Florida Fish And Wildlife Conservation Commission

The school district may have to close a number of campuses and merge others. District officials have difficult choices confronting them amid concerns for students, staff and teachers.

As our staff focuses on WUSF’s annual fall pledge drive this week, “Florida Matters Live & Local” is presenting some of our favorite interviews from the past few months.

Last year's hunt was the first since 2015 and sparked backlash from animal rights organizations. This year's application period ends Sept. 21, and the season runs Dec. 5-28.

The state’s wildlife agency aims to raise requirements for sloth ownership in the state, but advocates say a permanent import ban is crucial.

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission accessed driver's license records of critics, citing safety concerns. On "Florida Matters Live & Local," we look into what this means for free speech and hear from one man who is "afraid" he could be set up.

Florida health officials are urging doctors to reconsider prescribing psychotropic meds for kids. Could this affect how kids are treated for mental health issues?

The two St. Pete Beach business owners were arrested Wednesday after investigations connected them to the mothballs.

Since May 1, that's six of the species killed and 11 this year. All were likely struck by a vehicle, according to state wildlife officials.

The surge has largely flown under the public’s radar, as many start as run-of-the-mill police traffic stops.

Officials at the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission are reviewing those recommendations. Last month, Florida paused the importing of sloths after the Sloth World deaths became public.

The fish kill appears to have been a relatively small, natural event caused by several stresses hitting an especially sensitive species at once.

The lawsuit contends the FWC relied on outdated bear population numbers and lacked scientific justification for the December 2025 hunt that resulted in 52 bears being killed over a three-week period. A trial is set to begin in August.