Tracking rain patterns will improve hurricane forecasting, UF researcher finds

Studying the precipitation patterns in hurricanes may be key to predicting future storm patterns and their potential strength, a University of Florida researcher has found. 

Supported by a four-year, $212,000 grant from the National Science Foundation, Professor of Geography Corene Matyas, Ph.D.. has identified the patterns of rain rates within storms and studied the moisture surrounding these storms.

Ten new artificial reefs come to Bay County

According to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, Florida has one of the most active artificial reef programs. Bay County alongside the UF-IFAS extension deployed 10 more artificial reef structures.

The structures are shaped like pyramids, with holes so fish can swim through. They were even purposely engineered so sea turtles could fit through the top and bottom holes.



Deploying these reefs is beneficial not just to the environment but also to the economy, bringing new locations for fishing and diving.

Public lands give so much more than they take or cost, providing critical ecosystem services that are beyond value.

Our public lands – local, state or federal – are the birthright of all Americans. Conservation and recreation agencies hold and manage them in public trust, but they belong to us. They are our legacy and our responsibility.

Florida must be better prepared for climate-driven disasters

Early warning systems, resilient infrastructure and nature-based solutions are cost effective in reducing economic losses.

Florida is no stranger to disasters. From hurricanes and flooding to extreme heat, the state experiences the devastating impacts of climate-driven hazards year after year.

In 2024 alone, Florida faced significant damages from hurricanes Helene and Milton, underscoring the urgent need to shift from reactive disaster response to proactive disaster risk reduction (DRR).

The economic toll of these disasters is staggering. Hurricane Helene, which struck the Big Bend region in September 2024, caused widespread damage, including the destruction of 90% of homes in Keaton Beach and significant losses in Gulfport and Tampa Bay.

Climate Science & Ethics in the Public Sphere | April 14, 2025 | Gainesville, FL

Everglades Agricultural Area Best Management Practices Training | April 25, 2025 | Belle Glade, FL

The goals of the workshop are to review and discuss the operating principles of the EAA Phosphorus Best Management Practices (BMP) program and provide participants with the latest implementation information. Certified Crop Advisor (4.5 CCA CEUs) and Continuing Education Units (4.0 CEUs) will be offered to workshop participants.

Target Audience: Everglades Agricultural Area (EAA) growers, farm personnel, water managers, and pesticide and fertilizer applicators.

Corridor Connect 2025 | June 3 - 5, 2025 | Orlando, FL

The Corridor Connect Summit brings together leaders from the business and conservation community to look for solutions and identify ways to help balance Florida’s growth while protecting the Florida Wildlife Corridor. Come together for three days filled with inspiring mainstage speakers, dynamic workshops, collaborative solution-building, and engaging conservations with the dedicated individuals who are working from the ground up to connect, protect, and restore Florida’s most at-risk resource.

Financial Strategies for Addressing Climate Change Impacts, Decarbonization, and the Cost of Inaction | April 14, 2025 | virtual

Climate and Health Summit | April 22, 2025 | virtual

GEOHAB Marine Geological and Biological Habitat Mapping | May 12 - 16, 2025 | Florida Keys

STEM and Environmental Action Virtual Summer Course for high school students. Earn college credit. Free to participants.

Ebrahim Ahmadisharaf has been named as a 2025 Fellow of Environmental & Water Resources Institute (EWRI), in recognition as a leader in water resources and environmental engineering.

CONGRATULATIONS!

Florida

Sustainability Manager, Broward County | Ft.Lauderdale

Sustainability & Environmental Coordinator, Broward County | Ft. Lauderdale

Sustainability Program Coordinator, City of West Palm Beach Office of Sustainability| West Palm Beach

Sustainability Manager, Broward County | Ft. Lauderdale

National, International, and Remote

Blue Carbon Research Scientist, Conservation International | flexible

Director, Coastal Resilience, Audubon | remote

Senior Policy & Research Associate, Climate XChange | various/remote

Senior Director, Climate Finance & Carbon Markets, World Wildlife Foundation | Washington, DC

About Us

The Florida Climate Institute (FCI) is a multi-disciplinary network of national and international research and public organizations, scientists, and individuals concerned with achieving a better understanding of climate variability and change.

Email: info@floridaclimateinstitute.org

Website: floridaclimateinstitute.org

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