SNAPPER RECREATIONAL SEASON The State of Florida will allow red snapper fishing for a record 103 days in 2024. The 61-day summer season commenced June 1st and ends July 31st. The 42-day fall season will run on weekends from September 1st, through November 30th (and will include Labor Day Monday, Veteran’s Day and Thursday to Sunday of Thanksgiving weekend).
FLORIDA’S CORAL BLEACHING For the fourth time in ten years, Florida’s corals have been significantly bleached due to warming seas. The 2023 heatwave in Florida was unprecedented, with water temperatures reaching up to 93 degrees Fahrenheit. The bleaching started earlier, lasted longer and was more severe than any previous event. In response, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), who oversaw the study, moved coral nurseries to deeper, cooler waters and deployed sunshades to protect corals in other areas.
2024 FLORIDA PYTHON CHALLENGE Registration for the 2024 Python Challenge has opened. The contest, sponsored by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, will run between August 9th and August 18th. A $10,000 grand prize will be awarded to the participant who removes the most pythons. More information may be found here.
FREE ORANGE JUICE Florida’s two interstate welcome centers, as well as the welcome center in the State Capitol Building, will continue to offer complimentary cups of Florida orange juice to visitors. The juice has been offered since 1949, except in 2020 during the pandemic.