GRASSHOPPER SPARROW On July 16th, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission released nine endangered grasshopper sparrows to the wild at the Avon Park Air Force Range. Since the recovery and release program began in 2019, 1,000 sparrows have successfully been released.
BEACH ETIQUETTE As we approach the holiday weekend, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission reminds all beachgoers to be mindful of sea turtle nests and to watch for shorebirds who also nest along the shoreline. Additionally, the 2024 gag grouper season will open on September 1st. More details may be found here.
TAMPA BAY RAYS STADIUM The St. Petersburg City Council voted 5-3, and the Pinellas County Commission voted 5-2, to seal the deal with the Tampa Bay Rays to build a 30,000-seat baseball stadium. The stadium will be funded with $770 million from the Rays, $312.5 million from Pinellas County and $287.5 million from St. Petersburg. The stadium is slated to open in 2028.
PITBULL STADIUM Musician Pitbull has purchased naming rights to the Florida International University (FIU) stadium in Miami. In exchange for $1.2 million annually for the next five years, the musician will serve as ambassador for the university, will create an anthem for the athletics program, will get to use the stadium 10 times per year and will have two suites at each home game. The FIU Panthers and Miami FC soccer team will now play in Pitbull Stadium. In 2017, the stadium was named Riccardo Silva Stadium after the Italian businessman and philanthropist. He is co-owner of Miami FC.
SUICIDE PREVENTION MONTH September 1st is the start of Suicide Prevention Month to remember those affected by suicide and to raise awareness and focus on treatment for those at risk. Florida reported 3,446 suicide deaths in 2022 and there were over 49,000 suicides nationwide. If you feel you are at risk, call 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. 988 connects to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline for free 24-hour support for people in suicidal crisis or emotional distress.