Identifying Local Opportunities
1. Massive Amounts of Seaweed, Portuguese Man o’ Wat Wash Up Along Cocoa Beach http://www.brevardtimes.com/2019/05/massive-amounts-of-seaweed-portuguese-man-o-war-wash-up-along-cocoa-beach/
Easterly winds have blown massive amounts of Portuguese Man o’ War and seaweed ashore in Cocoa Beach. This is a problem that happens every year and causes many hospital visits and changes in wave break. Effecting the sea life in that area. The government does not address this issue due to the ecological importance of the Man o’ War but there would be safer ways to keep the seaweed and Man o’ War to a minimum on the beach. The residents and the tourists experience this problem even though not many tourists visit that area around this time.
2. I-4 widening will bring trucks within yards of children’s playground, alarmed residents say https://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/os-ne-i4-trucks-rest-stop-barrier-wall-20190524-r3ozbhd4pzez5anawba5jhm5iq-story.html
The state plans to widen a section of Interstate 4 that will bring the road within yards of a children's playground. Not only is this dangerous for the children playing there but for the drivers on the road and other residents in the area. Not only is the road moving closer to the residential area but many of the trees that have protected residents from car crashes in the past will be removed.
Residents, their families, and drivers are affected by this. A barrier of some sort should be put up to protect the drivers and the residents from damage and disturbances.
3. Floridians urged to turn in their exotic snakes, animals at special amnesty day
Florida has been the victim of numerous infestations from imported exotic animals that have either escaped or been set loose. To prevent future events like that happening an event was created allowing owners to give up their exotic animals rather than letting them loose without penalty. Clinics like this should exist year-round to protect Florida wildlife. Exotic pet owners and their pets would benefit from having an outlet no matter what the circumstance.
4. State cuts $500K for bear-resistant trash cans: Will it halt progress in curbing conflicts between humans and bears?
Bears have been known to break into and destroy trashcans in parts of Seminole County Florida. By cutting funds to reduce run-ins and mess from trashcans, residents risk more encounters with these animals. In many cases when humans are continuously harassed or injured by these animals they are relocated or put down. Bears and residents are affected by the lack of funding for these encounter preventing trashcans.
5. Lake girl recovers after snake bites foot at Blue Spring State Park: report
A girl form Minneola was bitten by a snake at Blue Spring State Park on Sunday. She is responding well to antivenom but was lucky to receive it so soon after the bite. Many times the only place you can get antivenom is in a hospital. Also, before antivenom in administered the type of venom injected has to be identified. Anyone bitten by a venomous snake is at risk of not being treated quickly enough. Better access to antivenom and being able to identify it quickly could save many lives.
Hey Ashlyn! I thought the article you chose about the girl who got bitten by a snake at Blue Spring State Park was very interesting! Being from New Jersey, I have never experienced or heard of any stories like this before! This girl was so lucky that people were there and that they were able the type of snake and what kind of antivenom was needed in the moment.
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