Florida’s herbicide spraying has sparked public backlash and promises to reform the way the state manages invasive aquatic plants. But state officials are starting to form that strategy in secret.
Author Archives: Nicolás Rivero
Nicolás Rivero is an environmental accountability reporter at The Florida Trib based in his hometown of Miami.
Previously, he covered climate change and the environment for the Washington Post, the Miami Herald and Quartz. He has mentored reporters as a member of the Society of Environmental Journalists and as the Knight Foundation innovator-in-residence at the Florida International University Lee Caplin School of Journalism & Media. He was part of a team of reporters named a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize in National Reporting for their coverage of Hurricane Helene in 2024.
You can reach Nicolás at nicolas.rivero@floridatrib.org
Posted inEnvironment
DeSantis pledged millions for restoring reef ‘then pulled the rug from under us’
Organizations that spent taxpayer money to build new facilities and train staff to work on the state-led project are now scrambling to find grants and private donations to keep the lights on.
Posted inElections
Wilton Simpson, Joey Atkins win nominations for Florida agriculture commissioner
Simpson and his affiliated political committees have raised more than $4.8 million this year from outside sources including farmers, ranchers, food distributors, lobbyists and others with business before his department. Atkins has raised $1,685 and loaned his campaign $8,480.
Posted inElections
Debbie Wasserman Schultz wins primary despite Democratic backlash
Debbie Wasserman Schultz now faces Republican nominee Brent Andersen in a contest for one of the safest Democratic congressional seats in Florida.
Posted inEnvironment
Weakened federal heat protection rules leave Florida workers sweating
Florida is the national epicenter for workplace heat injuries — and workers organizing to convince their employers to offer voluntary heat protections.
Posted inEnvironment
Behind the anger and scientific brawl over Florida’s Atlantic red snapper season
At the heart of the conflict lies one deceptively difficult question: Just how many red snapper are there in the sea?
Posted inElections
Who is pouring millions into the sleepy race for Florida’s ag commissioner?
Despite incumbent Wilton Simpson’s towering cash advantage, special interests have continued to pour cash into the commissioner’s coffers
Posted inEnvironment
Florida wildlife under threat from Trump administration rule
The reinterpretation of the Endangered Species Act would affect hundreds of species nationwide, but it would have an especially big impact in the Sunshine State
Posted inEnvironment
New law makes it easier to pave over Florida farmland
The bill’s sponsors say they’re defending Floridians’ property rights. Environmental activists say it’s the latest step the state legislature has taken to speed suburban sprawl and weaken local power to regulate zoning and environmental protections.
Posted inEnvironment
Florida’s most polluted river cleaned up. A company could dump wastewater into it again
At the request of a company owned by one of America’s wealthiest families, state regulators are paving the way for wastewater to flow back into the Fenholloway River