The stretch of Corkscrew Road where it happened sits right between sprawling new subdivisions. On one side, Verdana Village is adding thousands of homes, and on the other, the Kingston development is still under construction. Environmentalists, who fought hard against these projects, say this just accelerates the loss of panther habitat. More houses, more businesses, more roads, less room for panthers. It’s not just a few roads, either. These developments carve up parts of the Florida Wildlife Corridor, one of the last wooded connections linking the Panhandle to the Everglades.

Local and federal agencies both warn that building here severs vital wildlife travel routes. The point of the Wildlife Corridor is to let animals move safely. But every new road, every new car, chips away at those options, leaving panthers with fewer ways to survive.

The recent death in Lee County follows a rough stretch for the species. Just last week, Collier County lost its second panther in seven days, both females, one just two years old, killed June 26 on SR29, and another, a three-year-old, found on June 19 along County Road 846. Six of the panthers lost this year have been females, which is yet another blow to a population that’s already stretched thin.

So far in 2026, most panther deaths, six, happened in Collier County, with two in Hendry, and one each in Polk, Glades, and now Lee. The trend isn’t new. In 2025, vehicles killed 17 out of 18 panthers. In 2024, the number was even higher, with 36 deaths, most from cars. It’s a pattern that keeps repeating, year after year.

People sometimes don’t realize how much reporting panther sightings matters. If you spot an injured or dead panther, call the FWC Wildlife Alert Hotline at 888-404-FWCC (3922). Quick reports let biologists respond faster and collect data that could help save the species.

If you want to support panther conservation, you can buy a “Protect the Panther” license plate. The fees go straight into the FWC’s research and management work.

But in the end, it keeps coming back to the same issue. Cars are the number one killer of Florida panthers. The FWC keeps asking drivers to slow down and watch for panther zones, especially in known crossings. Those signs aren’t just for the animals; they protect people, too. Still, as more roads slice through what’s left of panther country, the risks only climb. And every lost panther is one step closer to losing them for good.

Click here for more information about FWC.

The post Cars Ignite Florida Panther Crisis: 11th Death of 2026 Sparks Urgent Toll Near New Housing Development appeared first on Englewood Review.

Brian Faro and his family right here in Englewood keep goats; in fact, they have an entire herd. Englewood REVIEW sat down with Brian to chat about their goat story. 

By the way, people like to call a group of goats a “herd,” but you might also hear “trip” or “tribe” tossed around. “Trip” shows up mostly because goats, well, bounce and “trip” around. “Tribe” feels fitting too, given how tight-knit goats can be.

Englewood REVIEW: We have to admit it, Brian, we’re smitten with your goats.

Brian: Thanks!

Englewood REVIEW: How did this all start? How long have you had goats, and what made you take the plunge?

Brian: My wife and I, well, we’ve got the land for it. She’s always been up for an adventure, and she zeroed in on Nigerian Dwarf goats. They’re smaller than standard goats but not tiny. She started hunting around for some, and my dad, who’s her partner-in-crime, found one online and set things in motion. He gave my mom the cash and told her, “Go get Rachel and go buy this goat.” They checked out this goat, fell in love, and decided to buy her. But the seller said, “Actually, you’re taking all three.” My mom hesitated, but the price lined up with what my dad had provided. So they didn’t argue, they loaded up all three and came home. This was about two years ago.

Then, about six months back, we went to a livestock auction in Arcadia. We tried to bid on one but ended up leaving before it came up. Turns out, our friend stuck around, snagged the goat we wanted (well past midnight!), and even outbid someone just by slipping them five extra dollars. He brought the goat home for us. That’s how we added another. That one was an intact male, unlike our fixed guy. My wife wanted to breed the goats so friends could get some Nigerian Dwarves. One friend took two of the babies, but the family got so attached to the last little one, May, that we kept her.

Englewood REVIEW: That’s a fabulous story.

Brian: It’s long-winded, but that’s how we ended up where we are.

Englewood REVIEW: So you have acreage. Let’s talk through the realities of having goats. What do people need to know if they want goats? Are there zoning restrictions or anything like that?

Brian: Yes, that matters. To keep this kind of livestock, you need OUE zoning, Open Use Estate. That’s our setup. If you’re in a residential estate, you might have horses but not goats. Our land is classed as one house every five acres, so if you have less, you can’t build anyway. We’re in Englewood Farm Acres with five and a half acres, so we’re all set for animals. People in regular single-family subdivisions generally can’t have much more than a backyard chicken coop, no roosters, no livestock. On our land, we can keep just about anything: cows, pigs, you name it.

Englewood REVIEW: But your heart is with the goats.

Brian: Absolutely. Goats do these wild sideways jumps that’ll crack you up. They’ll suddenly dart and kick their legs out for no reason—it’s pure comedy.

Englewood REVIEW: I bet your kids love this.

Brian: Oh, totally. The whole family loves them.

Englewood REVIEW: On the practical side, what do you feed them?

Brian: They get what’s called “sweet feed,” but only as a treat—morning and evening. When things get dry and the pasture’s not growing well, we supplement with hay. But the main thing is, they free-range. Out of our five and a half acres, about two and a half is pasture. The goats and our horse just graze all day, munching on grass and weeds. Separating the moms and babies is a must, as mother goats can be a little aggressive with babies that aren’t their own. It’s funny, though, they’re picky. If a weed’s growing, they mostly ignore it. If I pull it out and hand it to them, suddenly it’s their favorite snack, and they gobble it up like candy.

Englewood REVIEW: Presentation is everything, right?

Brian: For sure. They definitely want me to do all the hard work.

Englewood REVIEW: What else do goats need, besides food, shelter, and fencing?

Brian: A few things. We take care of their hooves. If you let them grow, they curl up and make it tough for the goats to walk. We use goat dewormer now and then, and we actually do their shots ourselves. At night, we bring everyone into the barn. Moms and babies are separated in stalls; guys stay together. Fencing is critical; our fences go up twelve feet to outsmart coyotes. Coyotes have gotten goats in our neighborhood before. Down the line, we might get a donkey for protection, as they’re known for being tough on predators. But you have to watch temperament; we’ve had one that just didn’t fit with our crew, so we re-homed him.

Englewood REVIEW: What’s the hardest part of having goats?

Brian: They’ll eat just about anything. In the pasture, fine. But if they get into your yard, say goodbye to your plants. We’ve lost leaves off the mango tree; they’ll annihilate your garden beds. And they’ll climb everything: tractors, equipment, you name it. I’ve had them kill a tractor battery by fiddling with the key. You have to control how much sweet feed they get, too, or they’ll get chubby fast. They can bully each other for feed, so you always have to keep an eye out. And if you want to travel? That’s tough. Boarding goats isn’t really a thing, so you need reliable friends or neighbors willing to do animal swaps.

Englewood REVIEW: That community support really matters. Now, what’s the best part about goats?

Brian: They’re just plain fun. They’re friendly, they love attention, and it’s relaxing to just sit outside with them. They’re part of the family, honestly. Plus, they keep weeds and grass in check.

Englewood REVIEW: Sweet little weed-eaters with personality.

Brian: Exactly. 

Englewood REVIEW: Anything else you want to share with readers?

Brian: Not everyone can keep goats, and I didn’t expect we’d ever have a shot. It meant changing our priorities, letting go of things like a pool, and stretching our budget some, but it was worth it. Now, if I need to clear my head, I just go out with the goats, hop on the mower, listen to a podcast, or just enjoy the quiet. It’s the most peaceful part of my day.

Englewood REVIEW: Sounds perfect. It’s so important to unplug and take that time for yourself, especially for someone like you who is always on the go.

Brian: Thanks, that means a lot. I’m always juggling tasks, but time outside with the goats resets everything. We’re lucky. If you can get land and you’re passionate about it, I say go for it. It gives the family so much space and time together, and it’s never boring.

Englewood REVIEW: And goats will clear a lot of brush in a blink.

Brian: For sure. Just don’t let them get addicted to sweet feed, or they’ll ignore the pasture. We learned that lesson. Once we cut back, they got back to grazing.

Englewood REVIEW: Like little kids hooked on McDonald’s.

Brian: Exactly! They love their treats. 

Tips for Raising Goats in Florida

Raising goats in Florida brings its own set of challenges, mainly the relentless heat, humidity, and constant battle with parasites. But with a few smart strategies, you can keep goats healthy and thriving here.

Start with the right breeds. 

Kiko and Spanish goats handle parasites much better than most, which is a big help in Florida’s climate. Stick to strict rotational grazing; move your goats to new paddocks every couple of weeks, and don’t cram over five goats per acre. Breaking up the parasite lifecycle is crucial. Let your goats browse on brush and shrubs at eye-level, instead of forcing them to graze close to the ground where worms concentrate.

The Florida Heat

The heat in Florida’s not a joke, and goats do better in the cold than when they’re roasting. Make sure they have good shelter; those simple, three-sided sheds work if they’re dry, draft-free, and let the air circulate. A solid roof is a must to keep the summer downpours at bay. Shade matters. Water needs to be clean, cool, and always available. Sometimes a few fans in the shelter make all the difference during those brutal months.

Fencing

With fencing, goats will find a way out if you give them half a chance. Use high-tensile woven wire or 4-foot cattle panels; they’re strong enough. Skip the chicken wire; they’ll flatten it or jump on it and be off exploring before you know it. Also, install raised feeders. Goats don’t enjoy eating off the ground, and you’ll lose a lot of hay if you don’t keep it off the dirt.

Florida Soil

Florida’s soil isn’t rich in every mineral goats need, so make sure loose, goat-specific minerals are always there for them, especially with enough copper and zinc. A small dish of baking soda helps settle their rumens and prevents bloating. Only give grain to growing kids or to does that are pregnant or nursing and really need the extra calories.

Goats are true herd animals. 

They get lonely on their own and do best in pairs or small groups. If you’re just getting started, buy at least two or three. For dairy, Nubians and Nigerian Dwarfs adapt well in Florida. If you’re raising goats for meat, go with Boer, Kiko, or Spanish breeds, as they do great on pasture.

Keep these basics in mind, and you’ll set your herd (or trip, or tribe) up for a healthy, happy life in Florida.

The post Whatever Floats Your Goat: How One Local Englewood Family Started a Tribe appeared first on Englewood Review.

It’s not just a rural thing anymore. With new developments spreading everywhere in Florida, wildlife like panthers, eagles, Scrub Jays, alligators, and bears often end up exploring people’s yards and sometimes even their pools or front steps. These meetings are happening more often.

So what should you do if you spot a bear nearby?

Every year, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) reminds people how to handle bear activity. You could run into young bears almost anywhere right now. Stay back and never feed them, let them move on by themselves.

Here are the main BearWise tips to keep you and your neighbors safe:

– Don’t feed or approach bears under any circumstances.
– Secure garbage, recycling, and food.
– Take down bird feeders when bears are active.
– Don’t leave pet food outside.
– Clean your grill or smoker and store it properly.
– Let your neighbors know if you spot a bear.

During late spring and early summer, black bear sightings spike across Florida’s suburbs and cities. Just seeing a bear passing through isn’t a reason to panic, but easy meals, like open trash bins or bird feeders, will encourage them to stick around. Usually, if you remove the food and leave the bear alone, it’ll wander off in search of something else. And remember, it’s actually illegal in Florida to feed bears or leave food out in a way that attracts them.

About your pets: Black bears aren’t usually aggressive, but they’ll defend themselves if they feel cornered. Over half of Florida’s bear-related injuries to people involve dogs. Always leash your dog while walking, keep them on a sturdy, non-retractable leash, and pay attention to your surroundings. If you’re letting your dog out at night, flip the outside light off and on, then make some noise at the door to scare off any wildlife before you open it.

As these young bears roam, they cross more roads, which means drivers need to stay alert. Slow down, especially in the early morning or evening, and watch for bear crossing signs on rural highways. Car collisions kill about 300 bears in Florida every year. Drive carefully to help protect both yourself and the wildlife.

Need help with bear issues in your neighborhood? Find your local FWC office at MyFWC.com/Contact under “Contact Regional Offices.” If you see an injured, orphaned, or dead bear, or if you feel threatened or witness someone feeding or harming bears, call the Wildlife Alert Hotline at 888-404-FWCC (3922).

For more tips, visit MyFWC.com/Bear and download the “Guide to Living in Bear Country.” BearWise.org also has plenty of information on how to coexist with bears. Florida stands with forty-four other states in supporting the BearWise program, which teaches people how to live responsibly alongside bears. You can even help protect wildlife by buying a Conserve Wildlife license plate at WildlifeFlorida.org/CWT.

The post Urban Sprawl Means Wildlife Moves in (Rather, Remains) Next Door appeared first on Englewood Review.

It’s a fitting tribute, as Florida’s parks are legendary for a reason. You can hike through hidden caverns, watch wildlife, swim in crystal-clear springs, or walk on soft beaches that stretch for miles. People come for quiet kayaking, horseback riding, even exploring forts and old battlefields, all living links to American history layered over the land.

DEP Secretary Alexis A. Lambert put it best: “This Independence Day isn’t just another holiday—it’s a milestone. We’re inviting everyone to get outside, make some memories, and celebrate what makes our state so special.” 

Florida’s commitment to these parks is evident. They’ve won the National Gold Medal Award from the National Recreation and Park Association four times, more than any other state, because Florida protects these spaces while making them accessible to everyone.

The impact goes beyond just nice scenery, too. These parks are the heart of Florida’s ecotourism industry. Last year, over 28 million people visited, fueling local economies and contributing $3.6 billion statewide.

Grab friends or family and head to your favorite state park that weekend. You’ll get in free, but remember, some fees (like overnight stays or rentals) still apply. Find your park and plan your visit at FloridaStateParks.org. To learn more about Florida’s role in America’s 250th anniversary, visit America250FL.com. 

The post Florida’s 250th Birthday Gift: Free Parks appeared first on Englewood Review.

Denae Judd, who was kayaking nearby, spotted the animal and monitored it, updating rescue crews until it finally hauled itself under the dock. That tip made all the difference. Firefighters slipped into the water, reached underneath, and pulled the exhausted pup to safety.

By then, the coyote’s release was obviously impossible, so crews transported it to East West Veterinary Care Center. They’ll handle the next step: transferring the pup to CROW (Clinic for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife, Inc.) for care and recovery. Right now, officials haven’t said how the coyote is doing or how long it’ll need to heal, and no one knows how it ended up in the canal.

The rescue didn’t go unnoticed. Cape Coral Fire Rescue posted about the effort on social media, calling it a “great team effort!” They also gave Denae Judd a Community Recognition coin, a gesture to thank her for her help on the water.

The details of this rescue came from Cape Coral Fire Rescue, which coordinated the response and explained how the coyote pup went from canal to care.

The post Cape Coral Crew Rescues ‘Dog’ in Canal, Finds a Wily Little Plot Twist appeared first on Englewood Review.

1000 Friends of Florida, a statewide advocacy group, recently hosted a webinar to dig into what wetland loss really means for the state. Julianne Thomas, senior environmental planner for the Conservancy of Southwest Florida, didn’t mince words: wetlands are essential for Florida’s environment. “Wetlands are foundational to human health, water quality, drinking water resources, floodwater protection, fish and wildlife habitats, and resilience against the effects of climate change,” Thomas said. She described wetlands as the state’s kidneys; they soak up nutrients and pollution, stopping them from flowing downstream.

Christina Reichert, an attorney focused on public interest environmental issues, raised another concern. She explained that the Trump administration proposed narrowing which wetlands the Clean Water Act protects. Under the rule, only those wetlands holding surface water throughout the entire wet season and directly connected to a continuously flowing water body would qualify. “In practice, over 80% of Florida’s wetlands would lose their protections under the Clean Water Act—by the government’s own analysis,” Reichert said.

Florida faces massive change on every front. The state’s population has been on a relentless climb, more than doubling since 1980. Today, 21.5 million people call Florida home. By 2070, experts project Florida could swell to nearly 34 million residents, a massive leap forward in just a few decades.

Yet population growth is just one side of the coin. Florida’s infamous sprawl, those low-density suburbs and never-ending developments, eats up land faster than anything else. Each new wave of development pushes deeper into natural and agricultural spaces. If this trend holds, the state could see 3.5 million acres lost to development by 2070. That’s not just numbers; think of 2.2 million acres of farmland and wild spaces paved over, gone for good.

Accelerating sea level rise adds another layer of urgency. Both coasts, and even some inland areas, are already feeling the effects. Homes, businesses, and infrastructure edge closer to the water every year, threatened by the rising tide.

To make sense of all this, the University of Florida’s Center for Landscape Conservation Planning, partnering with 1000 Friends of Florida, created a series of GIS-based studies: Florida’s Rising Seas and Agriculture 2040/2070. These projects map out possible futures, scenarios showing what could happen if current trends continue versus what the state could save by changing course.

Here’s the hopeful part: it’s not too late to turn things around. If Florida moves toward compact development and designates priority natural lands, it could protect up to 1.2 million acres from being bulldozed. It’s not a perfect fix, as there is still potential for big losses, but it shows what’s at stake and what better planning can do.

Florida’s future isn’t set in stone. The direction we go, how we grow, how much we protect, where we build, depends on the choices made now and in the coming years. For more on Florida’s wetlands and efforts to save them, check out 1000fof.org.

The post Florida’s Rapid Wetland Loss Threatens Wildlife and Water Systems appeared first on Englewood Review.

Swamps, marshes, mires, bogs, fens; so many names, each hinting at mystery. These watery places are where land and water tangle together, making boundaries blur. And for all our science, big swaths of these wild worlds still baffle people. What’s clear, though, is how alive they are. There’s food everywhere, hiding places for frogs and fish, safe nesting spots for birds and mammals. Migratory animals stop to refuel in these rich habitats. But for humans? It’s another story. Travel here gets tricky: shifting channels, thick mud grabbing at your ankles. There’s disease, stinging insects, and always the threat of a toothy ambush. Nature makes no promises in swamps.

Let’s talk about Florida. The Everglades are legendary. 

This endless sweep of marshland, over 8,100 square kilometers, holds not just beauty but peril. Locals call it a “river of grass.” It rolls slowly across sawgrass prairies, pine forests, and sprawling mangroves on the coast.

Here’s something wild: only in the Everglades do crocodiles and alligators share the same wild territory. Nowhere else. The place is crawling with roughly 30,000 alligators, making it one of the deadliest swamps on the planet. It’s more than just reptiles. You’ll find about 350 bird species, like the pink-feathered roseate spoonbill or the rare snail kite. There are snapping turtles, coastal manatees, and, on rare occasions, you might glimpse a Florida panther; possibly only a hundred of these mountain lion relatives remain.

For people, the dangers start simple, like getting lost or stuck in the marsh, or even drowning. Snakes like the eastern diamondback rattlesnake and cottonmouth live here, but bites are rare, and fatalities even more so. Alligators and American crocodiles are a bigger worry. Human expansion and hunting have reduced their numbers in some spots, but in much of the Everglades, they still rule.

Crocodiles mostly stick to the saltwater mangroves. Alligators prefer deeper, fresh channels, which is where you’re more likely to bump into them. The Everglades earn their deadly reputation, but it’s not just this area. Alligators turn up in other popular Florida water spots.

Take Rainbow River. 

It’s well-known for snorkeling, and on Sunday, June 21, 2026, a 19-year-old snorkeler got bitten by an alligator. Emergency crews rushed to the river near Dunnellon after someone called 911. Emergency crews treated the victim at the scene, then took them to UF Health Shands Hospital. Later, he went home. Wildlife officials captured and euthanized the 8-foot, 3-inch alligator responsible. Rainbow Springs State Park shut down for a bit, but reopened once the threat passed.

Incidents like this make headlines, but they’re rare. Florida’s Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission puts the odds of a serious, unprovoked alligator attack at about one in 3.1 million. Still, officials caution people: Do not feed alligators. When animals lose their fear of people, attacks become more likely.

In February 2026, there was a ruling on a wrongful death lawsuit out of Sarasota County, a result of a 2022 tragedy. Alligators killed an 80-year-old woman at a private golf club. It’s another grim reminder that, while regions like Southwest Florida have dodged recent attacks, alligators still roam across the state, especially during mating and nesting seasons.

Florida’s wild places remain as dangerous as they are beautiful. The Everglades might be the most infamous, but anywhere water meets wilderness in the state, you’re never far from a hidden threat.

The post Beneath the Glassy Surface: The Deadly Perils Hiding in Florida’s Waters appeared first on Englewood Review.

Teams from the FWC and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service found her den and confirmed she’d given birth to a single kitten. As weeks passed, they watched the mother come back and care for her kitten, just as she should.

But things changed. Biologists noticed she stopped returning to the den. Two weeks went by with no sign of her. When the team checked, the kitten was in bad shape, underweight (less than 3 pounds) and carrying a heavy parasite load. The staff didn’t wait any longer. The only chance for this kitten’s survival was intervention.

In March 2026, they carefully removed the 2-month-old female, now called K528, and brought her to Naples Zoo at Caribbean Gardens. There, she could get the medical care and support she needed.

Tracking collared panthers gives biologists a window into their world. They learn about births, survival, and the health of the population. Sometimes, this information is crucial, like when it shows a kitten won’t make it without help.

If you want to support these efforts, rescues, releases, research, consider buying a Protect the Panther specialty license plate by clicking here.

Spotted an injured, sick, or dead panther? Call the FWC’s 24-hour Wildlife Alert Hotline: 888-404-FWCC (3922). Panther biologists depend on your eyes and quick action.

The post Paws and Effect: How GPS Data and Inner “Instincts” Saved a Tiny Florida Panther appeared first on Englewood Review.

From Tuesday, June 23 through Friday, June 26, their team will plant 600 native wetland plants in the Sandalhaven Creek bed at Lemon Creek Wildflower Preserve. These plants will help restore the ecosystem, clean the water, stabilize the creek banks, and provide much-needed habitats for local wildlife.

Whether you can join them for just a few hours or come out every day, every bit of help makes a real difference at Wildflower Preserve.

Volunteer shifts are available from 7 to 9 a.m. or 9 to 11 a.m. Bring mud boots or waders, closed-toe shoes, gloves, eye protection, lots of water, sunscreen, and bug spray. It’s Florida in June; it’s hot, and you will get wet and muddy, so plan accordingly.

They will provide tools, planting instructions, and some light snacks to keep you going. You don’t need any planting experience, as their excellent team will walk you through every step right there on site.

At Lemon Bay Conservancy, they work to protect the wildlife and natural beauty of Lemon Bay, Gasparilla Sound, and their watersheds. That means preserving land, improving water quality, teaching the community about the environment, and standing up for responsible conservation.

If you’d like to pitch in, just email Chad@LemonBayConservancy.org to pick your day and shift, or call 941-830-4888 if you need more information. The Lemon Bay Conservancy hopes you’ll join the effort. 

Click here to visit their website.

The post Water You Waiting For? The Lemon Bay Conservancy Needs Volunteers appeared first on Englewood Review.

That’s something the Conservancy of Southwest Florida faces frequently during this season. When possible, they’ll place songbird species together, letting them teach each other how to eat, fly, and figure out the wild world before they set them free again.

Right now, their hospital contains many vulnerable patients who need your help. From June 7 to 21, 2026, they’re running a virtual “baby shower” for wildlife care. Every spring, the longer days and warmer weather spark a rush of newborn wild animals, and that means their team is busy, sometimes admitting nearly 100 helpless babies each week. Most arrived because of encounters with humans, whether from habitat loss, development, or other hazards.

This year, you can join their wildlife baby shower online. They’re not accepting gifts in person, but you can help directly through their Amazon Wishlist or by making a donation. Every wishlist purchase that includes your information earns you a chance to win a Conservancy family membership.

These animals arrive every single week, with over 100 babies needing urgent care. Want to make a difference? Click here for the link and see all the ways you can support this amazing wildlife hospital.

The post Mockingbirds of a Feather Bond Together: Virtual Baby Shower Kicks Off for Solo Chicks at the Conservancy of Southwest Florida appeared first on Englewood Review.