Environmental Lands Program News Today

As Polk County's population grows, the amount of land available for wildlife gets smaller and smaller. But now, the county is looking to conserve a property in Lake Wales that's home to endangered species.

Manatee County is buying a 68-acre parcel of riverfront land in Parrish in order to preserve it.

Sixty-eight acres make up Crooked River Ranch in Parrish. Protecting the chunk of land was a top priority for Manatee County’s Environmental Lands Program.

MANATEE COUNTY, Fla. (SNN TV) - Manatee County commissioners unanimously approved the purchase Tuesday of 68 acres of property along the Manatee River for preservation and recreation. The property, kn

Federal officials are hoping to preserve over 4 million acres of land in Florida from intense development under a new program.

Voters decide on tax to fund land conservation in Polk County

Come Nov. 8, Polk County residents will vote on whether to extend the 0.20 mill ad valorem tax that has allowed the county to buy and preserve environmental lands like Circle B Bar Reserve.

Under the easement, the nursery owners can continue their operations but permanently forego any significant development of the tract.

Voters in November will decide on a 1% sales tax to go to transportation projects in Hillsborough County, and a property tax to resurrect Polk County's program to preserve environmentally sensitive lands.

LAKELAND — A lightning strike ignited a wildfire at Lakeland Highlands Scrub Tuesday afternoon that has burned more than 30 acres and remains active.  Florida Fire Services Lakeland office received a call around 3 p.m. Tuesday from Polk County asking for assistance to contain a brushfire in Lakeland Highlands Scrub. Strong winds and abnormally dry conditions allowed the spark to quickly spread, according to Todd Chlanda, a spokesperson for Florida Fire Service. The Lakeland Highlands S...