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National Voice
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February 4, 2010 If you have an exotic pet you can't care for anymore, please don't just open the front door and set it free. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) offers a solution for you. In an effort to keep unwanted exotic pets out of Florida's native ecosystems, the FWC and Miami Metrozoo will host the third Nonnative Pet Amnesty Day Feb. 6, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the zoo. It's free and open to the public. You can surrender nonnative animals to the FWC free of charge with no questions asked and no penalties incurred. Staff will accept exotic reptiles, amphibians, birds, fish, mammals and invertebrates, but not domestic pets (dogs, cats, rabbits, ferrets, etc.). "Our main purpose is to give pet owners an alternative to releasing nonnative animals into the wild," said Jenny Tinnell, FWC biologist. "It's illegal to release a nonnative animal into the wild in Florida, and it could be detrimental for the animal and the environment." People can surrender exotic pets they can no longer care for, free of charge, with no questions asked, at this one-day-only event. "A licensed veterinarian will examine all surrendered pets, and if the pets appear healthy, we will try to place them with willing, qualified adopters," Tinnell said. Pet Amnesty Day is also a family event featuring live animals on display, live animal shows and fun activities. Experts will be on hand to talk about proper care of exotic pets, so people who are thinking about purchasing one can learn from credible sources before they buy. The event provides the opportunity for people not only to see exotic animals, but to get up close and even touch them. Nonnative pet amnesty events help increase awareness of nonnative species problems. People have observed more than 400 nonnative species in Florida, and more than 130 have reproducing populations. For more information on nonnative species in Florida, visit MyFWC.com/Nonnatives.
January 19, 2010 Even though the recent cold snap brought many cold-stunned sea turtles into shallow waters and onto shorelines across the state, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) and its many partners saved the majority of the animals from certain death. Frigid water temperatures stunned thousands of sea turtles throughout the state. If left unaided, most of these turtles would not have survived. Many would have been attacked by predators, been hit by boats or simply drowned. Rescuers worked feverishly for more than a week to save the immobilized animals, rescuing and eventually releasing nearly 80 percent of the affected sea turtles. FWC biologists are confident that most of the sea turtles will not suffer long-term impacts from the stunning event. Additional good news is emerging from those who have been working diligently to save the animals. Rescue of the sea turtles by the FWC and its many partners could prove beneficial to the animals in the long term. "We've been able to tag many more turtles than ever before, which enables us to learn about their biology," said Dr. Blair Witherington, FWC biologist. "It's been a great opportunity for data collection; it's unprecedented to have access to so many turtles at one time." The majority of the sea turtles affected by the cold weather are green turtles, a federally listed endangered species. Other species include Kemp's Ridley and hawksbill, both endangered, and the loggerhead, a threatened species. Scientists will use genetic information obtained from the turtles to better understand where these turtles originally hatched. Biologists also will collect valuable information on size, geographic distribution, health status and other factors. Tags on released turtles will provide biologists with useful information for years to come, including where they travel and their rate of survival. The sea turtles were taken to staging areas, where biologists assessed their conditions. Metal tags were placed on the sea turtles' front flippers and various data were obtained. From there, the sea turtles were either transported to rehabilitation facilities or returned to the sea if they were healthy and water conditions were suitable. "The tremendous effort put forth by all of our partners, volunteers and FWC staff has been a life-saver for sea turtles," said FWC Chairman Rodney Barreto. "I'm extremely proud to be associated with this agency and all the wonderful organizations and people who stepped up in this time of need. With the enormous outpouring of help on this, together we managed to take a potentially tragic situation and turn it into a win-win for science and most importantly, for sea turtles." Private and corporate citizens alike contributed to the effort, with many businesses providing necessary equipment and services at little or no cost. "As a global company headquartered in Florida, we are especially aware of the need to protect all of Florida's natural resources, so this was an easy decision to provide Ryder trucks for transporting these animals," said Rich Mohr, director of rental for Ryder in Miami. "We very much appreciated the opportunity to assist with the conservation of the sea turtle." Most of the healthy turtles have been released back into the ocean where the water conditions are now 60 degrees or warmer. In the Panhandle this means transporting the sea turtles out eight to 13 miles. "It is best to get them back into their marine
habitat as soon as logistics and weather permit," Witherington said. "They
are better off in bay and lagoon waters than in the temporary holding
tanks or small pools at rehab facilities." January 17, 2010 While the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) issued an executive order on Jan. 15 that temporarily extends closed harvest seasons for snook statewide and establishes temporary statewide closed harvest seasons for bonefish and tarpon, the FWC advises anglers that catch-and-release fishing for these important game fish species is still allowed. The FWC appreciates angler support for taking conservation measures that will help protect saltwater fish and provide time for the FWC to evaluate the possible impacts to fish populations that may have occurred because of the recent prolonged cold weather in Florida. The order, which took effect at 12:01 a.m. on Jan. 16, provides that no person may harvest or possess snook in state and federal waters off Florida until September and establishes a temporary prohibition on the harvest and possession of bonefish and tarpon from state and federal waters off Florida through March 31. The FWC advises anglers that this order prohibits only the harvest or possession of snook, bonefish and tarpon during the closed periods. Anglers may still catch and release these species during these temporary closures, and the FWC encourages everyone to handle and release these fish carefully to help ensure their survival upon release. Information regarding proper handling and release of fish is available online at http://catchandrelease.org/Catch_and_Release_web.pdf. More information on the FWC's executive order regarding the snook,
bonefish and tarpon temporary harvest closures, and information regarding
another FWC executive order issued on Jan. 15, which temporarily suspends
certain saltwater fishing regulations to allow for the collection and
disposal of dead fish killed by cold weather, is available online at
MyFWC.com.
Amid chilling temperatures during Florida’s recent cold snap, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) responded to reports of thousands of stunned sea turtles floating listlessly in the water or washing onto shore over the past week. Cold-stunned turtles may appear to be dead, but often they are still alive. The FWC urges people to report distressed or dead turtles to the FWC’s Wildlife Alert Hotline at 888-404-FWCC (3922) as soon as possible. The FWC also pointed out it is illegal to possess a sea turtle or any part of the sea turtle, dead or alive. "Sea turtles are protected under the Endangered Species Act," said Robbin Trindell, FWC sea turtle biologist. "Therefore, it is illegal to disturb them or to possess them." The FWC, with its partners, worked together to pick up turtles disabled by the cold and transported them to staging areas and rehabilitation facilities where they could recover. As water temperatures rise, officials are releasing the animals back into the ocean. "If a sea turtle is seen swimming
back out to sea, it probably will be able to survive without human
intervention," Trindell said. "But those that are floating or washing
ashore should be reported immediately to the hotline at
888-404-3922." January 15, 2010 The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) has issued executive orders to protect Florida's snook, bonefish and tarpon fisheries from further harm caused by the recent prolonged cold weather in the state, which has caused widespread saltwater fish kills. The FWC has received numerous reports from the public and is taking action to address the conservation needs of affected marine fisheries. The orders also will allow people to legally dispose of dead fish in the water and on the shore. One of the executive orders temporarily extends closed fishing seasons for snook statewide until September. It also establishes temporary statewide closed seasons for bonefish and tarpon until April because of the prolonged natural cold weather event that caused significant, widespread mortality of saltwater fish in Florida. The other order temporarily suspends certain saltwater fishing regulations to allow people to collect and dispose of dead fish killed by the cold weather. "A proactive, precautionary approach is warranted to preserve our valuable snook, bonefish and tarpon resources, which are among Florida's premier game fish species," said FWC Chairman Rodney Barreto. "Extending the snook closed season and temporarily closing bonefish and tarpon fishing will protect surviving snook that spawn in the spring and will give our research scientists time to evaluate the extent of damage that was done to snook, bonefish and tarpon stocks during the unusual cold-weather period we recently experienced in Florida." Snook season currently is closed in Florida under regular FWC rules, and there are also regular closed snook seasons that occur in the summer. However, the FWC executive order extends the statewide snook closed seasons continuously through Aug. 31 and provides that no person may harvest or possess snook in state and federal waters off Florida during this period unless the fishery is opened sooner or the closure is extended by subsequent order. The order also establishes a temporary prohibition on the harvest and possession of bonefish and tarpon from state and federal waters off Florida through March 31, unless these fisheries are opened sooner or the closures are extended by subsequent order. The FWC executive order for the snook, bonefish and tarpon closed seasons takes effect at 12:01 a.m. on Jan. 16. The other FWC executive order temporarily removes specific harvest regulations for all dead saltwater fish of any species that have died as a result of prolonged exposure to cold weather in Florida waters. It also modifies general methods of taking dead saltwater fish from Florida's shoreline and from the water to allow the collection of saltwater fish by hand, cast net, dip net or seine. All people taking dead saltwater fish under the provisions of this order may not sell, trade or consume such fish, and the dead fish must immediately be disposed of in compliance with local safety, health and sanitation requirements for such disposal. In addition, all people taking dead fish under the provisions of this order are not required to possess a saltwater fishing license, and all fish taken under the provisions of this executive order shall be those that have died as a result of prolonged exposure to cold weather. This FWC executive order takes effect
at 12:01 a.m. on Jan. 16 and will expire at 12:01 a.m. on Feb. 1, unless
it is repealed sooner or extended by subsequent order. Orange juice prices rise amid freezing temperatures Florida (WiredPRNews.com) – The freezing temperatures felt across the nation has impacted more than just the morning workday commute. As reported by the Associated Press (AP), the extended freeze has affected crop production in Florida, and caused the price of orange juice to rise. Richard Feltes, with MF Global, is quoted by the AP as stating of the price increase, “This is purely weather driven.” Frozen juice concentrate prices have reportedly increased to their highest levels in two years. The artic weather is expected to
continue through the weekend throughout the south, which will continue to
present issues for citrus crops. As noted in the report, the Florida
governor has signed an order to assist farmers due to the challenges
presented by the weather. Arcadia Biosciences and Vilmorin Announce Strategic Alliance to Develop and Market Nitrogen Use Efficient WheatNew Varieties Of World’s Most Cultivated Crop Can Increase Farm Profitability And Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions BRONSON CONGRATULATES BABCOCK RANCH FOR GRAZING LANDS STEWARDSHIP AWARDTALLAHASSEE -- The Florida Section of the Society for Range Management announced that Babcock Ranch will receive the first Grazing Lands Stewardship Award. The society and the Florida Grazing Lands Coalition jointly give this award. This award recognizes outstanding contributions to the ranching community in the areas of grazing and wildlife management. "It is especially gratifying that Babcock Ranch has been chosen for this award," Bronson said. "The accomplishment of producing an outstanding ranching operation while providing enhanced wildlife habitat for unique South Florida wildlife is an example of outstanding public private partnership." Babcock Ranch is a unique public-private partnership designed to enhance the wildlife and aesthetic values of the old Florida Ranch lands with sustainable management goals. "This ranch is designed to show the look of old cracker cattle operation, while using the best ecological techniques from the 21st century," Bronson said. The award was given at the fall meeting
of the society on October 29, 2009, at the Babcock Ranch
headquarters. Eli Whitney's Patent for the Cotton Gin, March 14, 1794
Eli Whitney's Patent for the Cotton Gin, March 14, 1794; Records of the Patent and Trademark Office; Record Group 241, National Archives Designed to separate cotton fiber from
seed, Whitney's cotton gin, for which he applied for a patent on October
28, 1793, and received a patent on March 14, 1794, introduced a new,
profitable technology to agricultural production in
America.
Scroll down for free printable, Welcome To Florida, post card, and Black Hole Rock Animation Check your local fuel prices. 
Missing Children
AMBER Alert Issued for 13 Year Old Florida Girl
Posted: Monday May 5, 2009 2:01 PM CT The State of Florida issued the Amber Alert Tuesday afternoon (05-09) after the girl was reportedly abducted in Homestead earlier Tuesday. Krystal Borrego a white female, 13 years old, 5' 2" tall with brown hair and brown eyes and weighs 130 pounds. The suspect is an unknown black male. The suspect vehicle is a 1990's, dark red two door Saturn. Anyone with information is asked to call the Homestead Police Department at 1-305-247-1535 or dial 911.
Allyson Corrales has been missing from her residence in Kansas City, Missouri, since March 6, 2009. She may be in the company of her father, Luis Corrales. Allyson's mother, who was found deceased on March 6, 2009, was not married to Luis Corrales. He did not have any custodian rights to Allyson and the mother had a Full Order of Protection against him
Code Amber News Service (CANS) issued this Missing Endangered person Alert after the girl disappeared from her bedroom some time after 3 AM Tuesday morning in Satsuma. Satsuma is approximately 75 miles east of Gainsville. Haleigh Cummings a white female, 3 feet tall, weighs 39 pounds and has blond hair and brown eyes. She was last seen wearing a pink shirt and underwear. There are no suspects in this case at this time. However, due to the circumstances of the child's disappearance an abduction is strongly suspected. There is no suspect vehicle at this time. Anyone with information is asked to call the Putnam County Sheriff's office at (386) 329-0808 or dial 911. Download free video of missing Florida child Haleigh Cummings Email this alert to a friend in the area.
January 10, 2009 Immokalee, Florida ADJI DESIR DESCRIPTION Date of Birth: October 15, 2002 Place of Birth: Naples, Florida Sex: Male Hair: Black Height: 3'0" Eyes: Brown Weight: 45 pounds Race: Black (Haitian descent) THE DETAILS Adji Desir has been missing from outside his grandmother's residence in Immokalee, Florida, since Saturday, January 10, 2009, at approximately 5:30 p.m.. Adji reportedly went outside to play with neighborhood kids after dinner. He was reported missing a little while later and his whereabouts remain unknown. REMARKS Adji was last seen wearing a blue and yellow t-shirt, blue and yellow shorts, and black and gray sneakers. He is mentally handicapped and functions at a two-year-old level. He has very limited vocabulary and is non-verbal. REWARD The FBI is offering a $10,000 reward for information leading to the recovery of Adji Desir. Individuals with information concerning this case should take no action themselves, but instead immediately contact the Collier County, Florida Sheriff's Office at 1-239-793-9300, the FBI's toll-free hotline at 1-866-838-1153, or the nearest FBI Office or local law enforcement agency. For any possible sighting outside the United States, contact the nearest United States Embassy or Consulate.
CANS Alert Issued for 3 Year Old Arkansas BoyPosted: Tuesday, February 10, 2009 10:22 PM AT Code Amber News Service (CANS) issued this Missing Endangered person Alert after the boy dissappered while playing behind his home Tuesday afternoon in Chidester which is in south central Arkansas. Dominick Wesley Arceneaux a white male, 3 feet tall, weighs 38 pounds and has brown hair and brown eyes. He was last seen wearing blue jean shorts with red stiching on the pockets. There are no suspects in this case at this time. However, officials are leaning toward the possibility Arceneaux was kidnapped because they haven't found any sign of the boy as of Thursday night. There is no suspect vehicle at this time. Anyone with information is asked to call the Ouachita County Sheriff's Office (870) 837-2200 or dial 911. **** ALERT FOLLOWS **********************Amber Alert Issued for 1 year old California GirlPosted: Saturday, February 14, 2009 3:47 PM CT
The State of California issued the Amber Alert on Saturday afternoon after the girl was reportedly abducted in San Bernardino. Lluvia Cortez is an Hispanic female, 1 year old with brown eyes and brown hair, two feet tall and weighs approximately 30 pounds. She was last seen wearing a pink shirt, red and pink pants with hearts, and black shoes. The suspect is Alejandro Cortez, an Hispanic male, 30 years old, 5' 2", approximately 220 pounds with brown hair and brown eyes. He was last seen wearing a black sweat suit.
The suspect vehicle is a white Lexus ES300 with California tag number 5BIU118. The car has damage to one of the doors. Anyone with information is asked to call the San Bernardino Police Department at 909-384-5742 or dial 911. Unsolved Crimes
Pilar RodriguezPilar's father, Marco Rodriquez allowed Melissa Cooper to take his daughter on a vacation to Charlotte County. Pilar Rodriquez was last seen in early February 1999. She was in the care of her babysitter, Melissa Cooper, and she was brought to Punta Gorda, Florida. Do you know Melissa Cooper? Do you know Keith Wilson? Do you know Marco Rodriquez? And do you have knowledge of what's been said over the past six years? If you have information that can help solve this case, contact the Major Crimes Unit at (941) 575-5361 |
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