Farm-City Week celebrates the bond between rural and urban communities in Manatee County, highlighting its agricultural heritage. Despite a decline in the number of farms, the average size has increased, indicating consolidation. Challenges like rising costs and taxes threaten local agriculture, but community support, educational programs, and awareness can help sustain this vital industry. Local efforts are essential for food security and preserving agricultural tradition.
Grassroots initiatives in Manatee County have gained momentum following the election of new commissioners in November 2024. Despite state interference limiting local governance, residents are actively engaged in community projects like the transformation of Mixon Farms into an agricultural education hub. The site aims to foster entrepreneurship and sustainability, reflecting the county's evolving identity amidst significant growth and budget increases.
Over the past six months, Florida's residents have united to protect their natural landscapes and support local agriculture. Movements emphasize the need for action beyond slogans, urging consumers to buy local products and support measures that alleviate tax burdens on farmers. Advocacy is essential for maintaining Florida's agricultural viability and food security.
Floridians are increasingly advocating for stronger conservation efforts to combat land development and protect ecosystems. With only 31% of Florida currently conserved, there are significant challenges ahead, including financial obstacles for expanding conservation areas. Local communities must engage in preserving land to ensure a sustainable future for Florida's unique environment.
The rise of artificial turf in Florida is raising environmental concerns due to its high temperature, contribution to urban heat islands, and release of harmful chemicals like PFAS. Florida's new legislation limits local governments' ability to restrict synthetic turf, opposing state efforts for water conservation and ecological health. Alternatives exist for landscape improvement.
The author reflects on their transformative trip to Africa, contrasting their initial anxiety with newfound insights about contentment and happiness. Exposure to the Maasai Mara tribe highlighted the disparity between materialism in the U.S. and the joyful simplicity of life in Africa. The increasing threat of climate change underscores the need for global accountability and stewardship of the Earth.
The agricultural industry, vital for food and environmental stability, faces challenges due to a lack of unity among its sectors. Farmers' self-sufficiency often leads to underappreciation and insufficient support. To secure fair compensation and environmental recognition, the industry must unite and demand a prominent role in decision-making for sustainable farming practices.
Water is undeniably the lifeforce of Florida. Without the natural ability of our ecosystem to filter rainfall or natural springs, and retain water the state would be a larger extension of the Florida Keys. A broken incoherent mess of uninhabitable islands, marshes, and sandbars. Articles are regularly published about how important water quality is; that… Continue reading Is Clean Water Your Right or Responsibility?
What can the City of Bradenton do with 24 plus inches of rain in one months’ time frame? Processing it to avoid polluted discharges doesn’t seem to be an option, with 25 million gallons of unsafe waters being sent into the Manatee River. Manatee County, the city of Bradenton and Sarasota counties struggle to manage… Continue reading The Worries About Water
There is no question Florida is being built out at an astronomical rate. The US Census Bureau estimates Manatee county grew around 10% from 2020 to 2023 which would be roughly 45,000 new residents in that time. With building, development and land sales being some of the highest monetary generating industries, there are a lot… Continue reading Heat Island Effect
The Veranda View 