Environment

City Issues Air Quality Advisory

Submitted by Rachel Leitao, First Coast News Staff

Tuesday, June 14th, 2011, 5:16pm

The City of Jacksonville’s Environmental and Compliance Department issued an air quality advisory today in response to the National Weather Service’s forecast for smoke from a fire currently burning in Southern Georgia. Elevated levels of particulate matter from the smoke have impacted the Jacksonville area today, (June 14), as winds blow smoke into the area.

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Even Monday's Rain Can't Squelch Raging Wildfires

Submitted by Jessika Lewis, Assignment Editor

Monday, June 13th, 2011, 11:47pm

Even Monday's Rain Can't Squelch Raging Wildfires

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- Parts of the First Coast got some much-needed rain Monday, but the Division of Forestry said that even this wet weather hasn't been able to tame the wildfires raging in several counties.

According to DOF spokesperson Annaleasa Winter, the heaviest rain hit in areas, like Southside and Mandarin, that don't have any fires burning.

In fact, Winter said it's possible that lightning strikes from the storms coming though the area Monday may have started some new fires.

DOF investigators believe the lightning is to blame for fires along County Road 209 and near the Dee Dot Ranch on the Southside.

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Pulmonologist from St. Vincent's Warns of Health Effects from Wildfire Smoke

Submitted by Ilyssa Trussel, St. Vincent's HealthCare Media Relations Coordinator

Friday, June 10th, 2011, 1:29pm

Pulmonologist from St. Vincent's Warns of Health Effects from Wildfire Smoke

Phyisicans at St. Vincent's Medical Center are warning people about the health effects of the smoke from recent wildfires. Doctors say they are seeing a rise in the number of patients complaining about irritation from smoke.

Pulmonologist Dr. Thomas Szwed, who works at St. Vincent's Medical Center, says people exercising outdoors may feel the effects.

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Wildfire Danger High this Memorial Day Weekend

Submitted by Rachel Leitao, First Coast News Staff

Friday, May 27th, 2011, 10:06am

Wildfire Danger High this Memorial Day Weekend

The Florida Division of Forestry at the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, issued a warning today about the wildfire danger leading in to Memorial Day weekend. The danger of wildfire is very high throughout Florida due to lack of rain, low humidity and windy conditions.

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Florida Residents Encouraged To Include Pets In Family Disaster Plans

Submitted by Anonymous on Thursday, May 26th, 12:53 pm

As a part of Florida Hurricane Preparedness Week, state emergency management officials are encouraging every pet owner in Florida to include their animals in their family disaster preparedness plan before the start of the 2011 Atlantic Hurricane Season. By planning for the needs of your pets, it will greatly increase the chances of their survival during disasters.

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St. Johns Riverkeeper Announces Plans to Step Down in 2012

Submitted by Rachel Leitao, First Coast News Staff

Tuesday, April 26th, 2011, 3:26pm

In a video message to members and supporters on the organization’s website (www.stjohnsriverkeeper.org/blog), Neil Armingeon announced that he is stepping down in 2012 as the St. Johns Riverkeeper.

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Warm Weather Means Active Alligators and Crocodiles

Submitted by Rachel Leitao, First Coast News Staff

Friday, April 8th, 2011, 11:14am

Warm Weather Means Active Alligators and Crocodiles

The onset of warm weather in the spring is when Florida's alligators and crocodiles start getting active, and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) reminds Floridians and visitors to be cautious when having fun in and around water.

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