No one tells a better Florida story than the people who know this state intimately — either from living here or from engaging with Florida issues in a thoughtful way. As an annual tradition, our has team has compiled a list of stories for you, in no particular order, that highlights the most reflective and important reporting from Florida this year. We salute these hard-working journalists who endeavor to tell the critical stories of our beloved state.
2023
Posted inFlorida Features
Chasing Orchids
Roger Hammer has spent decades documenting the state’s native and rare orchids before they disappear. Florida boasts the greatest diversity of orchids in the continental U.S., but today, three-fourths of its orchids are listed as endangered or threatened. As the rarest orchids become increasingly difficult to find each year, Roger stays vigilant with the hope that there may be more out there to discover.
Posted inDispatches from a Sinking State
Notes from the Algae Apocalypse
After 11 years of living in the state, Amanda Hagood finds herself thinking more about the consequences her own presence, and the millions of others living here, have on Florida’s ecosystems. Her fascination has morphed into gratitude and a desire to do right by Florida’s future.
Posted inWater Quality
Red Alert
Redfish are big, brawny fighters and key contributors to Florida’s $13.8 billion recreational fishing industry. But redfish have a weak spot: They faithfully return to the same waters each year to spawn. This past fall, Hurricane Ian and red tide hit West Central Florida at a critical spawning time, delivering a one-two punch to a fish that is back in the conservation spotlight.
