Connect with us

Florida

Study identifies potentially invasive species for Florida

Published

on

Study identifies potentially invasive species for Florida


University of Florida scientists led a study aimed at identifying potentially invasive species for the state. 

Advertisement

The team of experts, which included researchers, agencies, and nonprofit organizations, studied 460 species. Creatures were given a score based on their likelihood of establishment and spread in the state. The experts also factored in the species’ potential to negatively affect the ecosystem and economy.  

READ: Tampa, Hillsborough County law enforcement agencies release New Year’s Eve DUI numbers

“If we could stop them before they got established, we could save a lot of money and protect the habitats,” lead scientist Dr. Deah Lieurance, who is now an assistant professor of invasive species, biology, and management at Penn State University, said. “We have pretty unique ecosystems in Florida we’d like to try to keep as pristine as possible.”

Advertisement

The following are species the study targeted as being potentially invasive in Florida:

ALEWIFE FISH 

According to the United States Geological Survey (USGS), the alewife is a small herring that can restructure a lake’s food web, leaving less food for native species.

Advertisement

“It can have some big-picture effects on the ecosystem,” Lieurance said.

ZEBRA MUSSELS

Zebra mussels are one of the most troublesome invasive species in North America, according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation (FWC); The agency describes them as “common hitchhikers on boats, fishing equipment and aquarium plants.”

Advertisement

READ: Wildlife officials warn of ‘moss ball’ dangers to ecosystem

In addition, zebra mussels can be found in moss balls, which are a rare form of algae that some people use to filter water in aquariums. 

Advertisement

The FWC issued a warning about moss balls and their danger to the ecosystem in 2021. 

RED SWAMP CRAYFISH

According to USGS, “the red swamp crayfish is readily available through the biological supply trade and may be released following classroom or laboratory use.”

Advertisement

“We had quite a few crayfish that made the top 40 list,” Lieurance said.

CRAB-EATING MACAQUE MONKEYS

“This was my surprise species,” Lieurance said. “They do eat crabs, as their name implies, but they’re also a very close relative to the macaques that we already have here in Florida.”

Advertisement

It’s one reason why these monkeys got the highest possible ranking for the likelihood of invasion and threat to human health. 

READ: Population of Florida monkeys — that carry herpes — is growing, study says

Crab-eating macaque monkeys are related to the rhesus macaque monkeys. Some rhesus macaque monkeys found in Silver Springs State Park in Marion County were found to carry the herpes virus.

Advertisement

“I think the biggest value in this study is to bring awareness to invasive species and the potential to have even more,” Lieurance said. 

She suggests conducting a study like this one every five years. 

Advertisement

“Big picture globally, we’re losing about $419 billion per year to invasive species,” Lieurance, who is currently working on projects in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, said. “Repeating this process on a regular basis can keep us ahead of the game when it comes to managing invasive species.”



Source link

Florida

Florida governor candidate Fishback talks housing, abortion, Israel

Published

on

Florida governor candidate Fishback talks housing, abortion, Israel



Fishback is among 42 candidates running to succeed Gov. Ron DeSantis.

VERO BEACH — Over 100 people, mostly young men, packed a conference room the evening of April 11 at the Ocean Breeze Inn on Ocean Drive to hear James Fishback speak. 

Advertisement

The 31-year-old who has never held political office is one of 42 candidates running to succeed Gov. Ron DeSantis, who cannot seek reelection because of term limits. 

As soon as he took the podium, the Republican gubernatorial hopeful took jabs at the leading Republican candidate, Byron Donalds, who has the support of President Donald Trump.

He rattled off nicknames for Donalds, who is Black, including “By’rone Donalds” and “AIPAC Shakur” — a play on the American Israel Public Affairs Committee and rapper Tupac Shakur. 

Many in the mostly White crowd responded in laughter.

Advertisement

“If you want a data center in Vero Beach, Byron Donalds is your guy. If you want to stand up for cattle ranchers and citrus growers, I’d like to think I’m your man,” he said. 

Emerson College polling shows Fishback is trailing with 5% support among Florida Republicans. He is getting national attention from young conservatives and far-right groups, including his January appearance on conservative political activist and commentator Tucker Carlson’s podcast. Carlson endorsed him.

Candidate qualifying in Florida begins June 8. The primary election is Aug. 18.

Florida’s affordability crisis 

Audience members most frequently asked Fishback about the state’s affordability crisis, given Florida’s rising cost of living and some of the lowest wages in the country.

Advertisement

Fishback said his primary strategy would be to ban private equity firms from buying single-family homes. 

If elected governor, he said he would not prioritize growth over quality of life, harkening back to the 1980s, when Florida was less developed.

“I will never worship GDP (gross domestic product),” he said. “But as a Christian, I will worship G-O-D.” 

Education, abortion and guns 

As for teachers, Fishback proposed an increase in pay but wanted to limit classroom discussions of race and gender identity.

Advertisement

Fishback said abortion laws in Florida were too lax, and he pledged to provide paid maternity leave for every woman in Florida as a way to reduce the procedure.  

On firearms, he said he would lower the minimum purchasing age from 21 to 18. 

“The tragedy of the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School on Feb. 14, 2018, and the killing of 17 souls by a sick, depraved man should have never been used as a pretext to disarm millions of 18-, 19- and 20-year-olds.” 

The crowd erupted in its loudest applause of the evening. 

Fishback’s thoughts on Israel

Advertisement

When an audience member asked about his thoughts on Israel, some members of the audience chuckled. 

He said he does not “hate Israel or any country in the world.”

“Right now, our cup is not full, and we should not be in the business of filling up the cup for anyone else,” he said. 

Who is James Fishback?

Fishback was born in Davie, a town in western Broward County. 

His mother immigrated from Colombia, and his father owned a landscaping business and later became a bus driver. Fishback attended Georgetown University to study international economics, but dropped out sophomore year. 

Advertisement

Before entering politics, Fishback worked at the hedge fund Greenlight Capital from 2021 to 2023. He said he had been the “head of macro,” but the firm said the highest role he obtained was a research analyst.

After Greenlight disputed Fishback’s title and accused him of sharing confidential portfolio information, the hedge fund sought to fire Fishback for low productivity, but he abruptly resigned, court records show.

He founded an investment management firm called Azoria Partners in 2023, which ran into legal trouble last year when a judge ordered him to turn over company stock and a list of luxury purchases.

Fishback also claimed to be an advisor for the Trump administration’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), but its officials denied he had any role, Katie Miller, a spokesperson for DOGE head Elon Musk told ABC News.

Advertisement

Most recently, a viral video shows Fishback telling a Black man he “should be lynched” during an argument at the University of North Florida. 

Jack Lemnus is a TCPalm enterprise reporter. Contact him at jack.lemnus@tcpalm.com, 772-409-1345, or follow him on X @JackLemnus.





Source link

Continue Reading

Florida

Florida Lottery Powerball, Lotto, Fantasy 5 results for April 11, 2026

Published

on

Florida Lottery Powerball, Lotto, Fantasy 5 results for April 11, 2026


The Florida Lottery offers several draw games for those hoping to win one of the available jackpots.

Here’s a look at the winning numbers for games played on Saturday, April 11, 2026.

Winning Powerball numbers from April 11 drawing

06-47-49-53-60, Powerball: 06, Power Play: 2

Advertisement

Check Powerball payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Powerball Double Play numbers from April 11 drawing

01-04-22-36-48, Powerball: 17

Winning Florida Lotto numbers from April 11 drawing

03-06-09-20-29-35

Check Florida Lotto payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Lotto Double Play numbers from April 11 drawing

07-29-36-39-42-50

Advertisement

Check Lotto Double Play payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Fantasy 5 numbers from April 11 drawing

Midday: 22-25-27-31-34

Evening: 10-12-16-17-26

Check Fantasy 5 payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Cash Pop numbers from April 11 drawing

Morning: 02

Advertisement

Matinee: 04

Afternoon: 01

Evening: 08

Late Night: 14

Check Cash Pop payouts and previous drawings here.

Advertisement
play

Powerball, Mega Millions jackpots: What to know in case you win

Here’s what to know in case you win the Powerball or Mega Millions jackpot.

Just the FAQs, USA TODAY

Winning Pick 2 numbers from April 11 drawing

Midday: 1-4, FB: 9

Evening: 6-2, FB: 1

Advertisement

Check Pick 2 payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Pick 3 numbers from April 11 drawing

Midday: 9-3-6, FB: 9

Evening: 0-5-3, FB: 1

Check Pick 3 payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Pick 4 numbers from April 11 drawing

Midday: 2-6-8-9, FB: 9

Advertisement

Evening: 3-0-2-7, FB: 1

Check Pick 4 payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Pick 5 numbers from April 11 drawing

Midday: 2-5-4-2-9, FB: 9

Evening: 2-3-5-3-4, FB: 1

Check Pick 5 payouts and previous drawings here.

Advertisement

Where can you buy Florida Lottery tickets?

Tickets can be purchased in person at any authorized retailer throughout Florida, including gas stations, convenience stores and grocery stores. To find a retailer near you, go to Find Florida Lottery Retailers.

Feeling lucky? Explore the latest lottery news & results

Are you a winner? Here’s how to claim your prize

  • Prizes of $599 or less: Claim at any authorized Florida Lottery retailer or Florida Lottery district office.
  • Prizes for $600 to $1 million: Must be claimed in person at any Florida Lottery district office for games that do not offer an annual payment option.
  • Prizes greater than $1 million and all prizes with an annual payment option: Must be claimed at Florida Lottery headquarters, except Mega Millions and Powerball prizes, which can be claimed at any Florida Lottery district office.

You also can claim your winnings by mail if the prize is $250,000 or less. Mail your ticket to the Florida Lottery with the required documentation.

Florida law requires public disclosure of winners

If you’re a winner, Florida law mandates the following information is public record:

  • Full name
  • City of residence
  • Game won
  • Date won
  • Amount won
  • Name and location of the retailer where the winning ticket was purchased.

When are the Florida Lottery drawings held?

  • Powerball: 10:59 p.m. Monday, Wednesday and Saturday.
  • Mega Millions: 11 p.m. Tuesday and Friday.
  • Florida Lotto: 11:15 p.m. Wednesday and Saturday.
  • Jackpot Triple Play: 11:15 p.m. Tuesday and Friday.
  • Fantasy 5: Daily at 1:05 p.m. and 11:15 p.m.
  • Cash Pop: Daily at 8:45 a.m., 11:45 a.m., 2:45 p.m., 6:45 p.m. and 11:45 p.m.
  • Pick 2, 3, 4, 5: Daily at 1:30 p.m. and 9:45 p.m.

This results page was generated automatically using information from TinBu and a template written and reviewed by a Florida digital producer. You can send feedback using this form.



Source link

Advertisement
Continue Reading

Florida

Florida Lottery Mega Millions, Jackpot Triple Play results for April 10, 2026

Published

on

Florida Lottery Powerball, Lotto, Fantasy 5 results for April 11, 2026


The Florida Lottery offers several draw games for those hoping to win one of the available jackpots.

Here’s a look at the winning numbers for games played on Friday, April 10, 2026.

Winning Mega Millions numbers from April 10 drawing

03-18-36-42-49, Mega Ball: 06

Advertisement

Check Mega Millions payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Jackpot Triple Play numbers from April 10 drawing

13-18-21-28-35-38

Check Jackpot Triple Play payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Fantasy 5 numbers from April 10 drawing

Midday: 11-16-27-31-35

Evening: 12-13-14-19-24

Advertisement

Check Fantasy 5 payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Cash Pop numbers from April 10 drawing

Morning: 12

Matinee: 04

Afternoon: 02

Evening: 03

Advertisement

Late Night: 05

Check Cash Pop payouts and previous drawings here.

play

Powerball, Mega Millions jackpots: What to know in case you win

Here’s what to know in case you win the Powerball or Mega Millions jackpot.

Just the FAQs, USA TODAY

Advertisement

Winning Pick 2 numbers from April 10 drawing

Midday: 7-8, FB: 0

Evening: 1-6, FB: 7

Check Pick 2 payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Pick 3 numbers from April 10 drawing

Midday: 8-0-6, FB: 0

Evening: 5-1-8, FB: 7

Advertisement

Check Pick 3 payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Pick 4 numbers from April 10 drawing

Midday: 6-7-1-2, FB: 0

Evening: 4-3-9-0, FB: 7

Check Pick 4 payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Pick 5 numbers from April 10 drawing

Midday: 7-5-1-2-1, FB: 0

Advertisement

Evening: 1-7-9-4-3, FB: 7

Check Pick 5 payouts and previous drawings here.

Where can you buy Florida Lottery tickets?

Tickets can be purchased in person at any authorized retailer throughout Florida, including gas stations, convenience stores and grocery stores. To find a retailer near you, go to Find Florida Lottery Retailers.

Feeling lucky? Explore the latest lottery news & results

Are you a winner? Here’s how to claim your prize

  • Prizes of $599 or less: Claim at any authorized Florida Lottery retailer or Florida Lottery district office.
  • Prizes for $600 to $1 million: Must be claimed in person at any Florida Lottery district office for games that do not offer an annual payment option.
  • Prizes greater than $1 million and all prizes with an annual payment option: Must be claimed at Florida Lottery headquarters, except Mega Millions and Powerball prizes, which can be claimed at any Florida Lottery district office.

You also can claim your winnings by mail if the prize is $250,000 or less. Mail your ticket to the Florida Lottery with the required documentation.

Florida law requires public disclosure of winners

If you’re a winner, Florida law mandates the following information is public record:

Advertisement
  • Full name
  • City of residence
  • Game won
  • Date won
  • Amount won
  • Name and location of the retailer where the winning ticket was purchased.

When are the Florida Lottery drawings held?

  • Powerball: 10:59 p.m. Monday, Wednesday and Saturday.
  • Mega Millions: 11 p.m. Tuesday and Friday.
  • Florida Lotto: 11:15 p.m. Wednesday and Saturday.
  • Jackpot Triple Play: 11:15 p.m. Tuesday and Friday.
  • Fantasy 5: Daily at 1:05 p.m. and 11:15 p.m.
  • Cash Pop: Daily at 8:45 a.m., 11:45 a.m., 2:45 p.m., 6:45 p.m. and 11:45 p.m.
  • Pick 2, 3, 4, 5: Daily at 1:30 p.m. and 9:45 p.m.

This results page was generated automatically using information from TinBu and a template written and reviewed by a Florida digital producer. You can send feedback using this form.



Source link

Continue Reading

Trending