Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson announced the seizure and destruction of approximately 5,000 pounds of raw and packaged tianeptine, commonly referred to as “gas station heroin,” and THC-O from four Florida distribution facilities. The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services’ (FDACS) Office of Agricultural Law Enforcement and Division of Food Safety seized and destroyed the illegal products, and the raw material used to make them, that had been previously placed under stop-sale orders by inspectors to prevent any potential harm to consumers. “We will relentlessly pursue and use the full force of the law to combat the proliferation of narcotics and illicit substances that continue to be found across Florida,” said Commissioner Wilton Simpson. “Thanks to coordination with local and state partners, as well as the Florida Legislature, we are protecting our communities, particularly our children, from these dangerous products.”

2023 Lionfish Challenge King And Commercial Champion Unveiled In Florida

The highly anticipated eighth Lionfish Challenge ended on October 1st, and the competition was fierce until the very last submission. Participants demonstrated their resolve to rid Florida waters of invasive lionfish in a year that broke previous records, earning them the prestigious titles of Lionfish…

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Deer Hunter (File)

Voters Get A Chance To Protect Hunting And Fishing In Florida “Forever”

Last week, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis declared the “Great Outdoors Initiative.” The Republican governor signed an executive order with that title to encourage people to enjoy Florida’s award-winning outdoor recreational areas and waterways. The GOI directs the Department of Environmental Protection and the Fish and…

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The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) and Bass Pro Shops invite you to the TrophyCatch program’s annual Hall of Fame Ceremony.

See Florida Big Bass Catches At The TrophyCatch Hall Of Fame Ceremony

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) and Bass Pro Shops invite you to the TrophyCatch program’s annual Hall of Fame Ceremony. This event recognizes anglers who documented and submitted catches of bass 13 pounds or heavier that were approved during the popular citizen-science…

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To celebrate season 10 of the TrophyCatch program, FWC biologists tagged 10 trophy-sized largemouth bass with bright pink tags and their secret fishing locations have been divulged. Each angler that catches and documents a pink-tagged bass will score a $5,000 gift card to Bass Pro Shops, $1,000 to shop at AFTCO, with a chance to win an additional $10,000! 

Florida Gov. DeSantis Announces 50% Discounts For State Park Passes, Hunting, And Fishing Licenses

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis announced the Great Outdoors Initiative to encourage Floridians to go outdoors and explore Florida’s natural resources, including our award-winning state parks, vast recreation areas, and world-renowned waterways. As part of the Great Outdoors Initiative, Governor DeSantis signed Executive Order 23-209 (The…

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The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s (FWC) School Fishing Club Program funding recipients have been selected for the 2023-24 school year. After undergoing a comprehensive review, 50 schools were awarded the Florida R3 Fishing Grant.

FWC’s School Fishing Club Program Funds 50 Florida Schools To Support Outdoor Education

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s (FWC) School Fishing Club Program funding recipients have been selected for the 2023-24 school year. After undergoing a comprehensive review, 50 schools were awarded the Florida R3 Fishing Grant. The Florida Youth Conservation Centers Network, Coastal Conservation Association,…

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Florida Flounder Regulations

Flounder Recreational Harvest Season In Florida Closes Oct. 15

The recreational harvest of flounder in all Florida state and federal waters will close Oct. 15 and remain closed through Nov. 30, reopening on Dec. 1. This closed season provides protection to flounder during pre-spawning aggregations, which ensures more fish can reproduce each year.  To…

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Florida’s recreational and commercial stone crab season in state and federal waters will end on May 2, with the last day of harvest being May 1. 

Florida Fish And Wildlife Approves Stone Crab Regulation Changes

At its October meeting, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) approved changes to recreational and commercial stone crab regulations for escape ring requirements.  These regulation changes include: In the news: State Of Florida Targets Abandoned, Damaged Boats For more information, including the October…

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