Record-Breaking Invasive Python Hunt
The Python Challenge, launched in 2013 to raise public awareness about invasive species—particularly the Burmese python—was held for the first time this year in the Everglades. The winner, Taylor Stanberry, captured 60 pythons and earned the $10,000 prize. In total, 294 invasive snakes were captured—a new record. The 10-day competition drew 934 participants from ten U.S. states and Canada.
Introduced in the 1970s and 1980s through illegal exotic animal trade, Burmese pythons have become a highly invasive species in the Everglades. Authorities have been working for years to control their population. These snakes feed on raccoons, opossums, deer, and migratory bird eggs—and occasionally even bobcats and alligators, despite the latter’s ability to defend themselves and sometimes eat the snakes in return.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) estimates that all these animal populations have declined since the arrival of the Burmese python. FWC teams regularly capture invasive snakes, and over 23,000 pythons have been removed from Florida since 2000. Iguanas, tegus, and monitor lizards are also among the state’s unwanted species.
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Gad Elmaleh Returns to Miami with New One-Man Show
On September 13, Moroccan-Canadian comedian Gad Elmaleh will take the stage at the Fillmore Miami Beach for his new French-language show, Lui-même. Seven years after his English-language U.S. tour Dream Tour, this new performance marks a more introspective and sincere return, filled with self-deprecating humor. More mature and humble, Elmaleh openly discusses religion and his discovery of Catholicism, the plagiarism accusations he faced in 2019, and pokes fun at his age-related health issues.
Born in Morocco in 1971, Elmaleh moved to Montreal at age 17 to study humanities at Cégep de Saint-Laurent, then political science at the University of Montreal. He later trained as an actor at the Cours Florent in Paris.
Now a comedy star in France, Elmaleh is also an actor, director, and singer. Beyond his wildly popular solo shows, known for their hilarious audience interaction, he’s famous for roles in Chouchou (2003), Coco (2009), and La vérité si je mens 1 and 2.
Catch Lui-même on Saturday, September 13 at 9 p.m. at the Fillmore. www.fillmore-miami.com
Florida Bear Hunt Approved for December 2025
In August, the FWC unanimously approved a 23-day bear hunting season in Florida for December 2025. The harvest quota—meaning the number of bears that may be killed—is set at 187. The last bear hunt in Florida took place in 2015, when 304 bears were killed in just two days, prompting an early shutdown.
Bear Warriors United, a nonprofit based in Seminole County, filed a legal challenge on August 15, arguing that there is insufficient scientific data to accurately estimate the size of Florida’s black bear population.
According to the FWC, there are roughly 4,000 bears in the state, and they are increasingly venturing outside their natural habitat, leading to more encounters with humans and pets, as well as traffic accidents. The agency reports that over 300 bears die each year on Florida roads due to vehicle collisions.
State Threatens to Remove LGBTQ Pride Murals in Delray Beach and Key West
Delray Beach has until September 3 to comply with a new Florida law banning symbols deemed political or activist in nature. City officials are resisting the DeSantis administration’s order to remove the rainbow LGBTQ pride mural painted at the corner of NE First St. and Second Ave.
According to the Sun Sentinel, Secretary Steven C. Braun stated that if the city fails to comply, the state will remove the intersection as it sees fit—without further notice—and bill the city for the costs. He also warned: “Any further violations by the city of Delray Beach will result in the immediate suspension of public funding.”
While the state’s letter allows the city to request a hearing, it would take place in Orlando on September 2—just one day before the deadline. The hearing would not permit any request for exemption or special authorization to keep the painted intersection. The letter adds: “The department has already reviewed the pavement markings […] and determined they will not be allowed.”
Key West received a similar letter, as did Miami Beach. Orlando is also pushing back.
While local elected officials have shown support for the LGBTQ+ community, this is not the case in Tallahassee or Washington, D.C. Transportation Secretaries Sean Duffy (national) and Jared Perdue (Florida) have rejected rainbow crosswalks, stating that public infrastructure must remain neutral and safe, free from political ideology, in line with taxpayer expectations.
Seed Libraries Bloom in Broward County
Five public libraries in Broward County now host “seed libraries,” designed and decorated by teens from the Sierra Club Junior Team. These boxes allow visitors to borrow native seeds—like milkweed and sunflower—free of charge to promote biodiversity and support pollinators. Each packet includes growing instructions, and librarians offer guidance to beginner gardeners.
Supported by grants and partners like Bloomberg Philanthropies, the project aims to raise environmental awareness in an accessible way. Since launch, enthusiasm has been strong, with families, school groups, and local gardeners actively participating. If the pilot proves successful, it could expand to other branches and be integrated into the “One Book, One Broward” program.
For Anagha Iyer, founder of the junior section, the initiative reflects young people’s commitment to a sustainable, community-rooted future.
Coral Reefs Under Threat from Summer Heat
Scientists are concerned about rising ocean temperatures around the Florida Keys, which are threatening coral species—especially elkhorn coral. After the 2023 heatwave wiped out the last wild populations, reefs remain on high alert. Restoration efforts were suspended in August, although signs of reproduction have been observed.
Using buoys and lab-raised corals, researchers hope to boost reef resilience. Crossbreeding with corals from Honduras is underway to create heat-resistant strains. Despite a slight drop in temperatures, bleaching thresholds are still being exceeded. Scientists remain cautious, anticipating several critical months ahead.
The $100 million Mission: Iconic Reefs project aims to restore seven major reef sites. The future of Florida’s coral reefs now depends on their ability to survive and reproduce in an increasingly hostile climate.
