Dear EarthTalk: Why is the U.S. lagging behind Europe and China on the production and sales of electric cars?–James V., Miami, FL The U.S. lags as a distant third among electric …
As the rainy season approaches, ManaSota-88 suggests the following ways for citizens to practice integrated pest management: 1. Avoid mosquito breeding sites by emptying water standing …
My son JJ has cerebral palsy. He’s unable to speak or use his arms and legs. But he’s remarkable. He communicates by using his nose to type on a keyboard attached to his wheelchair. His …
Dear EarthTalk: What do outdated federal housing mandates from the 1930s have to do with environmental justice today?–William. O., New York, NY Racist policies from the 20th …
When the new majority of Manatee County Commissioners were elected in 2020, they pledged to be a model of public transparency. However, after moving almost immediately to fire Manatee County …
Once again, all my media devices lit up with another story of a mass shooting. This time it was a school in Uvalde, Texas. Mass shootings at the time of this writing, number 213 in 21 …
As many Manatee County residents already know, the homestead property tax is projected to increase by the maximum 3% allowed for 2022. This is because inflation as measured by the Consumer Price …
Dear EarthTalk: Is it true that a tree seed shortage is jeopardizing reforestation efforts across the American West following so many bad wildfire seasons in a row? If so, what can everyday people do …
According to Florida’s Office of Economic and Demographic Research, approximately 360,700 people moved to Florida in 2021, nearly 1,000 new residents per day. The beginning of another hurricane …
The Florida Legislature convened for a special session just ahead of Memorial Day to address the deepening crisis in our state's property insurance industry. However, the modest "reforms" passed …
In this year’s election, two of the three Manatee County Commission races on the ballot should be open primaries, in which all voters can participate. As usual, however, they will not be. The …
Dear EarthTalk: Why is lithium mining so bad for the environment? –Jane B., Atlanta, GA Lithium is called "white gold" for good reason: the metal’s value has been …
The four most recently elected Manatee County Commissioners voted to not have any type of investigation into credible allegations about County Administrator Scott Hopes' actions. Not only …
May is "Mental Health Awareness Month," and as it comes to a close, I wanted to write about the importance of mental health for our community. Our daughter is a mental health …
As a Manatee County resident with a long history of service to the county, including serving as Assistant Planning Director, an appointed member of the Board of Zoning Appeals, and an elected …
Just when you thought things couldn’t get any worse in Manatee County Government, commissioners convened for a Tuesday meeting. By the end of the day, one of the most experienced senior …
Dear EarthTalk: You hear a lot about electric cars and trucks these days, but has there been any carbon-saving innovation lately in trains and even planes?–Michael C., Summit, NJ …
Outstanding Florida Waters can only be outstanding if they are protected from pollution entering these designated waters. Unfortunately, this is not the case for many areas of the Sarasota Bay …
On Friday, Manatee County Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller Angel Colonneso sent a shocking letter to county commissioners regarding serious concerns about the actions of Manatee County …
