt multi-billion-dollar Everglades restoration
News-Press, February 27, 2025
Wilderness, the Last Frontier
National Parks Traveler, January 24, 2025
https://www.nationalparkstraveler.org/2025/01/wilderness-last-frontier
Dear Santa, please bring these gifts to help Florida’s environment
Florida Phoenix, December 19, 2024
National Park Service Passes On Wilderness For Big Cypress National Preserve
National Parks Traveler, November 10, 2024
Scripps Florida faces another environmental challenge
Florida Trend, Undated article
https://www.floridatrend.com/article/16621/scripps-florida-faces-another-environmental-challenge/
Emails reveal fatal threat to the Florida panther
Muckrock, December 20, 2019
https://www.muckrock.com/news/archives/2019/dec/20/foia-round-up-december-20-2019/
Environmental Groups Fight Thousands of Acres Development in Panther Habitat
Coastal Breeze, December 14, 2023
State agency extends time for public comment on controversial wetlands permit for Bellmar
Naples Daily News, December 8, 2023
Panthers in Peril
Florida Weely, December 7, 2023
https://palmbeach.floridaweekly.com/articles/panthers-in-peril/
Can horses, luxury homes co-exist in Wellington's equestrian preserve? Village set to decide
Palm Beach Post, October 9. 2023
Florida's panther appears to be in decline with few roadkills this year
Fort Myers News-Press, October 19, 2023
Striking a Balance - How do we provide a safety net for Florida panthers as habitats shrink?
Florida Weekly, September 14, 2023
https://naples.floridaweekly.com/articles/striking-a-balance/
Will Miami Wilds water park be blindsided by a bat?
Miami Today News, August 29, 2023
https://www.miamitodaynews.com/2023/08/29/will-miami-wilds-water-park-be-blindsided-by-a-bat/
Panther status change could open South Florida preserve lands to more development
News-Press, July 26, 2023
Town of Big Cypress gets final approval from Collier County; development to begin soon
Naples Daily News, July 18, 2023
Town with thousands of houses, shops in rural area passes Collier planning board Naples Daily News, May 22, 2023 https://www.naplesnews.com/story/news/local/2023/05/22/planning-board-recommends-approval-of-rural-town-in-collier-county/70239128007/
Groups planning to fight any proposal for another black bear hunt in Florida
News-Press, March 2, 2023
Protect Florida’s Big Cypress National Preserve from future oil exploration, advocates urge feds
Tampa Bay Times, February 8, 2023
Pathway for the Florida Panther? Environmentalist explains why ‘state animal’ may not survive development in Collier County
Wink News, January 17, 2023
Collier commissioners give thumbs up to new rural village Brightshore
Naples Daily News, December 14, 2022
'They have a right to develop it': Collier board backs 2,000-home village in rural área
Naples Daily News, October 25, 2022
Major Brightshore Village development proposed for Immokalee Road
Gulfshore Business, October 21, 2022
https://www.gulfshorebusiness.com/major-brightshore-village-development-proposed-for-immokalee-road/
Tiger Beetle designation menaces Zoo Miami and Miami Wilds
Miami Today News, December 7, 2021
State denies oil drilling permit in Immokalee, Fried calls for end to state permits
Naples Daily News, November 8, 2021
Florida company applies to drill for oil near the Everglades. Drinking water a concern.
Miami Herald, November 4, 2021
https://www.miamiherald.com/news/local/environment/article255349556.html
Oil company applies for drilling permit in Immokalee, raising concerns among environmental groups
Naples Daily News, October 14, 2021
Florida Forever: How the state conserves vital ecosystems even as the money dwindles
Naples Daily News, September 23, 2021
Move over, Florida panthers! Refuge wants to let in more people
Florida Phoenix, July 8, 2021
https://floridaphoenix.com/2021/07/08/move-over-florida-panthers-refuge-wants-to-let-in-more-people/
Feds plan to open more of the Florida Panther National Wildlife Refuge to the public
Naples Daily News, July 7, 2021
Collier County commissioners approve two rural villages and give thumbs up to town concept
Naples Daily News, June 8, 2021
Collier commissioners delay vote on rural villages Longwater and Bellmar, Town of Big Cypress
Naples Daily News, May 25, 2021
Citizens protest proposed oil drilling in Big Cypress with hike, talks
Naples Daily News, April 10, 2021
Science academy: Everglades restoration won't fix water quality in Caloosahatchee, estuary
News-Press, April 4, 2021
County Hires a New County Manager
Coastal Breeze News, April 1, 2021
Rural village proposal on Immokalee Road draws concerns
Naples Daily News, February 19, 2021
Big Cypress oil permits again raise concerns from environmental groups
Naples Daily News, February 5, 2021
20 Florida panthers killed in 2020, FWC says
Fox 13 Tampa Bay, December 29, 2020
https://www.fox13news.com/news/20-florida-panthers-killed-in-2020-fwc-says
Most Florida panthers found dead in 2020 were killed by cars
Tampa Bay Times, December 26, 2020
What’s next for Florida’s controversial toll road projects? Here are three ways they could be stopped.
Tampa Bay Times, November 16, 2020
Feds push for more off-road access in Big Cypress, environmentalists disagree
Naples Daily News, October 30, 2020
Breaking Ground newsletter: The DeSantis toll road, and life's mysteries
Naples Daily News, July 28, 2020
Petrolera no podrá explorar en valiosos humedales del sur de Florida (Oil company won't be able to explore in valuable South Florida wetlands)
El Diaro.es, March 13, 2020
https://www.eldiario.es/sociedad/Petrolera-explorar-valiosos-humedales-Florida_0_1005450323.html
Task Force Meetings Will Plan for New Highways in Florida
Bisnow, February 12, 2020
Controversial development in Collier County threatens panthers, walkers
Wink News, January 28, 2020
FL’s GOP Governor: State Will Buy 20k-Acre Stretch of Everglades to Protect it From Oil Drilling
Enviro News, January 26, 2020
Another Oil Project Is Planned in The Everglades. Gov. DeSantis Called on To Block It
Orlando Sentinel, January 24, 2020
DeSantis unveils agreement to purchase wetlands in Everglades
FortMyersBeachTalk.com, January 22, 2020
Florida Makes Everglades Land Grab to Block Oil Drilling
The Weather Channel, January 21, 2020
https://weather.com/news/news/2020-01-21-florida-buying-land-to-block-oil-drilling-in-everglades
Collier Commissioners Discuss Rural Growth Plan as Decision on Rivergrass Village Looms
Naples Daily News, January 21, 2020
Fla. To Buy Land in Everglades to Stop Oil Production Plan
Newsmax, January 16, 2020
https://www.newsmax.com/newsfront/florida-everglades-oil-production-drilling/2020/01/16/id/950128/
Florida Will Buy 20,000 Acres in Everglades to Block Oil-Drilling Plan
Florida Phoenix, January 15, 2020
Biologist: New Highways Spell Disaster for Panthers
Caper-Coral-Daily-Breeze.com, December 31, 2019
Cars and Trucks Were Panther’s Worst Enemies in 2019
Tampa Bay Times, December 30, 2019
This Week’s FOIA Round-Up: Lack of Transparency in the Trump Administration, Washington’s Big Open Gov Win, and Animal Extinction in Florida
MuckRock, December 20, 2019
https://www.muckrock.com/news/archives/2019/dec/20/foia-round-up-december-20-2019/
Emails reveal fatal threat to the Florida panther
Muckrock, December 20, 2019
https://www.muckrock.com/news/archives/2019/dec/20/foia-round-up-december-20-2019/
Toll Road Effects on Florida panther Dismissed by Senate President
Tampa Bay Times, December 17, 2019
Proposed Highway Could Mean End of the Road for Endangered Florida Panthers
Miami Herald, December 13, 2019
https://www.miamiherald.com/news/local/environment/article238345418.html
Judge Stops Walmart Shopping Center from Being Built on Endangered Florida Forest
Eco Watch, December 11, 2017
https://www.ecowatch.com/florida-forest-walmart-2516626710.html
Florida Not Stopping On-Shore Oil Drilling
Tampa Bay Times, November 30, 2019
https://www.tampabay.com/news/environment/2019/11/30/florida-not-stopping-on-shore-oil-drilling/
‘Sand Wars’: The Battle to Replenish Florida’s Beaches Amid Climate Crisis
The Guardian, October 25, 2019
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2019/oct/25/surfside-florida-beaches-climate-crisis-sea-levels
The War on Pythons: Florida Gov. DeSantis Steps Up the Fight
Phys.Org, August 8, 2019
https://phys.org/news/2019-08-war-pythons-florida-gov-desantis.html
State Claims Progress in Python Fight, But Still Allows Tarde in Other Exotic Animals
South Florida Sun Sentinel, July 18, 2019
Florida, Forest, Home to More Than 20 Protected Species, To Be Bulldozed for Walmart
Newsweek, June 20, 2019
https://www.newsweek.com/florida-forest-walmart-miami-dade-pin-rockland-1444975
Activists Lose Last Legal Battle to Protect Rare Miami Forest From Walmart Development
Miami Herald, June 19, 2019
https://www.miamiherald.com/news/local/environment/article231398158.html
House Passes Bill to Prevent Oil Drilling in The Everglades
South Florida Sun Sentinel, June 19, 2019
Rooney Pushes Government to Keep Raising the Tamiami Trail to Increase Freshwater Flow to the Everglades
News-Press, May 30, 2019
How To Stop Oil Drilling in The Everglades | Editorial
South Florida Sun Sentinel, May 21, 2019
Everglades Oil Drilling Bid to Continue After Country Back Off Legal Effort
South Florida Sun Sentinel, May 09, 2019
Florida Poised to Add 3 New Highways, Transforming the State
Bisnow, April 17, 2019
https://www.bisnow.com/south-florida/news/construction-development/florida-new-highways-98515
Florida Reviewing Options to Fight Everglades Oil Drilling Plan
South Florida Sun Sentinel, March 20, 2019
Is There A Limit to Development? Keys Face Prospect of Buildout
WRLN, February 25, 2019
https://www.wlrn.org/post/there-limit-development-keys-face-prospect-buildout#stream/0
Silence After Oil Drilling Decision Proves the First Priority of The Everglades Foundation Is Not the Everglades
The Capitolist, February 07, 2019
Everglades Open for Oil Drilling After Court Ruling
Tampa Bay Times, February 6, 2019
More Oil Drilling Proposed for Southern Florida
South Florida Sun Sentinel, February 03, 2019
https://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/florida/fl-ne-oil-well-proposals-20190201-story.html
Offshore Oil Drilling in Florida Still Possible Despite Ban
US News, January 15, 2019
Florida Panther Roadkill Deaths Up Slightly, But Number May Not Mean Much Now
Tampa Bay Times, January 01, 2019
Water Quality, Management Are Top Environmental Issues for Southwest Florida in 2019
News-Press, December 23, 2018
Dozens Praise or Denounce 836 Expressway Extension at Public Hearing
WLRN, December 14, 2018
https://www.wlrn.org/post/dozens-praise-or-denounce-836-expressway-extension-public-hearing#stream/0
A Rare Florida Bat Needs Your Help
WLRN, December 11, 2018
https://www.wlrn.org/post/rare-florida-bat-needs-your-help#stream/0
Airboats Still A Risky Way to Visit Everglades | Editorial
South Florida Sun Sentinel, July 27, 2018
https://www.sun-sentinel.com/opinion/editorials/fl-op-editorial-airboats-20180726-story.html
Nuisance Alligator Complaints Top 2,000 in South Florida
South Florida Sun Sentinel, July 20, 2018
https://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/florida/fl-reg-nuisance-alligators-20180719-story.html
These Are the Wetlands Where Developers Plan to Build American Dream Mega-Mall
WLRN, July 03, 2018
Videos Show Texas-Based Burnett Oil Co. Steamrolling Big Cypress
Miami New Times, June 11, 2018
https://www.miaminewtimes.com/news/burnett-oil-company-is-steamrolling-big-cypress-preserve-10423694
FLP Wants to Keep Old Reactors Running. New Sea-Rise Studies Could Stand in The Way
Miami Herald, June 01, 2018
https://www.miamiherald.com/news/local/environment/article212325259.html
Proposed Miami Complex Would Eclipse MOA as North America’s Largest Mall
Twin Cities, May 21, 2018
Gigantic, $4 Billion Theme Park Mall OK’d in Miami-Dade
Herald Tribute, May 18, 2018
https://www.heraldtribune.com/news/20180517/gigantic-4-billion-theme-park-mall-okd-in-miami-dade
Florida Ignored Law in Rejecting Oil Well in Everglades, Lawyers for Landowners Say
South Florida Sun Sentinel, April 25, 2018
https://www.sun-sentinel.com/local/broward/fl-reg-everglades-oil-drilling-appeal-20180424-story.html
Environmentalists Slam Shalala for Selling Engendered Pine Rocklands to Walmart Developer
Miami New Times, March 15, 2018
Judge Allows Walmart Developer to Pave Endangered Pine Rocklands in South Dade
Miami New Times, March 14, 2018
Judge Halts Clearing of Rare Forest Targeted by Walmart
Digital Journal, December 10, 2017
Judge Order Emergency Halt to Clearing of Rare Miami Forest Targeted for Walmart
Miami Herald, December 08, 2017
https://www.miamiherald.com/news/local/environment/article188818299.html
New Everglades Reservoir is Being Planned. Some Worry It Won’t Be Big Enough
Bradenton Herald, December 06, 2017
https://www.bradenton.com/news/state/florida/article188288974.html
Company Finishes Oil Search in Big Cypress; Damage Assessment Underway
Naples Daily News, July 20, 2017
New Details Emerge About Airboat Crash That Killed UM graduate
South Florida Sun Sentinel, May 16, 2017
https://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/florida/fl-reg-airboat-crash-folo-20170516-story.html
Texas Company Defeats Challenge to Big Cypress Oil Exploration Plan
South Florida Sun Sentinel, April 24, 2017
https://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/florida/fl-reg-big-cypress-oil-suit-20170424-story.html
With Land Deal on The Line, UM Tries to Clear Path for Walmart In Rare Forest
Miami Herald, April 06, 2017
https://www.miamiherald.com/news/local/environment/article142936824.html
America’s Most Sustainable Town
Eco Watch, March 14, 2017
https://www.ecowatch.com/babcock-ranch-florida-2312970876.html
Revised Red Wolf Recovery Plan Could Save Wild Population in U.S.
Biological Diversity, January 31, 2017
https://www.biologicaldiversity.org/news/press_releases/2017/red-wolf-01-31-2017.php
The Solar-Powered Town: A Dream for the Environment- Or A Wildlife Nightmare?
The Guardian, December 25, 2016
Florida Says No to Everglades Drilling Near Miramar Site
Miami Herald, November 17, 2016
https://www.miamiherald.com/news/local/environment/article115512073.html
On the Prowl for The Florida Panther
News-Press, July 30, 2016
Environmentalists Sue to Stop Seismic Testing in Big Cypress National Preserve
Miami New Times, July 27, 2016
Big Cypress Oks Oil Exploration in Panther Habitat
E&E News, May 10, 2016
https://www.eenews.net/stories/1060037000
This Florida Town Wants to Become the Most Sustainable Community in America
Think Progress, April 27, 2016
South Florida Environmental Issues with South Florida Wildlands Association
WLRN, April 4, 2016
Fracking the Everglades? Many Floridians Recoil as House Approves Bill
Inside Climate News, February 04, 2016
Environmentalists Warn of Disaster for Everglades if Oil Fracking Bill Passes
The Guardian, January 19, 2016
Fracking Florida! Oil Company Seeks to Drill in Everglades
Grist, December 10, 2015
https://grist.org/article/fracking-florida-oil-company-seeks-to-drill-in-everglades/
Deal Could Move Power Lines to Edge of Everglades National Park
Miami Herald, December 04, 2015
https://www.miamiherald.com/news/local/environment/article48069910.html
Organizations Join Fight to Halt Florida’s Black Bear Hunt
Animal Welfare Institute, September 25, 2015
https://awionline.org/content/organizations-join-fight-halt-floridas-black-bear-hunt
Everglades Park to Restrict Boating in Florida Bay
South Florida Sun Sentinel, August 31, 2015
https://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/florida/fl-everglades-park-plan-20150831-story.html
95-Year-Old Conservation Legend Lloyd Miller Is Still Fighting for the Environment
Miami New Times, August 20, 2015
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission Revised Panther Memo Doesn’t Quell Criticism
Naples Daily News, August 8, 2015
Struggle Continues Over Biscayne National Park Marine Reserve
Miami Herald, August 03, 2015
https://www.miamiherald.com/news/local/environment/article29898148.html
The Destruction of Florida: Dinner Island Ranch
Cyndi Lenz, July 17, 2015
https://cyndi-lenz.com/2015/07/17/the-destruction-of-florida-dinner-island-ranch/
New Hunt for Oil in Florida Raises Environmental Concerns
Tampa Bay Times, July 25, 2015
Miami Company Applies to Drill for Oil in Everglades
NBC Miami, July 12, 2015
https://www.nbcmiami.com/news/local/miami-company-applies-to-drill-for-oil-in-everglades/64213/
Plan Seeks More Oil Drilling in Big Cypress
South Florida Sun Sentinel, June 17, 2015
https://www.sun-sentinel.com/local/broward/fl-big-cypress-oil-20150617-story.html
Black Bear Hunting Could Become Legal in Florida This Summer
Broward Palm Beach New Times, April 24, 2015
The Debate Over Richmond Pine Rockland
WLRN, January 23, 2015
https://www.wlrn.org/post/debate-over-richmond-pine-rockland#stream/0
Environmentalists Plan Protest Against Walmart, Theme Park Threatening Endangered Pine Rocklands
Miami New Times, January 16, 2015
Saving the Miami Tiger Beetle – Going Up Against A Retail Giant
Digital Journal, December 18, 2014
Government Considering Fewer Protections for Endangered Manatees
Take Part, November 17, 2014
Warring Parties in the ‘Amazon of North America’ Enjoy Rare Pause Between Lawsuits
E&E News, October 09, 2014
https://www.eenews.net/stories/1060007151
Loxahatchee Is First Wildlife Refuge to Host Recreational Gator Hunting
WLRN, August 19, 2014
https://www.wlrn.org/post/loxahatchee-first-wildlife-refuge-host-recreational-gator-hunting#stream/0
Metropica gets green light in Sunrise
Sun-Sentinel, May 14, 2014
https://www.sun-sentinel.com/2014/05/14/metropica-gets-green-light-in-sunrise/
Oil Industry Gets an Earful as It Eyes Florida’s Everglades
NPR, March 13, 2014
https://www.npr.org/2014/03/13/289423090/oil-industry-gets-an-earful-as-it-eyes-floridas-everglades
Oil Prospectors Seek Their Next Big Strike in South Florida’s Everglades
Newsweek, February 27, 2014
Environmentalists Say Palm Beach County Development Threatens Snake Species
WFSU, September 18, 2013
Inside the Demolition of The FPL Smoke Stacks at Port Everglades
CBS Miami, July 12, 2013
FPL Begins Process to Demolish Smokestacks at Port Everglades
CBS Miami, July 09, 2013